ECI Calls European Commission to Demand Suspension of EU-Zionist Entity Agreement

The European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) requested the European Commission to demand that the Council of the European Union (EU) “complete” suspends the EU-Zionist entity association agreement. The ECI asserts that the agreement no longer aligns with EU treaties, which mandate the rejection of any violation of international humanitarian law and human rights principles that the Zionist occupation is deliberately flouting in occupied Palestine.

The ECI explained that its initiative is based primarily on “EU treaties and several decisions of the International Court of Justice (ICJ),” affirming that “the EU has a legal and political obligation to act against violations of humanitarian law and human rights.” Noting that the Zionist entity is responsible for an “unprecedented” number of civilian martyrs and wounded in Gaza, massive displacements, the systematic destruction of hospitals, and a blockade of humanitarian aid “amounting to a method of war,” supporters of the initiative invoke ICJ orders requiring the Zionist entity to prevent the crime of genocide, guarantee access to humanitarian aid, and cease its aggression against Gaza, particularly in Rafah.

In the same context, the Initiative recalls that “Article 2 of the EU-Zionist entity association agreement defines respect for human rights as an essential element of the partnership, allowing for unilateral suspension in the event of serious violations.” It also stresses that “Articles 3 and 21 of the Treaty on European Union, as well as Articles 205 and 207 of the TFEU (Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union), require the EU to align its external trade policy with the promotion of human rights and international law.” The ECI considers that maintaining this agreement amounts to “legitimizing and financing” an entity accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity, in contradiction with the EU’s values and obligations. It believes the EU must use all legal, diplomatic, and economic tools, including the suspension of the agreement, to halt violations and alleviate the suffering of Palestinians.

The petition is led by an organizing committee chaired by MEP Malin Bjork, alongside left-wing parties including “La France Insoumise.” The initiative was registered on November 25, 2025, and signature collection began on Tuesday for one year. As of January 14, it had gathered 84,163 signatures.