The European Commission has so far been reluctant to act on a Swedish-French push for expanded trade sanctions against Israeli settlements. However, the reference to "legal uncertainty" is not welcomed by Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M).
"I am a little surprised and irritated by the ongoing discussion in which it is claimed that the middle ground chosen by France and Sweden would entail a requirement for unanimity - because it does not," she says on her way into Monday's meeting with her EU colleagues in Luxembourg.
The consequence may be that an opportunity is instead taken to force a proposal through by a simple majority.
"Then we can use it. But I think it would be a shame if it were necessary," says Malmer Stenergard.
