In the letter, Sweden and France condemn Israel's settlement policy and call for the EU to consider stronger measures. The two countries propose that the EU Commission examine implementing tariffs on products from illegal settlements and import restrictions through export licenses. Due to what they describe as a rapidly deteriorating situation, Sweden and France also suggest the possibility of import bans on all goods from affected areas.
The specific products targeted by these proposed tariffs or import restrictions have not been detailed. The initiative is timed ahead of Tuesday's foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg, where the matter is expected to be discussed. The exact timeline for the EU Commission to present these proposals remains unclear.
The number of other EU member states supporting the Swedish-French initiative is also unknown. The legal basis or EU mechanisms being considered to implement these measures have not been specified in the letter. The specific areas defined as 'affected areas' for potential import bans have not been detailed.