Brussels – 24 February 2024 - The AJC Transatlantic Institute, the Brussels-based office of the American Jewish Committee, warmly welcomes today’s meeting of the EU-Israel Association Council, reaffirming the importance of strengthening ties between Israel and the European Union. 

“AJC has long advocated for closer EU-Israel relations, and we are, therefore, extremely satisfied to see a regular meeting of the Association Council take place,” said Benedetta Buttiglione, Interim Director of the AJC Transatlantic Institute. “Diplomatic engagement between the EU and Israel is more important than ever, as both face growing regional and global challenges.” 

The meeting comes at a particularly critical moment when heightened instability in the Middle East, the war in Gaza, and the increasing threats from Iran and its proxies demand closer coordination between allies. “Israel, as the only democracy in the region, shares fundamental Western values with the EU. Stronger cooperation between the two is not just desirable—it is essential for the security of Israel, Europe, and the wider region,” Buttiglione emphasized. “Israel has much to offer in areas such as innovation, security, research, and technology, and the EU should seize this opportunity to deepen collaboration with its most reliable regional partner.” 

At the same time, AJC recognizes that there are differences between the EU and Israel on how to approach the ongoing wars in the Middle East. “The Association Council provides an essential platform for constructive dialogue. We hope the EU will consider Israel’s legitimate security concerns, the urgency of freeing all remaining hostages held by Hamas, and the growing Iranian threat. Designating the IRGC as a terrorist entity is essential to ensure the security and stability of both Israel and Europe in the region,” Buttiglione stated. “AJC remains committed to working toward a two-state solution, which we believe is the key to achieving lasting peace and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians,” Buttiglione added. 

The EU-Israel Association Council, which resumed in 2022 after a ten-year pause, is the primary forum for high-level discussions on political and economic cooperation between the two partners. AJC has actively advocated for the strengthening of EU-Israel relations and will continue to engage policymakers on both sides to ensure that this vital relationship is further deepened.