The European Union expressed its regret over Israel’s outlawing of six human rights organizations in Palestine, saying thriving civil society and respect for fundamental freedoms are corner stones of open democracies.

“The EU takes very seriously the listing of six Palestinian organisations by Israel’s Ministry of Defence. These listings have far-reaching consequences for the organisations in political, legal and financial terms,” said Peter Stano, a lead spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in a statement.

The EU added that it was “proud of its continued support to civil society that contributes to peace efforts and confidence building between Israelis and Palestinians.”

“A thriving civil society and respect for fundamental freedoms are corner stones of open democracies. Civil society is an essential contributor to good governance, human rights, international law, democratic values and sustainable development in the EU, in Israel, Palestine and elsewhere,” the statement added.