“As long as I can think, I was convinced
of two very simple facts. First, there is no Europe without European Jews. And
second, Europe and Israel are bound to be friends and allies.” This emotional and historical quote is
from the speech made by the President of the European Commission during her
visit to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev last June. It captures the essence
of the unbreakable bond between Europe and Israel. These ties are based on a common
history, shared values and true partnership. The EU and Israel have close relations in many fields, such
as culture, people-to-people, tourism, education, research, health, innovation,
security and trade, with the EU being Israel's largest trading partner, while
Israel is the EU's largest trading partner in the Mediterranean.Today more than ever, it is imperative
that our partnership will get stronger, as the challenges we are facing today have
never been greater. Climate change, the energy crisis, the fight against
COVID-19 pandemic, and a war taking place right at the doorstep of Europe, have
all put the free democratic world to the test. Meanwhile, past threats did not
disappear. An extreme radical regime and its proxies try to destabilize the
Middle East and to gain influence throughout the region. By arming and financing
Hezbollah, Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, the Iranian regime does its utmost to
extinguish any hope for stability and peace. Facing these tremendous challenges,
the European Union and Israel have become closer.
In the past year, we witnessed an
unprecedented acceleration in our bilateral relations. It began with the visit
of Foreign Minister Yair Lapid in July 2021, who has put the EU on top of his
foreign policy agenda, and continued with high-level official visits from the
EU. The President of the European Parliament chose Israel for her first
official visit outside of Europe in May 2022, the President of the European Commission
visited Israel in June 2022, the European Commissioner for Neighborhood and
Enlargement visited in March 2022, and the President of the European Investment
Bank visited in May 2022.
These recent positive developments
have culminated in reconvening the EU-Israel Association Council after a
decade-long hiatus. In terms of practical cooperation, we have also made
significant progress. For example, we have concluded negotiations with Europol
on tackling cross-border crime. In terms of research cooperation, Israel has joined
the Horizon Europe program (21'-27'), bringing together the bright minds of European
and Israeli scientists to work on innovative solutions for global challenges. The
global challenges we are facing require global cooperation - no single country
can cope with security threats or the energy crisis on its own.
Last month we marked two years since
the signing of the historic Abraham Accords. As former Director of the Middle East
Division, I had the privilege to take part in this historic event, and lead the
efforts to open our embassies in Abu-Dhabi, Manama and Rabat. Ever since, we
have witnessed a remarkable change in the region. Relations between Israel and
its allies in the Middle East are blooming, with successful cooperation in the
fields of trade, culture, tourism and more. We are looking to share the fruits
of this achievement with the EU as well, and so we are exploring opportunities
for trilateral cooperation on joint initiatives. We recently had a first of its
kind trilateral meeting between the EU, Morocco and Israel, discussing
opportunities for cooperation on water.
I am a strong believer in the benefits
of the Abraham Accords, and I can see the remarkable potential of the EU taking
an active part in this process. The EU, with its unique experience of being
born from the ashes of WWII to foster European cooperation and peace, can
recognize the immense potential of regional cooperation in the Middle East. Thus,
the EU can play a central role in the historic change in the Middle East, building
bridges and partnerships in the region, for the benefit of all.
When it comes to energy, Israel is
eager to join the EU's efforts in diversifying its sources of energy as well as
to develop renewable energy sources. The Memorandum of Understanding on gas
exports between the EU, Israel and Egypt, signed in June 2022, is a great
example demonstrating the benefits of regional cooperation in the changing
Middle East. Furthermore, Israel's pioneering role in the development of green,
energy-efficient, cutting-edge technologies could contribute to the EU's
efforts in tackling the energy crisis and stand by its commitment to transition
to a carbon-neutral society by 2050.
By deepening our existing relations
with the EU, expanding them to new fields and maintaining the unprecedented
momentum in our bilateral relations, we can overcome the challenges we face
today and turn them into new opportunities - making the world a better place
for our children.