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EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas Ignites Backlash With Call to Ban Trade With Israeli Settlements
Kallas said settlement trade is small but an EU ban would send a symbolic message and could pass as a trade measure.
- Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign affairs representative, urged European states to ban trade with Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, arguing Europe must adopt a "principled stance" to maintain international credibility.
- Drawing on the precedent of Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, Kallas argues the European bloc should treat illegal settlements similarly to occupied Ukrainian territory.
- While some governments oppose suspending the wider EU-Israel free trade deal, Kallas emphasized that European divisions undermine global leverage: "We have leverage when we are able to take decisions."
- Crucially, a proposed import ban could proceed as a trade measure requiring only a sizeable majority of member states, while The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, faces "very clear" pressure to act.
- Kallas acknowledged "pros and cons" to deciding before Israel's Knesset elections in late October, while European institutions receive criticism for failing to sanction Israel during the two-year bombardment of Gaza.
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Trade ban would be 'principled stance' and would not require unanimity, says Kaja Kallas
·Ankara, Türkiye
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Kaja Kallas responded to questions about whether several EU countries opposing a ban on trade with settlement goods are blocking stronger action over violence against Palestinians
Asked whether countries such as Germany, Austria, Hungary and Czechia could be considered complicit if they veto such a measure, Kallas said every Member State has the right to decide its own position and must explain that decision.So, regarding...
In an interview with the Irish Times, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaia Kallas, compared the illegal settlements in the West Bank to Russia's occupation of Crimea. The EU's top diplomat said the Union should maintain the same stance it adopted on the ... More www.ertnews.gr
Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left2Leaning Right3Center0Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Right
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Right
60% Right
L 40%
R 60%
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