Europe has enormous strategic, political and economic importance in the world and certainly for Israel. Its historic and geopolitical connection to the Middle East as well as its proximity to the region make Europe an important player in the region.
The European Union consists of 27 member states who jointly form a leading global economic and diplomatic power, with presence in important institutions and political frameworks such the UN, NATO, P5+1, G7 and G20. The EU is the second largest economic block and Israel’s largest trading partner, as well as a major contributor to Israeli science and innovation.
The EU and Israel cooperate in many policy areas, such as trade, culture, science, energy, and security. Middle East stability is critical to the EU and Israel, and both parties share an interest in resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict. Israel is an important trading partner for the EU in the Mediterranean region and has proven to be one of the world’s most resilient economies. Israel is a global innovation leader in science and technology, high-tech, cyber security, agriculture, water and energy. Israel is a key participant and beneficiary of EU scientific programs such as Horizon 2020.
ELNET in Brussels
ELNET-EU & NATO was established in Brussels in 2016. Led by an international board and headed by Matthijs Schüssler, Executive Director, the Brussels office conducts annual strategic dialogues between EU and Israel, as well as seminars, conferences and roundtables involving high-level NATO, EU and Israeli officials and experts on critical issues such as counter-terrorism, cyber security cooperation, and Middle East stability. The ELNET Brussels Office is also a strategic partner of the German Marshall Fund’s Brussels Forum.
President of the European Union Visits Israel as ELNET hosts her Vice President
This week European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, came on a historic visit to Israel. In parallel, ELNET brought a delegation of two top Members of the European Parliament to Israel for a fascinating program, part of which overlapped with the President’s visit.
European Parliament prevents EU funding from reaching terrorists
The European Parliament reaffirmed its commitment to prevent EU taxpayer money from reaching individuals or entities linked to terrorism or radicalization.
ELNET Delegation Featured in Reuters Report
Reuters reports about a delegation of European Parliament members hosted by ELNET in Israel in November 2021.
EU, Israel should advance Green Deal together for the climate – Op-Ed
Europe’s global leadership on climate change through the Green Deal is a new opportunity for closer cooperation with Israel’s booming greentech sector, for the benefit and the stability of the entire region
ELNET Hosts Senior European Parliament Members in Israel for a First Post-Covid Visit
In November 2021, ELNET hosted the first delegation from the European Parliament to visit Israel in two years.
Letter to HR/VP Borrell on Iran’s Nuclear Threat
ELNET calls on the EU, as well as the governments of the E3, the UK, France, and Germany, to firmly respond to the imminent threat that the Iranian nuclear activity poses to Europe and its allies in the Middle East.
Matthijs Schüssler
Dafna Friedman
