The European Union will appeal a decision by its central court to remove Palestinian group Hamas from the EU terrorism blacklist.

Last month, the court annulled the designation of Hamas as a terrorist group and ended the freezing of Hamas funds on procedural grounds, although no cash will be released until the case is resolved.

The move was condemned by pro-Israel groups.

Yesterday, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini confirmed that the decision would be appealed by the Council of the EU.

She said: “The Council has now decided to challenge some of the findings of the court regarding the procedural grounds to list terrorist organisations under EU autonomous measures to combat terrorism.

“As a result of the appeal, the effects of the judgment are suspended until a final judgment is rendered by the Court of Justice.

“The EU institutions are also studying carefully other appropriate remedial actions that may be taken to avoid possible annulments in the future within the ongoing review process of EU autonomous measures to combat terrorism. The fight against terrorism remains a priority for the European Union. In this sense, the EU is determined to stem the financing of terrorism, for which EU autonomous measures are an essential tool.”