At the centre of the talks is a proposal led by France and Sweden, which calls for the EU to introduce customs duties on products coming from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, the occupied Golan Heights, and occupied East al-Quds.

If approved, the plan would increase tariffs on goods such as dates, wine, and Dead Sea products. These items are widely sold in European markets and could become more expensive for consumers if the measures are enforced.

The proposal was outlined in a letter sent to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. It argues that settlement products should not receive the same trade benefits as goods produced within internationally recognised Israeli territory.

This approach is based on the EU’s long-standing “differentiation policy,” which separates settlement goods from those covered under the EU-Israel trade agreement. Under this policy, settlement products are not entitled to preferential trade treatment.

Kallas has already indicated support for further discussion of the proposal. After a previous meeting of foreign ministers in April, she confirmed that the initiative would be passed on to EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič for further evaluation.

The upcoming meeting in Brussels is expected to determine whether the EU will move from discussion to formal action, marking one of its most significant steps yet in addressing settlement-related trade issues.