Perspective – Written by Dorina Molnár
Ursula von der Leyen gave her usual – but unusually controversial – State of the Union speech on September 10, 2025, in front of the European Parliament. Among some expected panels – such as enduring support for Ukraine, clean energy, or defense –Israel came up: the President of the Commission proposed sanctions on “extremist ministers and on violent settlers” as well as a “partial suspension of the Association Agreement on trade-related matters”. Her announcement, intended to react to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, provoked both applause and boos across the MEPs, as all factions have their own moralistic standpoint on Israel. The question is, however, that Europe must ask itself before any action is whether it is in the EU’s interest to cut –even partially – trade relations with Israel.
The full analysis is available here.