Re-establishment of the EU-Israel Association Council under the new EU leadership

7.2.2020

Question for written answer E-000760/2020
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 138
Antonio López-Istúriz White (PPE)

Israel has been a strategic and close ally of the European Union, since even before the signature in 1995 of the Association Agreement between the two. Despite that, the Association Council, which the agreement provides for and which aims to ensure political dialogue between both parties, has not held a formal meeting since 2012.

Some Member States are determined to block the holding of these meetings as a way of boycotting Israel over its policy vis-à-vis Palestine. Instead of sitting around a table to discuss the matter, these Member States prefer to veto EU-Israel bilateral talks, something that is clearly harming the advancement of EU-Israel relations and progress towards peace and understanding in the region.

The recent developments and rise in tensions in the Middle East make the need for fluid dialogue with Israel essential. The change in the EU’s leadership is the perfect opportunity to resume contact through the Association Council and to improve relations with the country.

What steps does the European External Action Service intend to take in order to re-establish the dialogue between the two parties and push for a new meeting of the EU-Israel Association Council?