BRUSSELS: The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) has urged the European Union to take stronger measures over the worsening Gaza crisis, including immediate sanctions and suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The unions stressed that the situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, requiring urgent and principled intervention.
In a letter addressed to EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, ETUC called for the bloc to use all available tools to secure a ceasefire and guarantee full, unimpeded humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. The letter warned that words of concern are no longer enough and that Europe must match its values with action.
The unions emphasised that the EU should act on its own findings of violations and uphold Article 2 of the Association Agreement, which ties cooperation to respect for human rights and democratic principles. They argued that continuing relations while such violations persist undermines Europe’s credibility on the global stage.
As part of their demands, ETUC and co-signatories pressed for sanctions, the suspension of trade deals, and an end to economic relations with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. The appeal was backed by major European union bodies, including UNI Europa, EPSU, industriAll Europe, ETF, EUROCOP, EFFAT, EFBWW, ETUCE-CSEE and EFJ. Together, they represent 45 million workers across Europe, giving the call significant weight.
This move reflects growing pressure from civil society, rights groups, and now organised labour, urging the EU to stop treating Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe as a distant problem. The unions insist that Europe cannot remain neutral while international law and human rights are at stake. Their collective voice signals a demand for immediate accountability and a stronger political stance from Brussels.
