European Commission Reviews Trade Restrictions with Israeli Settlements

The European Commission has sent a document to European Union member states outlining options for restricting trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, including the possibility of a partial or full import ban. Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, Commission spokesperson Olof Gill confirmed the document had been dispatched in line with European Council conclusions from June and would be discussed by EU foreign ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council on 13 July. He stated the document sets out options “to enhance the current system of differential treatment regarding trade with Israeli settlements” and also presents “options for restricting or banning the import of goods from these illegal settlements in response to the deteriorating situation.” Gill declined to provide further details, saying the Commission would await discussions among member states before deciding on next steps. According to a copy of the document seen by Euronews, the Commission is examining three possible approaches: introducing export licensing requirements for settlement goods, imposing very high tariffs, or implementing a full or partial ban on imports originating from Israeli settlements. The document is not a formal legislative proposal, and no decision is expected at the 13 July foreign ministers’ meeting. Diplomatic sources told Euronews the discussions are intended to gather member states’ views before the Commission decides whether to proceed with concrete proposals. Euronews reported that the Commission believes any measures should be adopted under the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, which requires unanimous approval from all 27 member states. However, the Council’s legal service has reportedly advised member states that action under the EU’s Common Commercial Policy could also be legally possible, depending on the scope, which would allow adoption by qualified majority rather than unanimity. The initiative follows growing calls from EU member states to tighten trade restrictions on Israeli settlements, with at least 20 countries reportedly asking the Commission in June to clarify what steps could be taken in response to the continued expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.