EU Nations Call for Trade Ban with Israeli Settlements

Nine European Union countries have urged the European Commission to draft proposals halting EU trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, according to a letter viewed by Reuters.

The letter, addressed to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, was signed by foreign ministers from Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. The EU remains Israel's largest trading partner. However, it is uncertain what portion of the €42.6 billion trade involves settlements.

The ministers reference a July 2024 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice declaring Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories as illegal and urging states to deter trade supporting the situation. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot stressed the importance of aligning EU trade policies with international law, ahead of a June 23 meeting where EU foreign ministers will assess Israel's compliance with an existing human rights clause.

(With inputs from agencies.)