Suspension of diplomatic contacts between the European Union and Israel

2.12.2015

Question for written answer E-015310-15
to the Council
Rule 130
Joëlle Bergeron (EFDD)

According to the Monday, 30 November 2015 edition of Le Monde, Israel has announced that it is suspending its diplomatic contacts with the European Union in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, in reprisal for the EU’s decision to insist that products originating in the Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories must be labelled as such.

According to the State of Israel, this EU sanction legitimises the international BDS (boycott-divestment-sanctions) movement, which is calling for Israel to be punished for its continuing occupation.

Israel will maintain only bilateral contacts with important Member States, such as France and Germany.

What is the Council’s response to Israel’s unilateral decision?

Will the Council condemn Israel’s decision to suspend contacts with the European Union?