Within the past two weeks the Israeli authorities have advanced plans and tenders for over two thousand settlement units in the West Bank including East Jerusalem. If implemented, these plans would further jeopardise the prospect of a contiguous and viable future Palestinian state. 

As reflected in successive Foreign Affairs Council conclusions, the EU is strongly opposed to Israel's settlement policy which is illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace.

The European Union will continue to engage with both parties and with its international and regional partners to support a resumption of a meaningful process towards a negotiated two-state solution, the only realistic and viable way to fulfil the legitimate aspirations of both parties.