A body composed of the heads of state or government of EU countries, the European Council sets the general political direction and priorities of the EU. Total trade in goods between the EU and Israel in 2024: €42.6 billion. EU imports from Israel were worth €15.9 billion, and the EU’s exports to Israel amounted to €26.7 billion. The European Council also called for safe access to the holy sites and for the Status Quo to be upheld. The EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime underscores the EU’s determination to enhance its role in addressing serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide.