EN    EN  COMMISSION OF THE E UROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, 9.12.2004 
COM(2004) 790 final 
  
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL DECISION 
on the position to be adopted by th e Communities and their Member States  
within the Association Council establishe d by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement 
establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member 
States, of the one part, and the State of Is rael, of the other part, with regard to the 
adoption of a Recommendation on the implementation of the EU-Israel Action Plan 
 
 2    EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM  
The 2002 Copenhagen European Council, closing accession negotiations with ten new States, 
recognised that enlargement presented an importa nt opportunity to take forward relations with 
neighbouring countries based on shared values , and stated that the Union remained 
determined to avoid new dividing lines in Eur ope and to promote stability and prosperity 
within and beyond the new borders of the Union. 
The Commission Communication “Wider Eur ope - Neighbourhood: A New Framework for 
Relations with our Eastern and Southern Neighbours” of March 20031 proposed the 
establishment of Action Plans with partner countries. On 16 June 2003, the Council welcomed 
this Communication and invited the Commission, with the contribu tion, where appropriate, of 
the High Representative, to pr esent proposals for Action Plans fo r all countries concerned as 
appropriate, commencing with Ukraine, Moldova,  and Southern Mediterranean partners with 
Association Agreements. 
On 14 June 2004, the Council welcomed th e Commission Communi cation “European 
Neighbourhood Policy – Strategy Paper”2. The Council also welcomed the Commission 
proposal to pursue the European Neighbourhoo d Policy (ENP) through Action Plans to be 
agreed jointly with the nei ghbouring countries concerned a nd invited the Commission to 
propose such Action Plans. Action Plans should have a minimum durati on of three years and 
be subject to renewal by mutual consent. Th ey should be based on co mmon principles but be 
differentiated, as appropriate, taking into account the specificities of each neighbour, its 
national reform processes and its relations with the EU. Action Plans should be comprehensive but at the same time identify cl early a limited number of key priorities and 
offer real incentives for reform. Action Plans should also contribute, where possible, to 
regional cooperation. The Council also defined how to advance and monitor implementation 
of action plans.  
The Commission, in close cooperation with th e Presidency and the High Representative on 
issues related to political coope ration and the CFSP, has held exploratory talks with Israel 
which have resulted in agreement on a draft Acti on Plan. It covers a timef rame of three years. 
Its implementation will help fulfil the provision s in the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement and 
will contribute to an increasingl y close relationship w ith Israel, involving a significant degree 
of economic integration and a deepening of political co-operation. Implementation of the 
Action Plan will significantly a dvance the approximation of Isr ael’s legislation, norms and 
standards to those of the European Union. 
The Action Plan is a broad tool for economic an d political co-operation, carrying to a further 
stage the commitments and objectives containe d in the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement. 
In accordance with the Council Co nclusions of 14 June 2004, stip ulating that the Action Plans 
will be approved by the Council and subsequently  endorsed by the respective Association or 
Co-operation Councils, the Commission attaches the text of a proposal for a Council Decision 
on the position to be taken by the Communities and their Member States within the EU-Israel Association Council with regard to the adop tion of a Recommendation on the implementation 
of the Action Plan in annex.  
                                                
 
1 COM(2003)104 
2 COM(2004)373 
 
 3    The Commission therefore requests the Council to adopt the attached proposal for a Council 
Decision. 
 
 4    Proposal for a 
COUNCIL DECISION 
on the position to be adopted by th e Communities and their Member States  
within the Association Council establishe d by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement 
establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member 
States, of the one part, and the State of Is rael, of the other part, with regard to the 
adoption of a Recommendation on the implementation of the EU-Israel Action Plan 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 
Having regard to Article 2 (1) of the C ouncil and Commission Decision 2000/384/EC, ECSC 
of 19 April 2000 on the conclusion of a Eu ro-Mediterranean Agreement between the 
European Communities and their Member States, of  the one part, and Israel, of the other part; 
Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, in particular Article 15 thereof; 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission;3 
Whereas: (1) The Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establis hing an association be tween the European 
Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the State of Israel, of the 
other part, was signed on 20 November 1995 and entered into force on 1 June 2000; 
(2) The Parties have agreed an EU-Israel Action Plan, which will support the 
implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement through the elaboration and 
agreement of concrete steps towa rds attainment of  its objectives. 
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: 
Sole Article 
The position to be adopted by the Communities and their Member States within the 
Association Council established by the Euro-M editerranean Agreement establishing an 
association between the European Communities a nd their Member States, of the one part, and 
the State of Israel, of the other part, with rega rd to the implementation of the EU-Israel Action 
Plan shall be based on the draft Recommendati on of the Association Council annexed to this 
Decision. 
                                                
 
3 OJ C […] […], p. […] 
 
 5    Done at Brussels,  
 For the Council 
 The President   
 
 6    ANNEX  
draft 
RECOMMENDATION 
on the implementation of th e EU-Israel Action Plan  
 
The EU/Israel Association Council, 
Having regard to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreem ent establishing an association between the 
European Communities and their Member States, of  the one part, and the State of Israel, of 
the other part, and in particular Article 69 thereof, 
Whereas: (1) Article 69 of the Euro-Med iterranean Agreement gives the Association Council the 
power to make appropriate recommendati ons, for the purposes of attaining the 
objectives of the Agreement.  
(2) In terms of Article 79 of the Euro-Mediterra nean Agreement, the Parties shall take any 
general or specific measures required to fulfil their obligations under the Agreement 
and shall see to it that the objectives set out in the Agreement are attained. 
(3) The EU-Israel Action Plan will support the implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean 
Agreement through the elaboration and agr eement between the Parties of concrete 
steps which will provide practical guidance for such implementation. 
(4) The Action Plan serves the dual purpose of setting out concrete steps in bringing the 
fulfilment of the Parties’ obligations set out in the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement, and of providing a broader framework for furt her strengthening EU-Israel relations to 
involve a significant measure of economic integration and a deepening of political 
cooperation, in accordance with the overall objectives of the Euro-Mediterranean 
Agreement. 
(5)  The Parties to the Euro-Mediterranean Agr eement have agreed on the text of the EU-
Israel Action Plan. 
HAS ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION: 
Sole Article 
The Association Council recommends that the Pa rties implement the EU-Israel Action Plan in 
annex, insofar as such implementation is directed  towards attainment of the objectives of the 
Euro-Mediterranean Agreement.  
Done at [...] For the Association Council The President 
 
 7     
ANNEX 
 
EU/ISRAEL ACTION PLAN 
1. Introduction  
The enlargement of the European Union on 1st May 2004 has brought a hist orical shift for the 
Union in political, geographic and economic terms. The EU and Israel are now closer together 
than ever before and, as near neighbours, will reinforce their political and economic 
interdependence. Enlargement offers the opport unity for the EU and Israel to develop an 
increasingly close relationship, going beyond co -operation, to involve a significant measure of 
economic integration and a deepening of po litical co-operation. The European Union and 
Israel are determined to make use of this occasion to enhance their relations and to promote stability, security and well-being. The approa ch is founded on partnership, joint ownership 
and differentiation. It will contribute to the fu rther development of our strategic partnership.  
The European Neighbourhood Policy of the European Union sets ambitious objectives based 
on commitments to shared values and effec tive implementation of the political, economic, 
social and institutional actions agreed to in this Action Plan. 
Israel and the EU will strive to  intensify political, security, economic, scientific and cultural 
relations, and shared respons ibility in conflict preventi on and conflict resolution. 
The Presidency conclusions of the Essen Counc il in December 1994 already stated that: “The 
European Council considers that Israel, on account of its high level of economic development, 
should enjoy special status in its relations with  the EU on the basis of reciprocity and common 
interest …”. The EU has concluded an Associat ion Agreement with Israel. The EU and Israel 
with the other Mediterranean partners have b een working together in  the framework of the 
Barcelona process. This AP will contribute to  the fulfilment of the Es sen declaration as we 
shape the future path and framew ork of the EU-Israel relations. 
The EU and Israel share the common values of democracy, respect for human rights and the 
rule of law and basic freedoms. Both parties are committed to the struggle against all form of anti-Semitism, racism and xenophobia. Historically  and culturally, there exist great natural 
affinity and common heritage. Thus, we strive to build bridges and networks. 
Israel has a functioning market economy a nd a well developed public administration and 
public services. This foundation makes Israel we ll placed to further develop its relationship 
with the EU including in the framework of the ENP. 
The level of ambition of the EU/Israel relationship will depend on the degree of commitment 
to common values as well as the mutual intere sts and the capacity of each party to implement 
jointly agreed priorities. The pace of progress of the relationship will acknowledge fully the 
efforts and concrete achievements in meeting those commitments. 
This Action Plan is a first step in this proces s. It covers a timeframe of three years. Its 
implementation will help fulfil the provisions in  the Association Agreement (AA), build ties 
in new areas and will encourage and support Israel’s objectives for further integration into 
European economic and social structures. It will also build solid foundations for further 
economic integration based on the adoption and implementation of economic and trade-
 
 8    related rules and regulations with the potential to enhance trade, inve stment and growth. It 
will furthermore help to devise and implemen t policies and measures to promote economic 
growth, employment and social cohesion, to re duce poverty and to prot ect the environment, 
thereby contributing to the long-term objective of sustainable development. 
An important goal of the Action Plan is to encourage cooperation on non-proliferation of 
weapons of mass destruction and the fight ag ainst terrorism, as well as prevention and 
resolution of conflicts in the region and beyond. 
This Action Plan will also provide the opportu nity and basis for increased legislative co-
operation and exchange of views, with an aim to explore the possibil ity of approximation of 
laws in appropriate areas. Isra el already participates in so me Community programmes notably 
the Sixth Framework Programme, on a similar basis as the members of the European 
Economic Area (EEA). 
As part of this Action Plan and in preparing for its first review, the EC will undertake an 
overall examination of all other Community programmes and bodies, w ith the objective of 
opening them to Israeli participation. This will be subject to mutual interest, and where required, to financial contributions by Israel as well as alignment of its legislation as required 
to participate in th e relevant programme. 
Israel and the EU will co-operate closely in implementing this Action Plan. 
New Partnership Perspectives
 
The European Neighbourhood Policy opens  new partnership perspectives: 
• The perspective of moving beyond co-operation  to a significant degree of integration, 
including through a stake in the EU’s Internal Market, and th e possibility for Israel to 
participate progressively in key aspe cts of EU policies and programmes. 
• An upgrade in the scope and inte nsity of political co-operation; 
• The opportunity to explore the possibility of approximation of  economic legislation, the 
opening of economies to each other, and the co ntinued reduction of trade barriers which 
will stimulate investment and growth; 
• Where the need to align Israeli legislation w ith EU norms and standa rds in certain areas 
has been identified and agreed  upon, targeted support and a dvice will be made available 
through a mechanism such as TAIEX; 
• The Commission is deve loping a new European Neighbourhood and Partnership 
Instrument (ENPI), which will provide targeted assistance to Israel to support, where 
appropriate, the actions identified in the pr esent document and also covering cross-border 
and transnational co-operation between Israel and the Member States. There will also be infrastructure investment support th rough the European Investment Bank. 
• Within the overall objective se t out above, gradual opening and/ or reinforced participation 
in relevant Community programmes, promoting, inter alia, industrial, cultural, scientific, 
educational, and environmental links; 
 
 9    • Deepening trade and economic relations, extendi ng them to cover, inter alia, the service 
sector, particularly financial services, and to provide the conditions for increasing 
investment and exports. 
The objective of this Action Plan is to build the foundations for developing EU-Israel 
relations further. The advisability of any new contractual arrangements will be considered in due time. The Commission has suggested that this could take the form of a European 
Neighbourhood Agreement. In the meantime, the Association Agreement remains the 
framework for cooperation, while the AP represents a declarat ion of mutual objectives and 
commitments. 
Priorities for Action
 
This Action Plan sets out a comprehensive set of priorities in areas within the scope of the 
Association Agreement and beyond. Among these pr iorities, particular attention should be 
given to: 
• Enhance political  dialogue and co-operation , based on shared values, including issues 
such as facilitating efforts to resolve the Middle East conflict, strengthening the fight 
against terrorism and prolif eration of Weapons of Mass  Destruction, promoting the 
protection of human rights, improving the di alogue between culture s and religions, co-
operating in the fight against an ti-Semitism, racism and xenophobia 
• Increase economic integration particularly  with the EU, inte r alia, by developing trade  and 
investment flows, by liberalising trade in servic es, in particular financial services with a 
view to preparing for participation in the EU  market, as well as deepening and enhancing 
the existing economic dialogue  and identifying areas relevant for regulatory 
approximation with EU legislation based on shared objectives 
• Strengthen co-operation on migration -related issues, fight against organised  crime , 
including trafficking in human beings and police and judicial co-operation  
• Promote co-operation in transport, energy and telecom networks: in the transport  field, in 
particular co-operation in the Galileo initiativ e and in the areas of air, maritime and road 
safety; in the energy  sector, exploring gradual convergen ce towards the principles of the 
EU internal electricity and gas markets, deve lopment of energy networks and regional co-
operation; in the Science and Technology  area, promote the information society through 
the use of new technologies  and electronic means of co mmunications by businesses, 
government and citizens, as well as stre ngthening scientific and business links 
• Strengthen the environmental  dimension of public policy and EU-Israel co-operation: 
promotion of sustainable deve lopment policies and actions, including on climate change 
and water pollution 
• Strengthen links and co-operation in  “people-to-people” contacts in education, culture and 
audio-visual, civil society and public health. 
Progress in meeting these priorities will be mon itored in the sub-committees to be established 
under the Association Agreement. On this basis, the EU and Israel, will review the content of 
the Action Plan and decide on its adaptation a nd renewal. After three years, decisions by 
Israel and EU may be taken on the next step  in the development of bilateral relations, 
including the possibility of new contractual links. This could take the form of a European 
 
 10    Neighbourhood Agreement whose scope will be defi ned in the light of progress in meeting 
the priorities set out in the Action Plan. 
2. Actions  
2.1. Political dialogue and co-operation  
Israel and the EU are committed to achieve closer  political co-operation and dialogue on the 
basis of their common values: the respec t for human rights and fu ndamental freedoms, 
democracy, good governance and international  humanitarian law. Both parties are 
committed to join efforts to combat common secur ity threats, to promote peace and stability in 
the Middle East, to sup port the work of international mult ilateral frameworks and co-operate 
in these fora. The EU and Israel are also fi rmly committed to promote regional co-operation, 
as a way to address the challeng es of a trans-boundary nature. 
Shared values  
Democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms 
– Work together to promote the shared values of democracy, rule of law and respect for 
human rights and interna tional humanitarian law 
– Explore the possibility to join  the optional protocols related to international conventions on 
human rights 
– Promote and protect rights of minorities, in cluding enhancing political, economic, social 
and cultural opportunities for all ci tizens and lawful residents 
– Promote evaluation and monitoring of policie s from the perspective of gender equality 
– Promote a dialogue on policies for the physically and mentally disabled 
Combating anti-Semitism: 
Recognizing the significance of the “Berlin Declaration” of the OSCE (April 2004) and with 
the aim of promoting its implem entation, the two sides agree to: 
– Jointly review the implementation of the recommendations on combating anti-Semitism of 
the EUMC and other European bodies, with a vi ew to working together on monitoring and 
education 
– Support the work on anti-Semitism of the EUMC and of the ODIHR (Office for 
Democratic Institutions and Human Rights), as mandated by the OSCE Berlin Conference 
– Strengthen the legal framework at all levels to combat anti-Semitism 
– Combat hate crimes, which can be fuelled by anti-Semitic propaganda in the media and on 
the Internet 
– Promote the further development of educational programmes for combating anti-Semitism 
– Promote remembrance of, and education about the Holocaust 
 
 11    – Encourage and support international organisa tions and NGO efforts in combating anti-
Semitism 
– Encourage development of exchanges among expe rts in appropriate fora on best practices 
and experiences in law enforcement and education 
– The EU will continue its efforts to ensure  that the condemnation of anti-Semitism will 
become a part of internat ional norms through, in ter alia, appropriate UN resolutions 
Fight against racism and xenophobia, including Islamophobia 
– Support the work of the EUMC (European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia) 
– Promote in Europe and in Israel education about the importance of tolerance and respect 
for all ethnic and religious groups 
– Combat hate crimes, which can be fuelle d by racist and xenophobi c propaganda in the 
media and on the Internet 
– Strengthen the legal framework at all levels  to combat racism and xenophobia, including 
Islamophobia 
Regional and international issues  
Co-operation under CSFP/ESDP, crisis management 
While retaining the central focus of the politic al dialogue in the context of the Association 
Council, the dialogue and co-operation should also be enhanced and diversified, at all official 
levels, as appropriate, and should include the following issues: 
– Strategic issues and regional security 
– The fight against terrorism 
– Non-proliferation of weapons of  mass destruction and their m eans of delivery, both to state 
and non-state actors 
– Regional issues in the Middle East and elsewhere 
– Co-operation in the international fora 
– Dialogue between cult ures and religions 
– Concrete measures in the fight against anti-Semitism 
– Concrete measures in the fight against racism, and xenophobia, including Islamophobia 
– Conflict prevention and crisis management, including cooperation on research and policy 
planning 
– Civil protection and peace-keeping 
– International development co-operation, human itarian aid and networking to allow rapid 
reaction for disaster relief and other emergency situations that may arise worldwide 
 
 12    Situation in the Middle East 
Strengthen political dialogue and iden tify areas for furthe r co-operation on: 
– Progress towards a comprehensive settle ment of the Middle  East conflicts 
– Working together with the EU, on a bilateral basis and as a me mber of the Quartet, with 
the aim of reaching a comprehensive settlement  of the Israeli/Pale stinian conflict and a 
permanent two-state solution with Israel and a Palestinian state living side by side in peace 
and security, in accordance with the Roadmap, a nd the obligations of the parties set out in 
it 
– Supporting efforts by the PA to dismantle all terrorist capabilities and infrastructure; and 
ensuring a complete and uncondi tional cessation of terrorist  activities and violence 
– While recognising Israel’s ri ght of self-defence, the im portance of adherence to 
international law, and the need to preserve  the perspective of a viable comprehensive 
settlement, minimising the impact of securi ty and counter-terrorism measures on the 
civilian population, facilitate the secure and safe movement of civilians and goods, 
safeguarding, to the maximum possible, prope rty, institutions and infrastructure  
– Improving economic and social conditions for all populations  
– Further improving access and co-ordination to f acilitate the implementation and delivery of 
humanitarian and other forms of assistan ce and facilitate the reconstruction and 
rehabilitation of infrastructure 
– Pursuing efforts to support and facilitate reforms, transparency, accountability and 
democratic governance in the Palestinian Auth ority, and the consolidation of all security 
services; promote a climate conducive to the resumption of co-operation in all areas  
– Taking concrete actions against incitement to hatred and the use of violence from all 
sources. 
Non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruc tion and their means of delivery, including 
ballistic missiles 
The EU and Israel will develop their dialogue and co-operation in this contex t on the basis 
respectively of the “EU Strategy against pr oliferation of weapons of mass destruction 
(December 2003)” and “Israel’s visi on on the long-term goals of regional security and arms 
control process in the Middle East (1992)” , as appropriate. Accordingly, they will: 
– Co-operate on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and their means of 
delivery including ballistic missiles, in cluding through implementing UNSC resolution 
1540/04, fully complying with and implemen ting at national level their existing 
international obligations and consider the promotion of adheren ce, implementation, 
accession and strengthening of other relevant in ternational instruments, export control 
regimes or regional arrangements 
– Further develop co-operation and co-ordination in the prevention of and fight against the 
illicit trafficking of WMD-related materi als, including within the framework of 
international fora 
 
 13    – Co-operate on developing effective systems of  national export control, controlling export 
and transit of WMD-related goods, incl uding WMD end-use control on dual use 
technologies and effective sanctions for breaches of export controls 
– Improve overall co-ordination in the non-proliferation area  and the scope for co-operation 
in addressing this challenge 
– Promote incrementally regional peace and s ecurity through inter alia the relevant 
provisions in the Barcelona Declaration of  1995, including those relating to CBMs and 
weapons of mass destruction. 
Illicit trafficking of military equipment 
– Further develop co-operation in the fight against transfer of military equipment to terrorists 
and the illicit trafficking of small and light weapons 
Combating terrorism 
– Strengthen EU-Israel co-opera tion in the fight against a nd prevention of terrorism 
– Exchange views and experiences on means and methods used to counter terrorism and to 
improve counter-terrorism capacit y, including in third countries 
– Exchange views on the dilemmas and concerns  of democracies in their fight against 
terrorism while ensuring the safeguarding of human rights in that pursuit, and protecting 
the rights of those targeted and affected by acts of terror 
– Co-operate to reinforce the role of the UN in the multilateral fight against terrorism, 
including through the implementation of UNSC Resolutions 1373/01 and 1267/99, of the 
UN Convention for the S uppression of the Financing of Terrorism and of the relevant 
international conventions 
– Enhance co-operation in all re levant international, Euro pean and regional fora to 
strengthen international solid arity and co-ordination in c ountering terrorism, including 
through the application of the standards la id down in the FATF recommendations on 
terrorist financing especially regarding the financing of gr oups supporting and engaging in 
violence and terror 
– Exchange information on terrorist groups and their support networks, in particular those 
acting in Europe and in the Middle East and take  concrete actions at al l levels against such 
groups in accordance with in ternational and national law 
– Encourage effective implementation, at all leve ls, of EU decisions to act against those 
included on the EU list of terrorist organisations. 
– Strengthen national measures and co-operate to  prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons 
of mass destruction capabilities 
International organisations 
– Promote co-operation between Israel and the EU at international fora, as a way to promote 
effective multilateralism 
 
 14    – Promote co-operation on issues such as fight against impunity of authors of genocide, war 
crimes and any other crime against humanity 
– Cooperate on UN reform and streamlining by, in ter alia, working towa rds normalisation of 
Israel’s status in international organisati ons and the reduction in number of Middle East 
resolutions 
– Work to allow Israel to increase its contribution to effective multilateralism by means of 
the application of its expertise in appropriate  activities of intern ational organisations 
Regional co-operation 
– Promote dialogue on a range of issues of re gional importance iden tified in this Action 
Plan, in particular on environment, energy, transport, science and technology and people-
to-people contacts. 
2.2. Economic and social co-operation and development  
Identify the scope and modalities for Israel to participate in relevant EU programmes, and in 
this context identify the scope for legislativ e approximation where required by the relevant 
programme. 
Social situation, employment, poverty reduction 
Implement the provisions of the Association Agreement as regards the development of a 
dialogue and co-operation on social  matters of mutual interests 
1. Promote best practices on social pr oblems of post-industrial societies 
– Promote dialogue, co-operation and formulati on of policies between relevant bodies on 
social issues of mutual interest such as pove rty alleviation, domestic  violence, drug abuse 
and alcoholism and social exclusion 
– Exchange experience on pension and welfare po licies including health care and care for the 
elderly 
– Exchange experience on labour po licies and labour relations, including disabilities issues 
– Explore avenues of co-opera tion in international fora 
– Promote the participation of Israeli experts in selected  European fora 
Economic co-operation and structural reforms 
2. Develop co-operation on economic reforms – Widen and deepen the economic dialogue fr amework existing under the Association 
Agreement and incorporate a platform for ac tion where the parties jointly explore and 
exchange experience an d views on economic and policy issu es of mutual interest, both on 
the macro-economic and structural fronts 
– Develop EU-Israel co-operation on structural  economic reforms, including privatisation 
and pensions 
 
 15    Sustainable development 
3. Promotion of sustainable development – Promote the adoption of sectoral su stainable development strategies  
– Exchange of information regarding role and function of a national commission for 
sustainable development  
– Share experience between the Commission and Israel about sustainable development 
strategies 
2.3. Trade-related issues, ma rket and regulatory reform
 
2.3.1. Movement of goods Promote trade relations 
1. Establish a structured and comprehensiv e dialogue to promote trade and investment 
between Israel and the EU 
– Analyse trends in trade relations between th e EU and Israel and promote solutions (e.g. 
industrial co-opera tion initiatives) 
– Establish a business community dialogue, includ ing representatives of the private sector 
– Progress with further liberalisation of trade  
– The parties will establish a mechanism with specific procedures for dispute settlements 
related directly to economi c and trade provisions of the Association Agreement 
– The Parties will examine the evolution and st ructure of trade with a view to improve 
reciprocal market access for pr ocessed agricultural products 
– Develop co-operation on e-commerce issues by  tasking the relevant sub-committee with 
analysis and exchange of information on re gulatory frameworks and development of 
markets. Particular attention will be given to the issue of digital signatures within the framework of Directive 99/93/EC with a view to developing th e scope for co-operation and 
assessing the need for negotiations. 
2. Develop regional trade links 
– Complete all procedures necessary to enable the participation of Israel in the Pan-Euro-
Mediterranean cumulation of origin 
– Exchange information on the future development of rules of origin, including systems of 
cumulation 
– Support the development of trade promotion be tween Israel and other Euro-Mediterranean 
partners, such as Jordan, and work towa rds the facilitation of Palestinian trade 
– Continue the facilitation of customs procedures, administra tive co-operation and relations 
with economic operators in accordance with the Palermo recommendations. 
 
 16    3. Customs-related issues 
– Increase co-operation in the area of cust oms control of pirated and counterfeit goods 
– Explore possible scope for co-operation and modernisation of the customs service, 
including on IT matters 
– Promote co-operation with other agencies at  the border (e.g. Border Guards, Police, 
veterinary and phyto- sanitary services) 
– Strengthen administrative co-operation to combat  irregularities and fraud in customs and 
related matters 
– Identify ways and means to enhance co-opera tion within the framework of joint customs 
enforcement, as catered for by Protocol 5 to the Association Agreement, including 
improved identification of partic ular enforcement issues and pr iorities as well as a review 
of current working methods, with a view to  upgrading co-operation and assistance to the 
highest possible standards 
– Initiate a dialogue on technical exchanges and joint initiatives to exploit the full potential 
of the existing provisions, including, the early  participation by Israel in joint operational 
exercises as foreseen in the extension to Israel, for this purpos e, of the Anti-Fraud 
Information System (AFIS) 
– Develop EU-Israel co-operation with regard to  the risk-based customs control ensuring 
safety and security of goods imported, expo rted or in transit,  and explore possible 
definitions of standards for certification of operators (exporters and transporters) intervening in commercial exchanges 
Technical regulations, standards and conform ity assessment proced ures (EU harmonised 
areas) 
4. Facilitate market acce ss of industrial products 
– Accelerate progress towards bilateral negotia tions leading to an ACAA, taking into 
account the specific nature of  the Israeli economy and building upon the Palermo Action 
Plan. 
– Examine the scope for Israel’s participation in relevant European networks and bodies  
– Co-operation in the field of legislation on liability for defective products and general 
product safety, including market surveillance 
– Promote co-operation in the field of consum er protection, including the modalities for 
possible Israeli participation in the RAPEX alert system 
Elimination of restrictions and streamlined administration (EU non-harmonised areas) 
5. Facilitate the movement of goods and improve administrative co-operation 
– Designate a central contact point to facilitate information flows and co-operation with 
economic operators  
 
 17    Sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues 
6. Improve co-operation on sanitary and phyto-s anitary matters as well as on food safety 
– Explore possible areas of co-operation between Israel and the European Commission in the 
field of sanitary and phyto-san itary issues (e.g. legislation, implementing practices), while 
taking into account of the different  conditions prevailing on both sides 
– Exchange of information on and, as appropr iate, explore the possibility to increase 
convergence, of Israeli legisla tion with EU legislation on san itary (live animals and animal 
products) and of phyto-sanitary  issues (plant hygiene, pl ant variety and quality ), 
– Identify the scope for increased convergence,  as appropriate, of food legislation in 
compliance with EU food safety principles . Exchange of views regarding foodstuff 
labelling requirements in order to assess th e possibility of adapti ng Israeli legislation 
– Exchange of views on the set ting-up of an animal and plan t identification and traceability 
system 
– Exchange of information regarding , the placi ng on the market of subs tances dangerous to 
human health, including plant protection pr oducts and the ensuri ng of monitoring of 
residues of these substances in live animals,  animal products and plant products for food 
and feed 
7. Agriculture 
– Explore the scope for co-operation between EU and Israeli accreditati on bodies (inter alia, 
on issues related to organic agriculture) 
– Increase co-operation in the field of intern ational marketing standards for fruits and 
vegetables. 
2.3.2. Right of establishment, company law and services.  
1. Improve the environment for business operations 
Promote greater freedom in the areas of establishment and foreign investment 
– Continue to promote a suitable environment for companies,  
– Widen the scope of the Associ ation Agreement to improve the investment climate and 
creation of an investment framework favourable  to foreign direct investment covering all 
economic sectors. Such framework shall ex amine the possibility of including new 
provisions on transparency, MFN/NT treatment and others 
Company law 
– Promote, to the extent possible, implementation of the principles in relevant international 
rules and standards in the fiel ds of accounting and auditing 
– Promote the mutual exchange of informati on on rules and standards in the fields of 
auditing and accounting 
 
 18    Services 
2. Promote liberalisation of trade in services 
– Promote the opening of bilateral negotiations on liberalisation of services with Israel. This 
will be done taking into account the specific nature of the Israel i economy, the overall 
objectives set in the conclusions of the Euro -Med Ministerial meetings and the objectives 
set in the draft Framework Protocol fo r Liberalisation of Services among Euro-
Mediterranean partners (known as “the Istanbul  Protocol”), notably mutual recognition of 
professional services 
– Closer co-operation in po licy and regulatory issues 
Financial services 
– Continue to ensure effective implementation of independent superv isory authorities in 
accordance with internationally recognised standards (e.g. G10, IAIS, IOSCO, IASB) 
– Strengthen co-operation between the EU and Is rael on regulation, supervision and financial 
stability and examine the possibility  of convergence with a prudential 
regulatory/supervisory framework equivalent to the underlining principles of those existing 
in the EU while taking into account Israel’s ri ght to maintain and set benchmark standards 
and regulations 
– Carry out an assessment of the scope for legisl ative approximation with a view to inclusion 
of this sector in a FTA and ultimately Israel’s  participation in the European Single Market 
for financial services.  
2.3.3 Movement of persons, including movement  of workers and co-ordination of social 
security  
1. Implement the provisi ons under Article 64 and 65 of the Association Agreement as regards 
the co-ordination of social security  
– Preparation for a decision of the Associati on Council, in line with Article 65, concerning 
the ways and provisions for implementa tion of the objectives in Article 64. 
2.3.4 Other key areas  
Taxation 
1. Increase awareness of intern ational and European taxation standar ds in order to facilitate 
Israeli participation in the European Internal Market 
– Complete, where appropriate, the network of bilateral agreements between Israel and EU 
Member States on avoidance of double taxation 
– Examine the scope for common definition of the transactions covered by the Directives on 
merger, parent subsidiary, sa vings, interests and royalties 
– Promote exchange of views on the principles  of the Code of Conduct for Business 
Taxation with a view to create an equi table environment for business operators 
 
 19    – Promote exchange of views between Member States and Israel on the application of 
reciprocity under the 13th VAT Directive to the Israeli zero VAT rate. 
Competition policy 
2. Facilitate transparency and control of state aid – Exchange of information regarding state ai d (including exploration of EU and Israeli 
definitions and agreement of common definition on which information-exchange will be based) 
– Exchange information on state monopolies, public  enterprises and enterprises with special 
or exclusive rights 
– Support the work carried out on state aid in  the framework of the Barcelona Process 
– Define the modalities through which sectors, which are to participate in the Internal 
Market, are compatible with  the EU state aid system. 
Intellectual, industrial and commercial property rights  
– Enhance dialogue on the promotion of IP issues , including, for exampl e, data protection, 
enhancement of enforcement through a dialog ue with prosecutors and other relevant 
entities, etc. 
Public Procurement 
4. Enhance access to one another's public procurement markets – Ensure effective and regular communication by tasking the relevant sub-committee to 
identify obstacles to public procurement acce ss, inter alia, through seminars and dialogue 
with relevant operato rs and authorities 
– Act on the information provided in the above action aiming at  improving effective access 
to one another's public procurement mark ets and expand the scope of respective 
commitments. 
Statistics 
5. Increase awareness of EU and international statistical methods in relevant statistical 
areas, and examine the possibili ty of further harmonisation 
– Elaborate a strategy for increased awarenes s of European standards in the relevant 
statistical areas, including foreign trade 
– Enhance co-operation with re levant Commission services 
– Improve co-operation on establishment of sta tistics on trade in services and migration 
statistics 
Enterprise policy  
6. Creation of a suitable environment fo r SMEs and entrepreneurial activity 
 
 20    – Promote the implementation of the Euro-Medit erranean Charter for Enterprise adopted by 
Industry Ministers in Caserta in October 2004 
– Co-operate in implementing the work pr ogramme of the Working Party on Euro-
Mediterranean Industrial Co-operation for 2005-06 
– Establish a structured and comprehensive di alogue on industrial and enterprise policy 
including the improvement of  the business environment 
– Facilitate enhanced indust rial co-operation, in particular between businesses 
– Associate Israel to EU initia tive to stimulate competitiveness in the tourism sectors (e.g. 
exchange of information, participation in netw orks and studies) in a ccordance with Article 
54 of the Association Agreement 
International Development Co-operation 
– International development co-operation: fa vourable consideration will be given to 
extending Israeli participation in the award of contracts un der certain EC development 
programmes; similarly Israel  will grant reciprocal access 
2.4. Co-operation in Justice and Home Affairs  
Overall objectives 
Enhance co-operation and coordination in Justi ce and Home Affairs in order to respond to 
challenges faced by democratic societies 
Identify the scope for Israel to participate in relevant EU programmes, and in this context 
identify the scope for legisl ative approximation, where require d by the relevant programme 
Migration issues (including legal and illegal migration and asylum) 
1. Effective management of migration flows 
– Exchange of information and dialogu e concerning (legal) migration  
– Exchange of information and dialogue concer ning integration of migr ants: best practices, 
evaluation, joint studies 
– Discuss the issues of management of migr ation flows, and coope rate to increase the 
effectiveness of measures designed to preven t or curb the flow of  illegal immigration, 
including co-operation w ith the Border Police 
– Exchange of information concerning illegal  immigration, including transit migration, 
– Observation and analysis of the migrator y flows; participat ion in the EUROMED 
migration research network 
– Identify the conditions to invite  Israel as participan t/observer in the acti vities organised in 
the framework of EU programmes on migration issues (ARGO, AENEAS) 
Asylum 
 
 21    – Exchange information and best practi ces in the field of asylum policy 
Specific actions to combat terrorism in the JHA field 
2. Strengthening co-operati on to combat terrorism 
– Develop co-operation to strengthen the fi ght against the financing of terrorism 
– Develop co-operation between law enfor cement agencies to combat terrorism 
– Develop judicial co-operation in th e context of combating terrorism 
Fight against organised crime, includ ing trafficking in human beings 
3. Exchange of experience and foster mutual co-operation on the basis of relevant 
international instruments in th e fight against organised crime  
– Work towards ratification and implementa tion of the UN Convention on Trans-National 
Organised Crime and its protocols on  smuggling, trafficking and firearms; 
– Intensify the fight against tra fficking in human beings incl uding through an exchange of 
information regarding preventive measures 
– Inform the consultative “Experts Group on Traffi cking in Human Beings” of the interest of 
Israel to cooperate more closely with the EU in this area and encourage the Group to 
invite, where appropriate, Israeli representatives 
– Exchange of information and dialogue on genera l standards for trafficking in human beings 
and explore the scope for participation of  Israel in the act ivities under the AGIS 
programme 
– Exchange of information on criminal offences , legislation and case law; victims' rights; 
Member States' and Israeli legislation a nd modus operandi; enhanc e public awareness; 
foster co-operation with count ries of origin and transit 
– Exchange of information on the patterns of organised crime involve d in trafficking, the 
characteristics of victims, target clie nt populations and the connections between 
prostitution and trafficking  
– Enhance police and judicial co-operati on in witness protection programmes 
– Exchange of information on appropriate att itudes towards victims for policemen, border 
personnel, prosecutors and judges, specific training modules for personnel working in 
shelters for victims 
– Exchange of information on fight against cyber-crime 
– Identify the scope for Israel’s participati on in Council of Europe activities and regional 
working groups against economic crimes, corr uption, organised crim e, trafficking in 
human beings and cyber-crime 
Drugs 
4. Mutual exchange of experience and enhancemen t of mutual co-opera tion on the basis of 
 
 22    relevant international instrume nts on the fight against drugs 
– Exchange of information on strategies to combat the drug phenomena 
– Strengthen co-ordination between  authorities competent for dealing with the different 
aspects of the drug phenomena 
Money laundering, financial and economic crime 
5. Reinforce efforts and co-operation against money laundering and financing of terrorism 
– Enhance co-operation between law enforcement agencies and co-operation between Israel 
and relevant services of EU Member States  (including specialised bodies at European 
level) 
– Mutual exchange of information and practices  between Israel and EU on supervision and 
monitoring methods; exchange of informa tion and co-operation between national law 
enforcement authorities and agencies; combating the financing of terrorism 
– Identify the scope for Israel’s participati on in EU and Council of  Europe specialised 
working groups in this area (e.g. Money Val) 
Police and judicial co-operation 
6. Mutual exchange of knowledge  and enhancement of mutual co -operation on the basis of the 
relevant international conventions 
– Exchange of technical, operat ional and strategic informati on between the EU, EU Member 
States and Israeli law enforcement, includi ng extradition and mutual legal assistance 
– Data protection: explore the possibility to  join the Council of Europe Convention on 
protection of individuals with regard to automatic processing  of personal data (Strasbourg 
– 28th January 1981) 
– Promote possibilities and conditi ons for co-operation and exchange of information with the 
European Judicial Network in criminal matters 
– Explore the possibilities and c onditions for co-operation and exchange of information with 
the European Judicial Network in civil matters 
– Explore the possibility to  develop co-operation betw een Israel and Eurojust 
– Enhance co-operation between Is raeli agencies and EUROPOL 
– Co-operate in training for j udges, prosecutors and lawyers 
– Co-operation in the field of police training between Israel and European police academies 
and colleges, as well as with CEPOL. 
– Exploring the possibilities for participation in  EU initiatives in the field of prevention of 
organised crime, crime preventi on and forensic science (ENFSI) 
– Exchange of information on the use of IT and other high-tech equipment to support 
criminal investigations  
 
