France and Sweden join five EU nations in push for Israel settlement product ban

France and Sweden have joined five other European Union member states in demanding sanctions against Israel, specifically proposing a ban on products originating from settlements.

In a one-page informal proposal obtained by The Irish Times on Monday (April 20), France and Sweden noted that an EU Commission assessment dated June 19, 2025, indicated the bloc is not legally obligated to impose an import ban on Israeli settler products.

“However, we believe that the increasingly and rapidly deteriorating situation necessitates such action,” the countries added.

The joint Franco-Swedish text states:

“Despite clearly violating international law, settlements and acts of settler violence are increasing at a record pace. We believe the EU must urgently increase pressure on Israel to stop its settlement policy and practices.”

Paris and Stockholm stated that Israel’s policy of expanding settlements endangers the future of a two-state solution.

The two countries warned that the controversial “E1 project” would sever the northern and southern regions of the West Bank under the control of the Palestinian Authority and isolate them from occupied Palestinian territories in East Jerusalem.

“Therefore, we call on the [European] Commission to urgently evaluate the legal and practical feasibility of implementing measures such as import restrictions on settlement products through tariffs and export licenses,” the statement said.

The two nations indicated that a total import ban on products from settlements could be justified due to the “deteriorating situation.”

EU governments are reigniting a heated debate in Brussels over whether to impose sanctions on Israel.

Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia are reiterating their calls for a review of the free trade agreement between the EU and Israel, citing human rights violations in Gaza and the West Bank.

Israel’s two-year bombardment of Gaza has triggered fierce divisions within the bloc regarding how the union should respond as the humanitarian crisis deepens.

Germany, Italy, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and several other countries remain opposed to the imposition of sanctions on Israel, forming a blocking minority that prevents the EU from taking such action.