The Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, reiterated this Monday at the Council of EU Foreign Ministers his demand for a "total" ban on trade "of products originating from illegal settlements" in the "occupied territories" by Israel in Gaza and the West Bank.
Albares recalled upon arrival at the meeting that "Spain has long since prohibited their importation at the national level, and the European Union must do so," alluding to the "advisory opinion" that has existed "since 2024" from the International Court of Justice which "very clearly states that trade in products originating from these settlements is illegal." In this context, the minister stressed that "Europe must raise its voice and today is a very good opportunity" to take that step.
Energy Support for Ukraine
The situation in Ukraine was also addressed in the session, with the participation of Ukrainian Minister Adrii Sybiha, who conveyed to his counterparts the "latest developments" and the "future needs" of the country, focused primarily on energy supply for the coming winter, after four years of war with Russia.
As detailed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the attacks by the Russian army have destroyed around 70% of Ukraine's electricity capacity. Faced with this scenario, Spain has sent "several batches of generators" and "high-voltage equipment for electrical substations," in addition to collaborating on a project with "cogeneration units to ensure heating in the city of Sama."
Financial Commitment to Palestine
Albares also intervened in the second edition of the Donor Group for Palestine, in which Spain is contributing 4 million euros this year, in addition to the 50 million already disbursed in the first edition. This is supplemented by contributions through AECID and the UNDP Horizon Trust Fund, through which another five million euros have been allocated.
Exteriores has recalled that "Spain was in 2025 the fourth largest contributor to UNRWA, with a contribution of 38 million euros; and in 2026 it has already made contributions of 15 million euros. With this, the total announced today amounts to 24 million". The minister has emphasized that it is essential to promote "even firmer action to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe on the ground and to stand by the Gazan population" and has stressed that international efforts must focus on "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," Albares concluded.