Published by Euractiv
Facing tremendous challenges at the regional and the global level, it is timely that we join hands to maintain the unprecedented momentum and instil a new dynamic in EU-Israel relations, writes Ambassador Haim Regev.
Haim Regev is the Israeli ambassador to the EU.
“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 Neighbourhood 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, 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 developing 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