EU High Representative Catherine Ashton expressed her deep disappointment on the Israeli settlement announcement. On 21 March, Baroness Ashton said:
"I am deeply disappointed by the Israeli plans to expand settlements, advancing the
construction of over 2300 housing units.
Any unilateral action prejudging final status issues threatens the current peace negotiations
and, as a consequence, the two-state solution.
This has been repeatedly stressed by the international community. The 28 Foreign Ministers
of the Member States of the European Union unanimously warned against actions that
undermine the current negotiations and deplored Israel's continuous expansion of
settlements. I urge the Israeli authorities to reconsider their plans and to reverse their
decision.
The current peace talks represent a unique opportunity for both Israelis and Palestinians. A
final peace agreement will bring huge benefits to both peoples. Such an historic opportunity
should not be squandered."