European states clarify position on trade with Israeli settlements

Several European governments have said they would restrict trade with illegal Israeli settlements only through a collective EU decision, following confusion over a joint statement on Israel’s actions in the occupied West Bank. Sweden, Denmark and Finland currently have no plans to introduce unilateral measures. The Danish embassy told Haaretz that Copenhagen supported EU-wide restrictions, while Poland’s ambassador said Warsaw could consider imposing its own sanctions. Britain, France and Canada are separately pursuing national bans on trade in settlement goods. The UK has also widened its sanctions framework to include individuals and companies involved in building, expanding or financing settlements. The measures could cover those participating in Israel’s E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank.