Brussels 26.06.2025 Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he would demand that the European Union (the EU) to suspend the Association agreement with Israel. He noted that the union “follows a double standard” by imposing sanctions against Russia and still cooperating with the Jewish state.

“Europe, [following] a double standard, is not even capable of suspending the association agreement when in this case Israel grossly violates Article 2 [of the association agreement with the EU] on respect for human rights,” Sanchez said.

On June 10, it became known that the XVIII-th package of EU sanctions against Russia may include a ban on the use of Russian energy infrastructure, including the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines. It also proposed lowering the “price ceiling” on Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel, disconnecting 22 Russian banks from SWIFT, including 70 tankers in the sanctions list, and prohibiting EU countries from purchasing oil products from Russian raw materials.

“In the face of Israel’s constant violation of human rights, Europe must act” said Sanchez, while entering the meeting of the EU Council. “Today I will defend in Brussels that Europe immediately suspend the Association Agreement with Israel.

Ante la violación constante de derechos humanos de Israel, Europa debe actuar.

Hoy defenderé en Bruselas que Europa suspenda inmediatamente el Acuerdo de Asociación con Israel. pic.twitter.com/iYLaAkS9Ag

— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) June 26, 2025

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On June 13, the conflict between Iran and Israel escalated. Then the Israeli army attacked Iranian nuclear facilities and killed several high-ranking military officers. In response, Tehran began shelling Tel Aviv with missiles and drones. On June 22, the United States joined the conflict. The American military struck three main nuclear facilities of the Islamic Republic – in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

On the morning of June 24, Iran and Israel announced a ceasefire.