Explainer: Europe and Israel

Explainer: Europe and Israel

Historical Background Unlike any other region of the world, Europe has had the most intimate, impactful and longest-lasting relationship with contemporary Israel and its origins. As the birthplace of Judaism and Christianity and with the…

Explainer Articles|January 31, 2025
A New Leadership at the European Union: A Chance for Better EU Ties with Israel?

A New Leadership at the European Union: A Chance for Better EU Ties with Israel?CIE+ members only

In late November 2019, the European Parliament ratified the appointments of Charles Michel as President of the European Council and Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission, as well as the appointments of the 27 commissioners under her responsibility over the next five years. The Commission is in effect Europe’s government, responsible for implementing the strategy of the European Union and for ongoing management of various issues assigned to it by its members. After a new government is formed in Israel, it would behoove the Foreign Ministry and the Israeli delegation in Brussels to prepare an agenda for a first meeting between the political leadership of the EU and Israel.

Issues and Analyses|December 19, 2019
Mission Impossible? Repairing the Ties between Europe and Israel

Mission Impossible? Repairing the Ties between Europe and IsraelCIE+ members only

The relationship between Israel and Europe is something even deeper than friendship, dearer than the affinity between Israelis and Europeans. It goes beyond economic, scientific, medical, technological, and security interests. It is also a relationship that involves a shared interest in the history of humankind itself, intertwined with historical, moral issues based on the fact that many Israelis are also of German, Italian, French, or British origin.

Issues and Analyses|December 17, 2018
While We Were Planning: Unexpected Developments in International Politics

While We Were Planning: Unexpected Developments in International PoliticsCIE+ members only

How might we have to imagine the Middle East if there were a political thaw between Iran and Saudi Arabia? Could Turkey leave NATO in the near future? What would happen if security-related EU databases were successfully hacked; if South Korea were to arm itself with nuclear weapons; or if an American woman were to head the United Nations? Of course, these situations, as explored in the SWP’s latest Foresight research paper, are only hypothetical. Why address them?

Issues and Analyses|September 22, 2018