Source: European Parliament
On 24 February 2025, during the 13th meeting of the EU-Israel Association Council, the High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) and the Commissioner for the Mediterranean expressed the EU’s concerns in relation to the Israeli legislation on registration and visa issuance for international non-governmental organisations (NGO) as well as with the bill aiming to introduce financial and operational restrictions for internationally funded NGOs.
In particular, the ‘risk of restrictions for foreign-funded NGOs, limiting civil society and its democratic participation and activity’ was highlighted in the EU statement[1].
Similar concerns continue to be shared with Israel authorities at different levels of representation, both in Brussels and in Israel. The EU is closely following the matter, including through regular contact with international NGOs.
In its relations with Israel, the EU considers that political engagement and frank and open dialogue are the most effective ways to convey EU concerns.
The Association Agreement with Israel[2] is the legal basis of the EU’s ongoing dialogue with the Israeli authorities and it provides mechanisms to discuss issues and advance the EU’s point of view. In this framework, the EU will continue to reaffirm its commitment to the applicability of international human rights and humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territory.
The EU keeps under constant review all agreements with third countries, and the principles and values upon which they are based. The possibility of a review of Israel’s compliance with Article 2 of the Association Agreement has been discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 May 2025.
Based on this discussion, the HR/VP has announced that such a review will be undertaken.