Source: European Parliament
The EU is concerned about the draft law in the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) which could impose a tax up to 80% on donations from foreign entities to non-governmental organisations and prevent organisations primarily funded by foreign entities from accessing petition courts. In March 2025, the EU conducted an official demarche on the bill led by the EU Delegation with 15 Member States.
The EU continues to share its concerns with the Israel authorities on the proposed bill. If passed, the bill will have deep repercussions on EU support to civil society in Israel, in particular on EU-funded projects promoting peace, human rights, environmental policies, gender equality, and social inclusion of marginalised groups.
As with all its partner countries, the EU will continue to promote a safe and conducive environment for civil society organisations to operate and to safeguard shared values of democracy, freedom of expression and association.
Due to the untenable situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, the High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) launched a review of Israel’s compliance with Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement[1].
The review, presented at the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 June 2025, concluded that there are indications that Israel would be in breach of Article 2.
The HR/VP will communicate the result of the review to Israel and discuss options to improve the humanitarian situation. Foreign Ministers will revert to the issue in July 2025, as necessary.
- [1] https://eeas.europa.eu/archives/delegations/israel/documents/eu_israel/asso_agree_en.pdf.