Lithuania’s foreign minister on Thursday expressed scepticism over a European Commission proposal to restrict trade ties with Israel and impose sanctions on two of its far-right ministers.
“I’m not sure what this is – whether it’s a tool to influence Israel’s stance, or a way to punish Israel for what is happening, and how we see progress moving forward,” Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said at a meeting with members of the Democrats “For Lithuania” faction in parliament.
“I have some scepticism about these measures,” he added. “Diplomatic ties, channels, the dialogue we have, the invitation to implement agreements – this is where pressure should be applied.”
On Wednesday, the European Commission announced it would freeze about 20 million euros in bilateral aid to Israel.
Under its new proposals, Brussels also seeks to suspend parts of the EU-Israel cooperation agreement that reduce tariffs on Israeli imports, a move officials say would affect more than one-third of Israel’s exports to the bloc, worth about 6 billion euros annually. That includes key agricultural products such as dates and nuts.
The Commission also urged asset freezes and visa bans against Israel’s national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, citing their extremist rhetoric, which it said incites violence.
Budrys said European policymakers are under heavy public pressure to act against Israel.
“The pressure in Europe is enormous,” he said. “At every multilateral event, whether in Slovenia or Copenhagen, you can’t avoid the banging of pots or Palestinian flags. You have to understand the environment in which foreign policy makers are working.”
He warned that cutting off dialogue could have long-term geopolitical consequences.
“We need to continue talking with Israel, because, first of all, they should be interested in not completely destroying relations with Europe,” Budrys said. “This cancel culture, this wave coming from culture, sports, everywhere – to push Israel out – we will lose Israel as part of Europe. With all the geopolitical consequences, that’s a bad thing.”
The sanctions package represents the EU’s strongest attempt yet to pressure Israel, but opposition from major member states, particularly Germany and Italy, is expected to make it difficult to secure the required backing. That resistance has already blocked a softer measure to reduce funding for Israeli tech startups, angering member states demanding tougher action.
The Commission, however, can unilaterally suspend bilateral aid.
Israel has urged Brussels not to move forward with the proposals.
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