The Israeli Partnership with the European Union
European Council President António Costa stated on Friday, June 27, 2025, during the Brussels summit, that Israel violates the partnership conditions signed with the European Union, describing the situation in Gaza as "catastrophic and unacceptable" in terms of lack of respect for human rights.
What is the Israeli-European Partnership Agreement?
The partnership between the European Union and Israel is considered one of the strongest and most comprehensive partnerships that the Union establishes with a non-European state, and it is a multi-dimensional partnership.
Legal and Institutional Framework
- European/Israeli Partnership Agreement: Entered into force in 2000, and is the basic framework for relations between the two sides
- European Neighborhood Program (ENP): Israel has been part of it since 2004
- Sectoral agreements: Including scientific research, transport, education, and security
Trade and Economic Exchange
The European Union is Israel's largest trading partner, with a share of more than 30% of its total foreign trade. In 2023, Israeli exports to the Union amounted to about 17 billion euros, while European imports to Israel exceeded 22 billion euros.
Scientific and Technological Cooperation
Israel is one of the non-member countries that fully benefits from the European Union's research programs such as Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe.
Expected Impact of Suspending the Partnership
The suspension of the European/Israeli partnership would have deep strategic effects on Israel at all economic, political, diplomatic and scientific levels.