In her speech on the state of the Union, pronounced Wednesday September 10, 2025 in Strasbourg, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced new measures against Israel. Brussels plans to sanction certain ministers deemed extremist and to partially suspend the association agreement between the European Union and Israel, by targeting in particular commercial aspects.
Individual sanctions against Israeli officials
The European Commission proposes to impose restrictive measures against several Israeli ministers qualified as “extremists”. The displayed objective is to respond to policies deemed contrary to the democratic principles and international commitments of Israel.
Partial suspension of the EU – Israel Association Agreement
Brussels also plans to partially suspend the association agreement that governs political and commercial relations between the EU and Israel. This suspension would in particular concern the components linked to trade, the heart of bilateral economic cooperation.
End of direct bilateral support
Ursula von der Leyen has also confirmed that the European Commission would end its direct bilateral support in Israel. This measure is added to the reassessment of Israel’s participation in certain European programs.
The Commission had previously suggested limiting Israel’s access to “Horizon Europe”, the main European research and innovation program. In the absence of a consensus between the Member States, the proposal had not succeeded. Now, the European executive intends to act in the margins of his skills, without waiting for the unanimity of the twenty-seven.
