The European Commission has reiterated its demand for compensation from Israel for the demolition of EU-funded structures in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, stating that since 2015, over 1,000 such structures have been lost. In a response to a parliamentary question from Renew MEP Billy Kelleher, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that the EU has sent 12 joint diplomatic letters requesting nearly €3.1 million in compensation, including for damages from settler violence and forced abandonments, but Israel has not paid any financial restitution.
This latest statement follows a series of EU condemnations of Israeli actions in the occupied territories. On April 10, 2026, the European External Action Service (EEAS) condemned Israel's establishment of over 30 new settlements as illegal under international law. Earlier, on February 11, 2026, Commissioner Dubravka Šuica, jointly with High Representative Kallas and Commissioner Lahbib, criticized Israel's security cabinet decision to amend land registration procedures in the West Bank, deeming the steps "counterproductive and incompatible with international law." The EU has consistently reiterated its position of not recognizing Israeli sovereignty over territories occupied since 1967, aligning with UN Security Council resolutions.
Von der Leyen's response also references the demolition of an UNRWA compound in East Jerusalem, which Commissioner Hadja Lahbib condemned on January 20, 2026, as a violation of Israel's obligations under the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the UN. The EU's stance emphasizes adherence to international law and expects Israel to compensate for damages caused to EU-funded structures, focusing on strengthening diplomatic pressure without immediate legal enforcement.
The EU's demands for compensation are part of broader efforts to uphold the two-state solution and contest actions undermining it. The Commission has signaled continued monitoring and diplomatic engagement, with von der Leyen confirming that the EU will persist in demanding compensation. This follows earlier EU actions, including Commissioner Lahbib's call on November 28, 2025, for full respect of the Gaza ceasefire and aid scale-up, and the EU's endorsement of the US Phase Two Gaza peace plan on January 15, 2026.
The demolitions impact humanitarian and development projects funded by the EU, directly affecting EU institutions, member states, and Palestinian communities. Donor countries like France, which co-fund projects, face financial repercussions. Israeli authorities confront increased diplomatic scrutiny, while the EU's political approach focuses on accountability without creating new institutional mechanisms.
← Atlas › News › Development & Humanitarian Aid