EU Commission to Propose Ban on Occupied Territories Goods and Services by July 13

Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee announced that the European Commission will table proposals for an EU-wide ban on goods and services from the Occupied Territories before a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on July 13. While an individual member state ban on services faces legal issues, an EU-wide ban could include both goods and services.

McEntee emphasized that trade is an EU competency, but a 2024 International Court of Justice ruling on Israeli occupation provides a stronger legal basis for banning goods, not services. She is advocating for a collective EU approach to include both in any Commission proposals. She received assurances that proposals would be presented before the next Foreign Affairs Council.

Currently, there is a Commission proposal to suspend trade elements of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, but no consensus among member states. However, a weighted majority supports an options paper on banning goods from Occupied Territories. McEntee dismissed claims that such a ban would be symbolic, stating that 27 member states banning trade would be a significant, unprecedented move aimed at changing the Israeli government's actions regarding illegal settlements and preserving the two-state solution.

McEntee cited a UN report accusing Israeli Defence Forces of targeting children post-ceasefire, urging a response to these actions. Separately, Labour Spokesperson Duncan Smith called on the Irish Government to include both goods and services in the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill, which returns to the Dáil next week for a final vote after 90 minutes of debate on Tuesday and a vote on Wednesday evening. Smith stressed this is the Government's final opportunity to ensure the legislation is effective and demonstrates Ireland's leadership during its EU Presidency.