EU foreign ministers divided over trade ban on Israeli West Bank settlements

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said a ban on imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank received the strongest backing among the 27 member states, while the bloc remained split on how to act. Ministers debated three options presented by the European Commission – an import‑licensing system, prohibitive tariffs or a full ban – but no clear majority emerged for any single measure.

Countries such as Spain, Ireland and Belgium pushed for a total ban, citing the International Court of Justice’s July 2024 advisory opinion that the settlements are illegal. Germany, backed by Italy and other states, opposed any restriction, arguing that sanctions would require unanimity and urging dialogue with Israel instead. German foreign minister Johann Wadephul warned that a trade ban could only be adopted if all 27 members agreed, effectively giving Germany a veto.

The dispute also centres on the legal basis: the EU legal service argues that trade‑related measures could be adopted by a qualified majority (at least 15 states representing 65 % of the EU population), while some members maintain that such steps constitute foreign‑policy sanctions and therefore need unanimity. Ambassadors have been tasked with further work, and an extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers may be convened before the end of the summer to seek a common position.