Council of the EU Promise

In December 2013, the Council of the European Union made a promise - "In the event of a final peace agreement the European Union will offer Israel and the future state of Palestine a Special Privileged Partnership including increased access to the European markets, closer cultural and scientific links, facilitation of trade and investments as well as the promotion of business-to-business relations. Enhanced political dialogue and security cooperation will also be offered to both states".

This promise should encourage both Palestinian and Israeli negotiators to reach a compromise agreement. Israelis face a clear choice: on the one hand, increasing boycotts, on the other generous economic benefits.

Meanwhile formal contacts between the EU and Israel-Palestine include -

• The EU-Israel Association Council, established under the EU-Israel Association Agreement, 2000. This Council is normally attended by the Israeli Minister of foreign Affairs, and by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the EU (currently Federica Mogherini).
• The EU-Palestinian Authority Subcommittee on Human Rights meets annually and deals with the human rights commitments of the Palestinian Authority.
• The EU-Israel Working Group on Human Rights discusses human rights in Israel, including the rights of prisoners and detainees.

• See also UK Government guidelines for British companies trading with West Bank settlements.
• Labelling of goods from the settlements.