Albares calls on the European Union to ban trade with illegal settlements in the West Bank

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, took part in the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the European Union, where he once again called for a total ban on trade in products originating from illegal settlements in the territories occupied by Israel in Gaza and the West Bank. The Council also discussed the situation in Ukraine with Ukrainian Minister Andrii Sybiha.

"Spain banned its import nationwide a long time ago, and the European Union must do the same. "Since 2024, there has been an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice which states very clearly that trade in products originating from those settlements is illegal," the minister said on his arrival at the Council in Brussels. "Europe must speak out, and today is a very good opportunity to do so," he concluded.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine

At the Council of Ministers meeting, the ministers also discussed Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Ukrainian Minister Adrii Sybiha, who was present at the meeting, reported on the latest developments on the ground and Ukraine's future needs, particularly in the energy sector ahead of the coming winter.

Up until last year, Russian attacks had caused the loss of around 70% of the country's electricity capacity. And, to help alleviate this situation, several electric generators and high-voltage equipment for electrical substations have been sent from Spain. Furthermore, Spain is involved in a project to develop cogeneration units to provide heating for the city of Sama.

Donors' Group for Palestine

Minister Albares also took part on Monday in the second meeting of the Donors' Group for Palestine, at which he announced Spain's contribution of 4 million euros in 2026, in addition to the 50 million that our country contributed at the Group's first meeting. Furthermore, on a bilateral basis, Spain has already contributed a further 5 million euros to Palestine through the AECID's programmes and the UNDP's Horizon Trust Fund.

In 2025, Spain was the fourth-largest contributor to UNRWA, with a contribution of 38 million euros; and in 2026, it has already made contributions totalling 15 million euros. This brings the total announced today to 24 million.

"In the current critical situation, we must take even greater action to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe on the ground and stand by the people of Gaza," Albares said in his speech. "All our efforts must be directed towards furthering the only political goal: the implementation of the two-state solution. This is the path to a just and lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis. "This is the way to lay solid foundations for regional security and stability," he concluded.

The event was attended by the Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, the Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Mohammad Mustafa, and representatives from donor countries.

Non official translation