Translated with AI
The European Commission (EC) announced the suspension of financial assistance to Israel, with the exception of support for civil society and the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial, due to the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This was reported on the EC website.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded access for humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages held by Hamas. "The European Union remains the largest donor of humanitarian aid and a staunch supporter of the two-state solution," von der Leyen said.
The EC's decision concerns future annual appropriations for the period 2025-2027, as well as ongoing institutional cooperation projects and programs funded under the EU-Israel Regional Cooperation Mechanism. The suspension is due to Israel's violation of Article 2 of its Association Agreement with the EU, which stipulates the parties' obligations to respect human rights and democratic principles.
The EC noted that the violations relate to the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, the blocking of aid, the intensification of military operations, and the advancement of settlement plans in the West Bank. These actions, according to the commission, undermine the two-state solution.
EU financial assistance to Israel was provided under the Neighborhood, Development, and International Cooperation Instrument for Global Europe (NDICI-GE) and averaged €6 million per year for 2025–2027. The suspension will also affect institutional cooperation projects worth approximately €14 million.
