Joint statement on the decision of the Foreign Affairs Council to relaunch the Association Council with Israel

Brussels, 19 July 2022

The Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, David McAllister (EPP, Germany), and the Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for relations with Israel, Antonio LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ WHITE (EPP, Spain), said:

„We warmly welcome the decision of the Foreign Affairs Council to relaunch the Association Council with Israel.

The Association Council, established by the Association Agreement between the European Union and Israel, aimed to ensure continuous political dialogue between both parties. Yet this vital part of our relationship has not held a formal meeting for almost ten years, despite pressing challenges and significant shared opportunities.

The decision of Foreign Affairs Council follows a petition by more than 160 Members of the European Parliament calling for its renewal. In their letter to the Commission, MEPs stated that „democracies like Europe and Israel should come closer together“ and that „our relationship can be of great value in the face of mounting challenges“. Yesterday’s momentous decision is a significant step forward in our relationship.“

Background

EU Foreign Affairs Council approved yesterday the revival of the EU-Israel Association Council, an annual high-level dialogue between the countries that last convened in 2013.

Source; https://www.europarl.europa.eu/delegations/en/d-il/documents/communiques