EU and Israel forge closer links
Israel and the European Union have agreed plans to forge closer ties on everything from fighting terrorism to promoting free trade as part of the EU’s efforts to strengthen relations with nearby countries.
Israeli foreign minister Silvan Shalom said the deal would bring “real and tangible benefits” to trade and political links.
Shalom and Dutch foreign minister Ben Bot, whose country holds the rotating EU presidency, agreed to the new plan during a regular meeting of their association council.
Shalom said that despite many disagreements in the past, the EU and Israel were working more closely in fighting terrorism, and reiterated calls for the EU to place the Lebanese guerrilla group Hezbollah on its terrorist black list.
Relations between the 25-nation bloc and Israel had been strained in recent years over how to bring peace to the Middle East.
But Javier Solana, the EU’s foreign policy chief, said relations had improved.
“The atmosphere has changed,” Solana said. “Let’s hope that it will bring better relations between Israel and the EU.”
Israel was the first country to sign up to the EU’s new ”European Neighbourhood” policy. The project seeks to improve ties with Moldova, Ukraine, Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
The bilateral deals are aimed at making Europe more secure by bringing stability and prosperity to volatile regions near its borders.
EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner has said the countries will qualify for easy access to the EU’s 450 million consumers if they bring their laws in line with EU regulations.
Israel, which will be the first of the group to agree to the plan, will get closer cooperation, more financial aid and chances to participate in EU education, research, energy and other programmes.
Under the accord, the partnership countries also agree to combat terrorism, illegal immigration, organised crime and to commit to good governance, the rule of law and human rights.
It also includes a commitment to cooperate on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
The accord will cover bilateral ties for the next three to five years, and exclude future EU membership.
Negotiations with Israel have been difficult. Israel can look forward to better access to the EU market for its exports, but it had to formally acknowledge that the EU has role to play in Middle East peacemaking, together with the United States, the United Nations and Russia.
