BRUSSELS: The European Union is set to reconsider possible sanctions against Israel, with the issue returning to the agenda of foreign ministers for the first time in months.
Diplomatic sources said the matter will be discussed at a meeting scheduled in Luxembourg on April 21, where ministers are expected to review developments in the Middle East and assess potential trade and political measures.
A senior EU official confirmed that “sanction options are still on the table,” adding that discussions would determine whether there is sufficient consensus among member states.
Focus on Gaza and two-state solution
The EU is expected to emphasise humanitarian support for Gaza and continued backing for the Palestinian Authority, while reaffirming its commitment to a two-state solution as the basis for long-term peace.
Officials said the bloc intends to maintain political and humanitarian engagement in the region while weighing the use of its policy tools.
Push from member states
According to diplomatic sources, countries including Belgium, Ireland, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain are expected to again advocate for sanctions, with some additional support from other member states.
Previously shelved measures
Proposals prepared earlier by the European Commission had included suspending Israel’s participation in the Horizon Europe research programme and imposing sanctions on Israeli officials such as Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, as well as targeting Israeli settlers linked to violence in the West Bank.
These measures were put on hold following a ceasefire in October 2025.
Separately, a European Citizens’ Initiative that gathered over one million signatures has also revived calls to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
Divisions remain
Any decision on sanctions would require broad, and in some cases unanimous, support among EU member states. Previous efforts have faced resistance, notably from Viktor Orban, while key countries such as Germany and Italy would also need to shift their positions.
The upcoming meeting is expected to test whether there is enough political will within the bloc to move forward with punitive measures.