EU Countries Seek Ban on Trade with Israeli Settlements in Occupied Palestinian Territories
Nine European Union countries have called for the European Commission to propose measures to discontinue trade with Israeli settlements.
BRUSSELS: Nine European Union countries have urged the European Commission to formulate proposals on discontinuing EU trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
This call comes as per a letter seen by Reuters on Thursday, addressed to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and signed by the foreign ministers of Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
The EU is Israel’s largest trading partner, with approximately one-third of its total goods trade.
The two-way goods trade between the bloc and Israel reached 42.6 billion euros ($48.91 billion) last year, although it remains unclear how much of that involved settlements.
The ministers cited a July 2024 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice which ruled that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and the establishment of settlements therein are unlawful.
The court advised states to take measures that prevent trade or investment relations contributing to maintaining this situation.
The letter emphasizes, "We have not seen a proposal to initiate discussions on how to effectively discontinue trade of goods and services with the illegal settlements." It adds, "We need the European Commission to develop proposals for concrete measures ensuring compliance by the Union with its obligations identified by the Court."
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot emphasized that Europe must ensure its trade policies align with international law.
He stated, "Trade cannot be disconnected from our legal and moral responsibilities," and added that this initiative is about guaranteeing EU policies do not contribute to the perpetuation of an unlawful situation.
This appeal comes ahead of a Brussels meeting on June 23 where EU foreign ministers are set to discuss the bloc’s relationship with Israel.
They will reportedly receive an assessment regarding Israel's compliance with a human rights clause in its pact governing political and economic ties with Europe, following the bloc’s decision to review Israel’s adherence to this agreement due to the situation in Gaza.
This call comes as per a letter seen by Reuters on Thursday, addressed to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and signed by the foreign ministers of Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
The EU is Israel’s largest trading partner, with approximately one-third of its total goods trade.
The two-way goods trade between the bloc and Israel reached 42.6 billion euros ($48.91 billion) last year, although it remains unclear how much of that involved settlements.
The ministers cited a July 2024 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice which ruled that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and the establishment of settlements therein are unlawful.
The court advised states to take measures that prevent trade or investment relations contributing to maintaining this situation.
The letter emphasizes, "We have not seen a proposal to initiate discussions on how to effectively discontinue trade of goods and services with the illegal settlements." It adds, "We need the European Commission to develop proposals for concrete measures ensuring compliance by the Union with its obligations identified by the Court."
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot emphasized that Europe must ensure its trade policies align with international law.
He stated, "Trade cannot be disconnected from our legal and moral responsibilities," and added that this initiative is about guaranteeing EU policies do not contribute to the perpetuation of an unlawful situation.
This appeal comes ahead of a Brussels meeting on June 23 where EU foreign ministers are set to discuss the bloc’s relationship with Israel.
They will reportedly receive an assessment regarding Israel's compliance with a human rights clause in its pact governing political and economic ties with Europe, following the bloc’s decision to review Israel’s adherence to this agreement due to the situation in Gaza.
