Trading with Settlements : The International Obligations of the European Union with Regard to Economic Dealings with Occupied Territories

This Policy Brief examines the EU's practice in relation to trade agreements involving occupied territories by focusing on the case-studies of Palestine and Western Sahara with a view to ascertaining its legality and coherence. It is shown that several aspects of the agreements are highly problematic in the light of the EU's international law obligations of non-recognition and non-assistance and that the Union has largely adopted an inconsistent approach in its economic dealings with the occupied territories in question. In conclusion, concrete policy recommendations are offered in order to ensure the legality and coherence of the EU's trade policy in situations of occupation