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The Journal
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Growing call from European nations for review into EU-Israel trade agreement
THE EU FOREIGN Affairs Council is meeting today to discuss the possibility of suspending a major trade agreement with Israel. Speaking to reporters this morning, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said ministers would discuss a Dutch-led initiative to review the EU-Israel Association Agreement, a trade accord signed in 2000. The proposal, spearheaded by Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, is based on Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which allows for suspension if the EU determines that Israel is committing grave violations of human rights. 'It's going to be a very, very hard discussion on Gaza,' Kallas said, noting that member states took different views in their approach to Israel's government. The calls for review from the Netherlands have received support from France, Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, Sweden and at least four other EU nations. In a letter to Kallas, Veldkamp said Israel's aid blockade was a violation of its obligations under international humanitarian law and therefore the EU-Israel agreement, which includes provisions to respect human rights. He also expressed concern about Israel's plans to entrust the delivery of aid to Palestinians to private companies, rather than the UN and humanitarian organisations. The UN has warned that up to 14,000 babies in Gaza could die within the next 48 hours if aid doesn't reach them in time, as Israeli forces maintain their blockade on the territory. Palestinians struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen in Jabalia, northern Gaza. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Humanitarian organisations have warned that the two million people living in Gaza are facing a food crisis, as some have even resorted to boiling grass and eating animal feed . There is now a 'critical risk of famine', according to the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification. Trade suspension implications A suspension of trade would have major impications for Israel Israel, as the EU is Israel's biggest trading partner. Advertisement The bloc accounted for 32% of Israel's total trade in 2024 – 34.2% of Israel's imports came from the EU, and 28.8% of the country's exports went to the EU. The legal basis for the EU's trade relations with Israel is the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Total trade volume between the EU and Israel last year amounted to €46.8 billion. The governments of Ireland and Spain first called for a review of the EU's trade agreement with Israel in February last year, but gained little traction. Neale Richmond, minister of state for international development, told reporters in Brussels this morning that the EU does not require a unanimous decision to suspend the asociation agreement with Israel. Commenting on the growing momentum to review the agreement, he said: 'I can only imagine it's because other member states have eyes and ears and they can see the absolute horrors that are unfolding on a daily basis live on our television screens in Gaza.' Neale Richmond speaking to reporters this morning. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo 'Children are dying, children are starving, families are being murdered every day,' Richmond said. 'This is not acceptable and it's clearly now time for the EU to look at that EU-Israel trade association and the very clear breaches of the human rights under article 2 [of the agreement].' He underlined that they will make it clear to the bloc's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, that a majority or a unanimous decision is not needed to suspend the association agreement with Israel. 'It is now the time to make sure that not only can we hold Israel to account, but actually that we show that the EU believes in the rule of law and it believes in the protection of our values,' Richmond said. 'It's really important from the Irish government to absolutely underline the obligations to EU member states to the people of Gaza.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Vancouver Sun
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
UN body's decision to hold Russia responsible for downing of Flight MH17 praised by Canada
OTTAWA — The Canadian government is welcoming a recent decision by the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization to hold Russia responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17. The plane was shot down on July 17, 2014, over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board, including one Canadian. Global Affairs Canada says the UN body has found Russia breached an obligation not to use weapons against a civil aircraft in flight under the Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known as the Chicago Convention. A Dutch-led investigation concluded in 2016 that the Amsterdam-to-Kuala Lumpur airliner was shot down from territory held by separatist rebels using a missile system delivered from Russia. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Moscow has denied any involvement in the tragedy and is rejecting the council's findings. Global Affairs says the council will in the coming weeks consider what form of reparation is in order. 'We commend the council for fulfilling its responsibility to uphold the rule of law in civil aviation and for reaffirming that violations of it will not go unanswered,' the department said in a statement. 'Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives aboard Flight MH17. Canada continues to support efforts to ensure that justice is served and to reinforce international mechanisms that protect civilian lives.' — With additional reporting from The Associated Press Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Hamilton Spectator
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Canada welcomes UN body's decision holding Russia responsible for MH17 tragedy
OTTAWA - The Canadian government is welcoming a recent decision by the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization to hold Russia responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17. The plane was shot down on July 17, 2014, over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board, including one Canadian. Global Affairs Canada says the UN body has found Russia breached an obligation not to use weapons against a civil aircraft in flight under the Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known as the Chicago Convention. A Dutch-led investigation concluded in 2016 that the Amsterdam-to-Kuala Lumpur airliner was shot down from territory held by separatist rebels using a missile system delivered from Russia. Moscow has denied any involvement in the tragedy and is rejecting the council's findings. Global Affairs says the council will in the coming weeks consider what form of reparation is in order. 'We commend the council for fulfilling its responsibility to uphold the rule of law in civil aviation and for reaffirming that violations of it will not go unanswered,' the department said in a statement. 'Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives aboard Flight MH17. Canada continues to support efforts to ensure that justice is served and to reinforce international mechanisms that protect civilian lives.' — With files from The Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 14, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Canada welcomes UN body's decision holding Russia responsible for MH17 tragedy
OTTAWA – The Canadian government is welcoming a recent decision by the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization to hold Russia responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17. The plane was shot down on July 17, 2014, over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board, including one Canadian. Global Affairs Canada says the UN body has found Russia breached an obligation not to use weapons against a civil aircraft in flight under the Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known as the Chicago Convention. A Dutch-led investigation concluded in 2016 that the Amsterdam-to-Kuala Lumpur airliner was shot down from territory held by separatist rebels using a missile system delivered from Russia. Moscow has denied any involvement in the tragedy and is rejecting the council's findings. Global Affairs says the council will in the coming weeks consider what form of reparation is in order. 'We commend the council for fulfilling its responsibility to uphold the rule of law in civil aviation and for reaffirming that violations of it will not go unanswered,' the department said in a statement. 'Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives aboard Flight MH17. Canada continues to support efforts to ensure that justice is served and to reinforce international mechanisms that protect civilian lives.' Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. — With files from The Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 14, 2025.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Canada welcomes UN body's decision holding Russia responsible for MH17 tragedy
OTTAWA — The Canadian government is welcoming a recent decision by the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization to hold Russia responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17. The plane was shot down on July 17, 2014, over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board, including one Canadian. Global Affairs Canada says the UN body has found Russia breached an obligation not to use weapons against a civil aircraft in flight under the Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known as the Chicago Convention. A Dutch-led investigation concluded in 2016 that the Amsterdam-to-Kuala Lumpur airliner was shot down from territory held by separatist rebels using a missile system delivered from Russia. Moscow has denied any involvement in the tragedy and is rejecting the council's findings. Global Affairs says the council will in the coming weeks consider what form of reparation is in order. 'We commend the council for fulfilling its responsibility to uphold the rule of law in civil aviation and for reaffirming that violations of it will not go unanswered," the department said in a statement. 'Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives aboard Flight MH17. Canada continues to support efforts to ensure that justice is served and to reinforce international mechanisms that protect civilian lives.' — With files from The Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 14, 2025. The Canadian Press Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
