The European Union (EU) on Tuesday expressed its serious concern over Israel's approval of additional settlement construction in the West Bank.

"Settlements are illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace," said Sweden, which currently holds the EU's rotating presidency, in the statement.

Israel should immediately end settlement activities, including in East Jerusalem and including natural growth, and to dismantle all outposts erected since March 2001, the statement added.

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak Monday approved the construction of 366 housing units in several Jewish settlements in the West Bank, according to reports from Israel.

Besides the 366 new homes, Barak is also expected to approve another dozens of housing units in the coming days, the reports said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 9, 2009)