Nine EU nations urge end to trade with Israeli settlements ahead of key debate

Nine European Union member states are calling on the EU to halt trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, just days before foreign ministers gather for a critical discussion on potential punitive measures against Israel.

The appeal was made in a joint letter addressed to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and signed on Monday by the foreign ministers of Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

The letter, obtained by Euractiv, urges the European Commission to devise a plan that would end trade with settlements, which the EU considers illegal under international law.

“This is about ensuring that EU policies do not contribute, directly or indirectly, to the perpetuation of an illegal situation,” the ministers wrote.

The move adds a new layer to an already tense agenda. On June 23, EU foreign ministers are scheduled to review the EU-Israel Association Agreement, based on a recent assessment by Kallas. The ministers will also discuss possible sanctions against Israeli government officials and violent settlers accused of escalating tensions in the West Bank.

Belgium is reportedly leading the initiative, arguing that EU trade must comply with international and humanitarian legal standards. The push comes amid growing scrutiny of Europe’s role in supporting economic ties with Israeli settlements, which are widely viewed as violating international law.

Although the EU is Israel’s top trading partner — with bilateral trade totalling €42.6 billion last year — the extent to which this includes products originating from settlements remains unclear.

The letter does not specify a deadline for when the European Commission, which holds exclusive authority over EU trade policy, is expected to respond or begin its assessment.

By Tamilla Hasanova