EU support grows for ban on goods from occupied West Bank territories

Support is growing at EU level for a ban on goods from occupied territories in the West Bank, according to Ireland's Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne.

The comments came as EU foreign ministers had already unanimously backed sanctions against violent settlers in the West Bank.

Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, has said further restrictions on goods from Jewish settlements could follow once the European Commission brings forward a proposal.

Any such move would need a weighted majority of member states, rather than unanimity.

Byrne said a European response would be preferable to Ireland acting alone through its Occupied Territories Bill.

He said that if a Commission proposal is brought forward, Ireland is likely to support it.

The issue matters because it would mark a further step in the EU's response to violence linked to settlements and could test whether there is enough backing among member states for wider trade restrictions.

Byrne said support for the idea appeared to be increasing, but stressed that a formal Commission proposal was still needed.

He also linked the wider regional situation to rising energy prices, shortages of supplies and pressure on consumer prices, saying these effects were being felt internationally.

#EuropeanUnion #WestBank #sanctions #settlergoods #EuropeanCommission