The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, took part this Monday in the EU Foreign Affairs Council, 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 the Ukrainian minister, Andrii Sybiha.
“Spain has long since banned such imports at national level, 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 meeting in Brussels. “Europe must speak out, and today is a very good opportunity to do so”, he concluded.
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine
At the Council meeting, 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 terms of energy ahead of the coming winter.
Until last year, Russian attacks had resulted in the loss of around 70 per cent of the country’s electricity capacity. To help alleviate this situation, Spain has sent several consignments of electricity generators and high-voltage equipment for electrical substations. Furthermore, Spain is participating in the development of a project involving cogeneration units to ensure heating in the city of Sama.
Donors’ Group for Palestine
Minister Albares also took part this 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 euros our country pledged 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 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 stronger action to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe on the ground and stand by the people of Gaza”, said Albares in his speech. “All our efforts must be directed towards moving towards the only political horizon: the implementation of the two-State solution. This is the path to a just and lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis. This is the path to laying solid foundations for regional security and stability”, he concluded.
The event was attended by the Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Mohammad Mustafa, and representatives from donor countries.
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