Spain's foreign minister José Manuel Albares announced Monday he will formally request the European Union to suspend its cooperation pact with Israel and enact a weapons embargo, urging Europe to move from declarations to decisive action.

“The Time of Words Is Over”

Speaking to reporters in Brussels, Albares said, “The times of words and declarations is behind. We had enough time.” He called on the EU to prioritize diplomacy over military solutions, linking the escalation in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran as part of a unified regional crisis.

“What I’m going to ask for is concrete action from the European Union… Everything is connected,” Albares stated, emphasizing that diplomacy, not warfare, should dictate Europe's Middle East posture.

Targeting the EU-Israel Association Agreement

At the center of Spain’s proposal is the immediate suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, a key cooperation framework that includes political dialogue, trade, and scientific partnerships. The agreement also mandates that bilateral relations be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles, as outlined in Article Two.

The EU had already begun reviewing the agreement in May due to Israel’s obstruction of humanitarian aid into Gaza, with a majority of member states backing the review of its human rights provisions.

Arms Embargo Call Gains Momentum

Albares’s call for a weapons embargo on Israel adds pressure on the EU to go beyond diplomatic censure. He argued that European arms exports to Israel are incompatible with ongoing military actions that have drawn international criticism.

Spain’s position reflects growing frustration within the bloc over Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the broader implications of unchecked regional warfare for EU security and values.