Brussels: The European Commission has put forward an options paper to EU member states, outlining potential measures to further restrict trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, including a possible full or partial ban on imports. This development was confirmed by a spokesperson on Thursday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the paper was shared with member states following the European Council's June conclusions and is set to be discussed by EU foreign ministers at the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council meeting. EU Commission spokesperson Olof Gill indicated that the document suggests ways to enhance the current system of differentiated treatment concerning trade with Israeli settlements and presents options to restrict or ban the import of goods from these territories in response to any worsening situation.

The options under consideration include introducing export licensing requirements for goods from settlements, imposing prohibitive tariffs, or implementing a full or partial import ban. However, the paper does not represent a formal legislative proposal, and no decisions are anticipated at Monday's foreign ministers' meeting.

Diplomatic sources informed Euronews that the goal is to collect member states' opinions before the EU Commission decides on moving forward with specific proposals. The EU Commission insists that any such measures should align with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, which requires unanimous consent from all 27 member states. Nonetheless, the EU Council's legal service has suggested that a measure could potentially be based on the EU's Common Commercial Policy, allowing for adoption by a qualified majority depending on its scope.

This initiative is in response to increasing pressure from EU member states to tighten trade restrictions on Israeli settlements. In June, at least 20 EU countries reportedly urged the EU Commission to clarify potential measures in response to the ongoing expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.