Profound Transformations
Europe and the Middle East are undergoing profound transformations. But how are European decision-makers’ priorities shifting in response to this geopolitical turning point? ELNET’s latest edition of the Israel Survey provides answers. Based on responses from more than 1,000 parliamentarians from 35 European countries, the study brings together – for the first time – the results of four separate survey waves conducted since 2022.
Foundations
The foundation of relations remains stable. Despite ongoing political crises, an average of 70 percent of respondents rate their country’s relationship with Israel as good or very good. In 2025, 68 percent support a further deepening of cooperation. However, parliamentary priorities have shifted significantly since the first survey wave. While only 24 percent of respondents favored closer defense cooperation with Israel in 2022, that figure has risen to 57 percent in 2025. At the same time, perceptions of security threats have evolved: Iran is now ranked as the second-greatest threat to European security, after Russia. Clear trends are also evident on the issue of antisemitism. Israel-related antisemitism is now seen as a serious problem by 75 percent of respondents, up from 57 percent last year.
Perceptions
Notably, perceptions of its political sources have shifted: while concern about right-wing and everyday antisemitism has declined, antisemitism originating from Islamist circles and the political left is now identified far more frequently as a central threat. At the same time, the survey reveals a growing strategic maturity in European policy towards the Middle East. 68 percent of respondents now support the dissolution of UNRWA and the transfer of its responsibilities to other organizations.
Peace Efforts
Support for regional partnerships is also increasing: 86 percent favor a stronger role for Arab states in advancing peace efforts, and 74 percent support closer integration of Israel into NATO. Carsten Ovens, CEO of the European Leadership Network in Berlin, commented:
