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Israel and Europe

Stopping annexation and advancing normalization in Trump-world: A framework for European policy makers

Stopping annexation and advancing normalization in Trump-world: A framework for European policy makers

This document is part of a series of policy papers within a joint project of the Mitvim Institute and the Berl Katznelson Foundation, aimed at thinking about the day after the war.

Tomorrow’s Global Superhighway

Tomorrow’s Global Superhighway

Why the US should appoint a special envoy for the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor? Ambitious India-Middle East-Europe corridor gains momentum amidst geopolitical shifts and renewed diplomatic

The EU-Israel Association Council: Harsh Criticism of Israel Alongside Desire to Advance Relations

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who last year wanted to suspend the Association Agreement, stated that the meeting did not take place under a “business as usual” atmosphere. And yet,

A “Revitalized” EUBAM Rafah? One Avenue for Eu’s Involvement in the “Day After” in Gaza

The re-deployment of the European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah) emerges as one crucial component for promoting stability and governance in Gaza

Europe’s Response to the War in Gaza: Capabilities and Actorness

The European Union’s response to the war in Gaza has been widely criticized as irrelevant and incoherent, casting doubt on its ability to become a credible player in the region. While the EU is

The EU’s Possible Role in the ‘Day After’ the Gaza War according to a Reverse Engineering Roadmap

The paper outlines the existing and potential role of the EU in helping to shape a sustainable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the aftermath of the Gaza war under new Israeli

Netanyahu’s way of governance leads to unilateral recognition of Palestinian state

Israel must repudiate Netanyahu’s lack of statesmanship, which is leading Western countries to recognize a Palestinian state that could become a real Hamastan. The flood of Western

EU on Palestine: Is There a Credible Peace Plan?

The UN General Assembly passed on Friday with overwhelming majority a resolution which upgrades Palestine’s rights at the world body as an observer state, without offering it full membership. In

EU cannot receive racist minister Ben Gvir on Europe Day in Israel

Many Europeans would look at Israel and say that democracy and occupation cannot go together. They are right. Others would say that Israel is a thriving democracy and appreciate the impressive

5 lessons for Israel from the Czech struggle for democracy

If we learn lessons from the Czech case, it becomes clear that Israeli civil society must emphasize the righteousness of its cause beyond the borders of Tel Aviv.

The German “Zeitenwende” still goes unnoticed in Israel

A year ago, in February 2022, Chancellor Scholz delivered a policy statement in the Bundestag, as a response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He spoke about a watershed moment, which requires

Is Israel democratic? The new talking point for Netanyahu abroad

Those who have closely monitored Israel-France relations over the years often conclude that understanding them requires psychological rather than political science expertise. The relationship is

EU Delegation to the PA propose joint development of Area C

A classified document that sets out a plan by the European Union Delegation to the Palestinian Authority proposing joint development of Area C was recently leaked. According to Channel 13

Israel-NATO Relations: Developing a New Strategic Concept

Israel’s relations with the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO) were never a focal point of its foreign and security policy. In fact, they have weakened since their peak in the 1990s. However,

Partnership Priorities with the EU – What (If Anything) Is Israel Missing?

This paper describes what EU Partnership Priorities (PP) are, why Israel hasn’t signed a PP agreement so far, and asks what Israel is missing out on by lacking an established set of PP with the EU.

Europol-Israel Police Operational Agreement: Enhanced cooperation with EU in combatting crime and terrorism

The Israeli Police and Europol, the European Union’s police agency, have been conducting negotiations over an operational agreement for several years. In September there was signing of end of

Europe’s efforts to quit Russian gas

European countries’ efforts to wean themselves off energy dependence on Russia continue. The European Energy Council held a meeting on June 26, during which Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson

The Significance of Convening the European Union – Israel Association Council

On July 18, 2022, the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union (EU) decided to move ahead with convening the EU-Israel Association Council (AC) after a decade-long hiatus. This paper

The EU and Israel should resume their suspended high-level dialogue

Some 100 European Parliament (EP) members and nine Knesset members (from the coalition and the opposition) sent a letter to European Union Foreign Affairs Minister Josep Borrell on June 23 urging

Democratic values: The heart of Europe- Israel relations – opinion

The strongest bond that Europe and Israel share “is our belief in democracy and in democratic values,” said president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in her speech at Ben-Gurion

Democratic Backsliding and Securitization: Challenges for Israel, the EU, and Israel-Europe Relations

This report analyses the illiberal trends and democratic backsliding that can be seen in both Europe and Israel, and is a product of a two year project between Mitvim, PAX for Peace Netherlands,

Leaving Illiberalism Behind: An Opportunity to Establish a New Liberal Foundation in EU-Israel Relations?

This policy paper analyzes the global surge of illiberal trends that has affected Israel and several EU member states. It considers the opportunity to strengthen EU-Israel relations on the basis

Is there room for Israel in the EU’s newly proposed political alliance?

Prompted by the conflict in Ukraine, the EU is redefining its relations with the second tier of its friends and allies and examining which of them shares its democratic-liberal values. At a

Exporting Israel’s gas to Europe: An initial but momentous step- opinion

Since the discovery of off shore natural gas last decade, Israeli officials have ambitiously pursued an export agreement that would deliver natural gas to Europe. And last week, Israel took its

Israel’s balancing act still not enough for Russia

Since the beginning of Russia’s war on Ukraine, Israel has been struggling with a balancing act: tiptoeing between pleasing its Western allies and keeping in check its powerful Russian-influenced

Russia’s Chilling Manifesto for Genocide in Ukraine

“The peculiarity of modern, nazified Ukraine is in its formlessness and ambivalence, which disguises Nazism as a desire for ‘independence’ and a ‘European’ (Western,

Dancing In Two Weddings: Israel Balances Russia and Ukraine

Every Saturday night for the last four weeks, thousands of Israelis have been gathering at Habima Square in Tel Aviv to offer their support to Ukraine. Waving signs and blue-and-yellow flags,

Israel’s delicate navigation in the Russia-Ukraine war – opinion

When considering Israel’s diplomatic maneuvering options in the face of Russia’s war on Ukraine, it is important to first take stock of the fundamental, relevant facts. The first of these is that

Can Israel Cope With the Immigrant Wave From Russia’s War on Ukraine, Jews and non-Jews Alike?

Three decades after the fall of the Soviet empire, and in the wake of Russia’s invasion, Israel is once again facing a significant spike in Jewish immigration from Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. It

The Real Danger of Putin’s ‘Nazi’ Slur for Ukraine, Israel and the World

“When we are told that Ukrainian nationalism and neo-Nazism are a myth, ‘propaganda invented by Russia,’ they are obviously counting on someone who is not familiar with the history of the

Is Bennett gambling Israel’s international standing away?

Two Middle Eastern leaders are now busy working to mediate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine: Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Both countries have

Russia-Ukraine war may be a defining moment, Israel must make a choice – opinion

History is replete with defining moments, most of which are only recognized after the fact. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine could very well turn out to be a defining moment in the struggle for world

Russia-Ukraine war is Europe’s hour to act

“This is the hour of Europe,” Luxembourg’s foreign minister declared in June 1992, when civil war broke out in the disintegrating Yugoslav Republic. His statement proved hollow. When European

Russia’s Next Target for Intimidation Could Be Israel

As Russia pounds Ukrainian cities and flaunts its nuclear weapons, there is little doubt that the implications of the war between Russia and the West will be felt globally—and the relations

Chechens Are Fighting on Both Sides of Russian-Ukrainian Conflict

mages of Chechen fighters preparing to join the battle in Ukraine on behalf of Russian troops spread widely on social media networks in the early days of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Ramzan

