Europe and Israel have been good friends, partners and neighbours for seven decades. This relationship is based on shared values and unique cultural, historical and political ties, on Europe’s unwavering commitment to the security of the State of Israel.

The holding of the Association Council is an important milestone and the Commission stands ready to prepare the ground for the negotiation of the EU-Israel Partnership Priorities.

We should continue shifting back in EU-Israel relations to its “natural partnership” as President von der Leyen said in Israel. While there are certain challenges to be addressed, one should not forget about the huge untapped potential to be exploited.

When it comes to our bilateral relations, the economic cooperation is strong, with significant exchange in services and an important flow of investments. The EU remains Israel’s first trading partner.

Furthermore, on the field of research and innovation, the cooperation continues to bring outstanding results, with over 5000 projects on record with many good stories to tell in technology, health, advanced manufacturing, food and biotechnology, environment and energy.

The EU is interested in particular in cooperation on water technologies due to the pressing needs in Europe and considering the Israeli expertise in this field.

The EU welcomes Israel’s commitment and increased ambition in climate action, such as the net-zero pledge by 2050. The measures included in Israel’s new climate law represent a remarkable step forward and a good base for engagement in the field of green transition. We see major opportunities for closer cooperation on renewable energy and energy efficiency, sustainable finance and adaptation to climate change.

In the field of cyber, we recall  the finalisation of negotiations in principle on the cooperation agreement between Europol and Israel. Serious crime and terrorism are global threats, which make cooperation with reliable security partners like Israel so important for our internal security.

The EU has reaffirmed a year ago its firm and unequivocal commitment to fight anti-Semitism and fostering Jewish life, both in the EU and beyond. All Member States have welcomed the Strategy and committed to adopt national strategies on combating anti-Semitism by the end of 2022. We will also use all available tools to call on partners at global level to fight anti-Semitism, taking into account the IHRA definition. It includes strongly condemning Holocaust denial, distortion and trivialization. We will not let anyone insult the memory of the six million Jewish people who died in the Holocaust. We need to make sure that our political commitment goes beyond statements and deliver results with impact on the ground. It means no EU funding can contribute to incitement to hatred or violence, or antisemitism. It means no EU taxpayers money can finance education that is not in full compliance with UNESCO standards. It means foster better understanding of Jewish life and tradition, intercultural and interreligious dialogue, increased protection for Jewish cemeteries, synagogues, and last but not least, promote Holocaust remembrance in schools and universities.

War is back on our continent, with immense suffering and far-reaching repercussions beyond Ukraine, including for the Southern Neighbourhood. Under these circumstances, it is ever more essential for the EU and Israel to address these challenges together. And to try to end this war as soon as possible.

A good example of that is the landmark trilateral agreement between the EU, Israel and Egypt on energy will provide long-term and reliable partners to ensure energy security and diversification of supply to Europe. It is imperative to deliver ahead of the winter and we strongly support Israel’s plans to increase gas pipeline capacity to Egypt.

Undoubtedly, we have begun a new chapter in the EU-Israel relationship and it becomes ever more relevant for the prosperity and stability of Europe, Israel and the neighbourhood.