EU ministers fail to agree on restricting trade with Israeli settlements, approve new Russia sanctions

European Union foreign ministers could not reach a consensus on a legal framework to restrict trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, despite a majority favoring a complete ban. The ministers tasked ambassadors with continuing discussions on this path.

Several options were considered, including imposing prohibitive tariffs or requiring export licenses for settlement products. However, the core issue remains the legal basis: whether to classify such measures under common commercial policy, which would allow for a qualified majority vote, or as an instrument of foreign policy, requiring unanimous consent from all member states. This unanimity requirement gives any single member state the power to block the measure.

High Representative Kaja Kallas acknowledged the legal divergences, likening the situation to "two lawyers, three opinions," and admitted the EU lacks a unified position. Ministers from Belgium and the Netherlands urged for "concrete and rapid" proposals, while Portugal's Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel stated the initiative was "very late." Spain's counterpart, José Manuel Albares, criticized the EU for merely discussing options, noting that Spain already prohibits such trade.

Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel questioned the delay, asking, "Are we going to wait for the government (in Israel) to change to make a decision? It's shameful." Conversely, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul advocated for the unanimity route and prioritizing dialogue with Israel, despite the ongoing election campaign there. In parallel, the EU approved new sanctions against Russia, though the 21st package remains incomplete.