EU‑Middle East dialogue

25.8.2006

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3765/06
by Vito Bonsignore (PPE‑DE) , Iles Braghetto (PPE‑DE) , Giorgio Carollo (PPE‑DE) and Carlo Casini (PPE‑DE)
to the Council

Since it is both within the EU's capabilities and in its interest to engage in dialogue with all countries and political actors on the Middle Eastern chessboard, does the Council believe that negotiations should now be opened for Israel's accession to the EU?

The Union's close trade relations with Israel, the recognition of the shared Judeo-Christian religious heritage, Israel's clear commitment (similar to that of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union) to human rights and fundamental freedoms in both internal and international policies, as established in the bilateral EU‑Israel agreement of 1995, are all factors suggesting that it is time to go beyond the provisions of Article 49 of the TEU concerning the geographical qualifications for Union membership.

Only dialogue can truly influence military developments, and only by that route can the EU show that it is a political entity capable of ensuring development in the Mediterranean region on the basis of respect for the different cultural and religious identities.

Does the Council believe that the Member States should promote a single position with regard to Union policy in the Middle East, especially in the light of UN Resolution No 1701?

Is the Council in a position to act to protect the sovereignty of Israel and Lebanon on their own territory?

What initiatives will the Council promote to prevent any further supplying of arms by Iran and Syria to irregular militias of terrorist inclinations?

What short- and long-term measures will the Council take to deal with the dramatic situation of the Palestinian refugees who have been wandering stateless for three generations?

What policy will the Council adopt to support the Member States in encouraging strategic investment in education and developing effective proposals for cultural and religious integration in the context of immigration from third countries?

OJ C 329, 30/12/2006