Milan, Italy – European Union public institutions have signed contracts worth nearly 2.7 billion euros ($3.1 billion) with Israeli companies, according to data from Statewatch reported by Al Jazeera. This figure includes 194 contracts from January 2022 to July 2025, with a significant increase in activity following Israel's military actions in Gaza. Notably, Spain, a vocal critic of Israel, has agreed to 14 contracts totaling approximately 227 million euros ($257 million) during this period, including a major deal with Rafael for aerial combat systems.
Contract Growth Amid Conflict
The data reveals that the number of contracts surged after Israel's military operations began. In the first 21 months, from January 2022 to October 2023, there were 82 contracts worth over 1.2 billion euros ($1.36 billion). In contrast, the subsequent 21 months saw 112 contracts valued at 1.6 billion euros ($1.8 billion). This trend highlights a business-as-usual approach by the EU, despite ongoing legal proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for alleged violations of the Genocide Convention in Gaza.
Implications for EU-Israel Relations
The findings raise questions about the EU's stance on Israel amid accusations of war crimes. The ICJ has previously indicated a "real and imminent risk" of irreparable harm to Palestinians, yet EU member states continue to engage economically with Israel. The ongoing contracts reflect a complex relationship that intertwines economic interests with geopolitical tensions.
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The continued flow of contracts between EU institutions and Israeli companies could influence sectors such as defense and technology, potentially leading to increased scrutiny from human rights advocates. Investors will watch for any changes in EU policy regarding trade with Israel, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.