European Union expresses concern over Israel's boycott law

''The European Union put out a carefully worded but clearly critical statement on the new Israeli boycott law on Wednesday, saying it intended to “discuss this matter and raise our concerns with the Israeli authorities."

"The EU recognizes Israel's sovereignty in the legislative process.Furthermore, the EU does not advocate boycotts," a spokesperson for foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said in a statement.

"However, as part of such fundamental values as free expression and speech that the EU cherishes and shares with Israel, we are concerned about the effect that this legislation may have on the freedom of Israeli citizens and organizations to express non-violent political opinions"