European Commission Investigates Trade Restrictions with Israeli Settlements

ILLUSTRATION/Jenin, West Bank/© UNICEF/Ahed Izhiman

JAKARTA - The European Commission has submitted a document to the member states of the European Union containing options for restricting trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, including the possibility of a partial or complete import ban.

Spokesperson Olof Gill said the document had been sent to member states in line with the European Council conclusions in June and would be discussed by EU foreign ministers at a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on July 13.

He said the document outlines options "to enhance the current system of differential treatment with regard to trade with Israeli settlements" and also presents "options to restrict or ban imports of goods from these illegal settlements with a view to responding to the deteriorating situation."

Gill declined to provide further details, saying the European Commission would first wait for discussions among member states before deciding on the next steps.

According to a copy of the document seen by Euronews, the European Commission is examining three possible approaches: introducing export licensing requirements for settlement goods, imposing very high tariffs, or applying a full or partial ban on imports originating in Israeli settlements.

As reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Thursday, July 9, the document is not a formal legislative proposal, and no decisions are expected at the foreign ministers' meeting on July 13.

Diplomatic sources told Euronews the discussions were intended to gather the views of member states before the European Commission decides whether to proceed with concrete proposals.

Euronews reported that the European Commission believes that these measures should be adopted under the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, which requires unanimous approval from all 27 member states.

However, the European Council's legal service reportedly advised member states that steps under the EU's Common Trade Policy could also be taken legally, depending on their scope.

Such an approach would allow the measure to be adopted by a qualified majority rather than unanimously.

The initiative follows increased calls from EU member states to tighten trade restrictions on Israeli settlements.

At least 20 European Union countries reportedly asked the European Commission in June to clarify what steps could be taken in response to Israel's continued expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank.