European Union foreign ministers offered the Israeli government a moment of satisfaction yesterday. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell announced July 18 that the EU Foreign Affairs Council decided to resume the Association Council meetings with Israel, which lays the legal and political framework for cooperation. Addressing the press, Borrell said that “the ministers exchanged on the resumption of the Association Council meetings with Israel. And they agreed that the Association Council is the highest forum for our bilateral relations. This Association Council has not met since 2012.”
Borrel then emphasized that “the position of the European Union has not changed with respect to the Middle East peace process. We continue with the same Council Conclusion of 2016 supporting the two-state solution. We know that the situation on the ground in the Palestinian territories is deteriorating, and I think — and the ministers agreed — that this Association Council would be a good occasion to engage with Israel about these issues. The date will be agreed mutually with Israel. But first, the European Union member states have to start working and determine a common European Union position, as with any Association Council meeting.”
Israel’s Prime Minister Yair Lapid, who continues to serve also as foreign minister, hailed Borrell’s announcement. A statement issued by his office said, "The fact that the 27 foreign ministers of the European Union unanimously voted in favor of strengthening economic and political ties with Israel is proof of Israel's diplomatic clout and the government's ability to create new opportunities with the international community."
The statement further noted, "The Association Council is the senior political body in charge of promoting all relations between Israel and the European Union, including on the political, economic and technological levels. The convening of the Association Council will enable Israel to continue to develop its relations with the European Union for the welfare of Israeli citizens."
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