Israel Weighs Its Neutrality on Russia-Ukraine Conflict

While Western countries mull sanctions against Russia after it formally recognized the independence of two self-proclaimed republics in eastern Ukraine, Israel is busy reshaping its attitude

By threat or raw power, Russia is determined to get its way in a post-Soviet world

On March 24, 1999, then-Russian prime minister Yevgeny Primakov was en route to the US for a visit. While flying over the Atlantic, he was informed that NATO forces had begun bombing Yugoslavia

The war in Ukraine that hasn’t happened and how the media failed

Ukrainian parents received a text message from the Education Ministry on Tuesday that called on them to send their children to school the following day in national outfits to celebrate the Unity

Jerusalem Tries to Navigate Russia-US-Israel Triangle Over Ukraine Conflict

The war clouds over Ukraine grow ever darker as Russian forces amass on the borders, on three sides, and Western media speculate on when exactly “D-Day” will come. Western diplomats are leaving

Judgments by the Court of Justice of the EU on the EU’s Trade with Israel’s Disputed Territories

The EU is one of the largest trading partners of the Disputed Territories (DTs) in the world. The Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) reaffirmed the EU’s differentiation policy between Israeli

Renewed Partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood: Implications for Israel

On 10 May 2021, Mitvim – The Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies, The Israeli Association for the Study of European Integration and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung conducted an

Improving access to the EU’s market for services

Regulatory heterogeneity between Israel and its key trading partners restricts the potential for bilateral trade. Approximation of the European Union’s regulatory standards would contribute to

Principles and Recommendations for Israel’s Foreign Policy Towards the EU; Recommendations from a Mitvim Institute Task-Team

Relations with the EU are a strategic asset and central element to Israel. Not only is Europe Israel’s largest trading partner, but Europe also provides a pillar of norms and values with which

How Israel-EU relations have been impacted
by Germany’s Council presidency

From July to December 2020, Israel had a window of political opportunity: Germany’s six-month period at the presidency of the Council of the European Union handed Israel an opportunity to improve

How Did Israel-EU Relations Evolve During
Germany’s Presidency of the Council of the EU?

Between July to December 2020 Israel had a political window of opportunity: Germany’s six-month period at the Presidency of the Council of the EU. It handed Israel an opportunity to improve its

Israel’s Regional Foreign Policies: An Annual Assessment, November 2020

The Mitvim Institute presented its annual assessment of Israel’s regional foreign policies at its fourth annual conference on October 28, 2020. The conference was held in cooperation with the

Israel and the European Union: Enemies, A Love Story

Policy paper by Amb. (ret.) David Walzer

How will the Post-Election Israel-EU-US Triangle Shape Up?

Dr. Maya Sion-Tzidkiyahu on JPOST, towards the US elections

How will the post-election Israel-EU-US triangle shape up?

Dr. Maya Sion-Tzidkiyahu towards the US elections

A Window of Opportunity in Israel-EU Relations

Op-ed

EU Diplomacy and the Arab-Israeli Conflict: How Can Europe Effectively Promote Peace?

Conference Summary

Trump and Netanyahu’s Barefaced Gaslighting on the Israel-Kosovo Deal

The announcement that Israel and Kosovo have agreed to establish diplomatic relations is a welcome development for both nations. But as is often the case with Israel’s leadership, this

The Differences between the EU’s Differentiation Policy and the BDS Movement

July 2020

Israel, Annexation, and the EU’s Research and Development Program “Horizon”

The EU is examining how to respond to a possible Israeli annexation in the West Bank. One of the measures reportedly under consideration is to limit Israel’s participation in the EU’s “Horizon”

European Responses to an Israeli Annexation in the West Bank: From Statements to Actions?

Conference Summary, July 2020

The EU and Israel Should Resume Their Suspended High-Level Dialogue

July 2020

Europe’s Initial Reactions to Israel’s Annexation Intentions

US President Donald Trump’s plan for resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, presented in January 2020, was perceived in Jerusalem as a green light to annexation of some 30 percent

Israel, the EU and Annexation Intentions

Israel has been increasingly critical of the EU in recent days, as multiple European leaders are voicing their opposition to a possible Israeli annexation in the West Bank. The Israeli response

The EU in Times of Coronavirus: A View from Israel

The Coronavirus crisis and its impact on Europe has re-ignited the argument over the EU’s future prospects. While the Coronavirus crisis is global, each state has adopted its own coping strategy.

Coronavirus Outbreak: An Important Test for Globalization

The quick-fire coronavirus spread and the response of different countries to it, not only highlight immediate concerns about public health, but also have a significant impact on the evolving

Attacking the EU for Domestic Political Gains is Wrong

No one in Israel was particularly surprised when the EU’s new foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned that Israeli annexation of territories would not go “unchallenged”. Foreign Minister Israel

Ten trends in Israel’s regional foreign policies July-December 2019

Every six months, the Mitvim Institute maps key trends in Israel’s regional foreign policies, based on the institute’s monthly reports that monitor ongoing developments. From July through

When Israelis and Palestinians Meet at the European Parliament

Less than a month before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Brussels, we – a group of young Israelis and Palestinians – arrived at the European Parliament for a second meeting of the

Israel-EU relations: An annual assessment

The prevailing, negative attitudes in Israel toward the EU, as reflected in the 2019 Israeli Foreign Policy Index of the Mitvim Institute, differ greatly from the facts on the ground. The

The Limited European Leverage over Israel

Israel and the EU maintain exceedingly close relations with each other. The EU is Israel’s largest trading partner and has extensive cultural and political ties to the country. Despite this,

הארץ

The Real Danger that Brexit Poses for Israel

When Israelis ask what Brexit means for them, many will think of economy and trade, and about diplomatic relations with Britain and Europe. These are important, but in considering Brexit’s

Istanbul’s Message of Hope for the Israeli Opposition

Under the leadership of Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz, the Blue and White party has frequently warned voters of the “Erdoğanization” of Israel under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In other

Guiding Principles for Israel’s Foreign Policy toward the EU

Ties with the EU are a strategic asset for the State of Israel. Europe is Israel’s largest trading partner, a source of political and defense support (despite disagreements), an anchor of shared

Europe’s Far-Right Is Blocked, for Now; Israel Should Help This Continue

The May 2019 elections to the European Parliament have blocked the storming of the continent’s parliament and of the EU’s institutions by the far-right, for now. However, the conservative and

The European Parliament Elections Results: Possible Significance for Europe and Israel

A policy roundtable on the 2019 European Parliament elections results and their possible significance for Europe and Israel took place on 30 May 2019 at Tel Aviv University. It was organized by

Recalibrating the Course of Israel-EU Relations

The formation of a new Israeli government provides an opportunity to rethink the course of Israel’s policy vis-à-vis the EU. Israel-EU relations need to be handled differently, in a manner that

Divided and Divisive: Europeans, Israel and Israeli-Palestinian Peacemaking

Over the last 40 years, since the 1979 Israel-Egypt peace treaty (that alluded to but did not solve the Palestinian question) and the European Community’s 1980 Venice Declaration, Europe has been

Pompeo, the Israel-Greece-Cyprus Alliance, and the EastMed Pipeline

As the Purim holiday arrives, many are looking forward to a break from the country’s exhausting election cycle. But for Prime Minister Netanyahu, Wednesday evening was an opportunity to reinforce

Mogherini’s Meeting with Arab Legislators from Israel

The EU quite frequently expresses criticism over Israeli policies and legislation that damage prospects of achieving the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts or that run

Orban in Jerusalem: Challenging Days for Europe-Israel Relations

The modern State of Israel was established 70 years ago based on humanistic and pluralistic values, noble standards of equality and solidarity among all people. While Jewish presence in the Holy

The Art of the (Israeli-Russian) Deal

On June 1, Russian Ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebenzya told the press that he “believes” that his country and Israel reached an agreement regarding “certain disengagement in the southwest of

Time for an Israel-Turkey Dialogue on Syria

Iranian involvement in Syria is increasing, bolstering Israeli motivation to influence Syria’s reality. Israel has carried out successful military moves in recent years in order to preserve its

The Eastern Mediterranean: New Dynamics and Potential for Cooperation

New dynamics are taking place in the Eastern Mediterranean. Signs of increased political cooperation between different countries, new opportunities for economic cooperation due to natural gas

Israel’s Partners in Europe: Yes to Democracies, No to the Far Right

The Israeli government and the Knesset are formulating approaches to address the rise of the far-right Austrian Freedom Party and the new Polish law regarding the Holocaust. In this effort, there

Israel’s Policy toward the Far-Right Party in Austria

The Israel-Austria Parliamentary Friendship Group, headed by MK Amir Peretz (Zionist Union), held a special meeting at the Knesset on 31 January 2018 to discuss Israel’s policy towards the

Israel Should Maintain its Boycott on Far-Right Parties in Europe

The Austrian Freedom Party, which is known for its anti-Semitic and Nazi roots, is part of the new coalition government in Vienna. Its leader, Heinz-Christian Strache, is Austria’s new

What do the German Election Results Mean for Israel, Europe, and the Peace Process?

On 27 September 2017, the Mitvim Institute and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung held a policy roundtable on the German election results and their impact on Israel, Europe and the peace process. The

Israel needs good relations with Europe

The European Union EU is facing great turmoil. Russia’s aggression in the east, the political change in the US and Brexit are all major obstacles on its way forward. These dramatic developments

Challenges to Democracy and Social Cohesion: Trilateral Strategic Dialogue

Israel faces a wave of anti-democratic sentiment and legislation that some have termed a ‘democratic recession.’ The country is grappling with the fundamental components of political power and

A Special Privileged Partnership with the EU as an incentive for Israeli-Palestinian peace

In December 2013, the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union (EU) offered to upgrade the bilateral relations between Israel and the EU to the level of Special Privileged Partnership (SPP)

Assessing EU Policies toward the Southern Mediterranean

Some 100 representatives of approximately 75 leading think tanks and research centers from across the Middle East, North Africa and the European Union (EU) gathered on 8-9 October 2015 in Milano

Straddling the East-West Divide: A Subjective Israeli Perspective on Muslim Immigration to Europe

Israelis’ perception of the phenomenon of Muslim immigration to Europe is characterized by trepidation that is deeply rooted in the shared history of Jews and the peoples on the European

The Post-Referendum Greece: Between Challenges and Hope

On Sunday, July 5, 2015, the Greek people gave a clear ‘No’ to a proposed bailout deal by the Troika (the European Commission, International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank). Though the

Syriza’s Victory and Greek-Israeli Relations

The Coalition of Radical Left (Syriza) was the big winner of the Greek national elections of January 15, 2015, as expected. With 36.34% of the votes, Syriza and its leader (now Prime Minister)

Kosovo and its Relationship with Israel

In February 2015, Dr. Enver Hoxhaj, a Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Kosovo, Chairman of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, and Kosovo’s former Foreign Minister, visited

The European Parliament Elections and Israeli-EU Relations

Following the May 2014 elections for the European parliament, the Mitvim Institute and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung convened an experts’ workshop to analyze the election results and their impact

The EU and Israel: Much ado about love

As Israel and the European Union this week initialed an agreement paving the way for Israel’s participation in the mega European research funding program known as Horizon 2020, they will be

Time to Recognize Kosovo

Four years ago this Friday, on Friday, February 17, 2008, the Republic of Kosovo declared its independence. This move, which followed years of failed international efforts to broker a compromise

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