Letter by 163 NGOs and trade unions to President von der Leyen on EU trade with Israel's illegal settlements

ActionAid joins over 160 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), trade unions, and civil society organizations (CSOs) in calling upon the European Union to ban trade and business with illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). The EU's current policy of distinguishing between goods produced in Israel and those produced in settlements falls short of obligations established by a July 19, 2024, ruling in the International Court of Justice (ICJ). As specified under international humanitarian law and highlighted by the ICJ, a complete ban on trade and business with Israel's illegal settlements is required. 

By trading with illegal Israeli settlements, the EU and its member states are both breaching their own legal obligations while simultaneously contributing to the serious and systemic human rights and other international law abuses underpinning the settlement enterprise. 

In light of the urgent need for compliance with international law and to halt EU, member states' and businesses' contribution to Israel's serious abuses, we urge European Commission to:

• Introduce Legislation to Ban Trade with and Investments in Settlements.
• Issue a Strengthened Business Advisory

Please see our joint, signed letter for additional information.