Fastest EU citizens’ initiative ever pushes Brussels to end EU‑Israel trade agreement

The European Parliament's left group has submitted a citizens' petition for the suspension of the EU-Israel trade agreement due to human rights violations in Palestine. This petition, which quickly gathered over a million signatures, reflects a coalition of civil society and Palestinian movements. The European Commission is now required to respond within six months. The EU-Israel association agreement, in place since 2000, governs trade and cooperation but faces challenges due to member states' opposition, particularly from Germany. French MEP Manon Aubry emphasized the need for EU institutions to take action in response to the petition.