 23    2.5. Transport, energy, information societ y, environment and Science and Technology  
Transport 
1. Co-operation on transport and infrastructure policy – While underlining the importance of a national sustainable tr ansport policy, Israel will 
examine the possibility for further approximation of legislative and regulatory frameworks with European and international standards,  in particular for safety and security 
– Participate in the planning exercise for transport infrastructure in the Mediterranean 
– Participate in the identification of prio rity regional infras tructure projects 
– Participate in initiatives and pr ogrammes for sustainable transport 
– Exchange information and cooperate on i ssues of infrastructure financing (e.g. 
Public/Private Partnerships, shadow-tolling, etc. ); establish financing st rategies for priority 
infrastructure projects 
– Development of co-operation in the Ga lileo and other similar initiatives; 
2. Co-operation on selected measures and refo rms in the road and rail transport sector 
– Explore strategies for improving road safety . Explore the possibilities for closer co-
operation in area of road safety including inte lligent transport systems and services and 
increased participation in re levant Community programmes  
– Increased policy dialogue on the development of integrated inter-modal public transport 
systems as well as combined transport 
– Exchange of views and experience on the ra il regulatory framework including the setting 
of technical standards 
– Explore the benefits of regiona l co-operation with a view to promote efficiency of land 
transport services 
3. Co-operation on selected measures and reforms in the aviation sector 
– Explore the possibility for adju sting bilateral aviation agreements concluded with Member 
States in order to include the Community de signation clause; exchange of information on 
the possibility of an EU-Israel global aviation agreement. 
– Explore the possibility for involvement in th e Single European Sky and closer co-operation 
in the area of aviation safety 
– Proceed for a mutual recognition agreement w ith the EU in the field of acceptance of 
certification findings  (airworthiness) 
– Co-operate on aviation security matters (commo n rules to combat international terrorism) 
4. Co-operation on selected measures and reforms in the maritime sector 
 
 24    – Deepen co-operation in maritime security by focusing on the SOLAS/ISPS Code 
implementation requirements 
– Closer co-operation on maritime safety, including port state control 
– Explore the possibility fo r co-operation with EMSA 
– Further develop co-operation with EU and Me diterranean partners in the framework of 
IMO and participate in the new regiona l project on maritime safety (SAFEMED) 
– Participate in regional co-operation in the field of maritime policy, ports and short sea 
shipping 
– Closer co-operation on statistical issues 
Energy 
5. Co-operation on energy policy – Enhance the dialogue on energy policy in the c ontext of the preparation of an Israeli 
Energy Master Plan (e.g. workshops) 
– Taking steps towards Israel's participation in the Intelligent Energy-Europe programme 
6. Further develop competitive markets through working towards the pr inciples of the EU 
internal electricity and gas markets 
– Explore the possibility of legal and regulator y convergence towards th e principles of the 
EU internal electric ity and gas markets 
– Promote the exchange of experiences in pursuit of the electricity market reform in Israel 
– Identify the scope for providing advice regardin g the legal and regulat ory framework in the 
electricity and gas sectors 
7. Progress regarding energy networks 
– Assess the scope for connecting Israel to the Trans-European/Mediterranean electricity, gas 
and oil networks, including Israel be ing part of inter-regional studies 
– Develop gas transmission and distribution systems 
– Exchange of know-how on security and sa fety of energy networks/infrastructure 
8. Further progress on energy efficien cy and the use of renewable energy 
– Co-operate in sustaining current efforts to improve energy efficiency and to promote the 
use of renewable energy sources in pursuit of the target set by Israel i.e. by 2007 at least 
2% and by 2016 at least 5% of  electricity to be produced from renewable energy sources 
– Identify the scope for further legal harmoni sation, where appropriate , with EU energy 
efficiency legislation (minimum effici ency standards; la belling appliances) 
 
 25    – Take steps towards participation in EU activit ies relating to Energy E fficiency and the use 
of Renewable Energy (e.g. conferences and workshops) 
Regional co-operation 
Develop regional co-operation on, inter alia,  electricity and gas; ener gy and renewable energy 
sources and networks (includi ng Euro-Mediterranean, and co-ope ration pursuant to relevant 
agreements, e.g. Israel-EU-P.A)  
Information society 
9. Further progress in and exchange of views on electronic communications policy and 
regulation 
– Continue the development of a comprehens ive regulatory framewor k including licensing, 
access and interconnection, numbering, Universal Se rvice and users’ rights, protection of 
personal data and privacy , co sts-orientation of tariffs 
– Establish an independent  regulatory authority 
– Explore ways for co-operation with the wo rking groups of the Independent Regulators 
Group in the EU or with regulatory authorities  of EU Member States, as appropriate, on 
issues of common interest. 
10. Further progress in the development and us e of Information Society applications 
– Promote the use and exchange of views on new technologies and electronic means of 
communications by businesses, government a nd citizens in areas such as e-Business 
(including standards for e-si gnatures), e-Government, e-H ealth, e-Learning, e-Culture 
– Promote co-operation in regional and global e-St rategies, including the continuity of Israeli 
participation in pilot projects of the regiona l programme EUMEDIS and the preparation of 
the second phase of World Summit on the Info rmation Society (WSIS)  in Tunisia in 2005 
– Exchange of views on issues such as safer use of the Internet, deployment of broadband 
infrastructure, introduction of third gene ration mobile telephony and other advanced 
communications technologies and services, as  well as for setting-up training programmes 
in these fields. 
– Explore the possibility of having in the fr amework of the recently established ENISA 
(Article 24 of the Founding Regul ation) an exchange of views on information and network 
security 
– Implement the joint projects under the IST part of the 6th Framework Programme and 
encourage the participation of Israeli entiti es in the next call for proposals under this 
programme 
– Build on Israel’s participation in the Minerv a Plus project and its emerging experience of 
the National Representatives Group on Digitisa tion Policies in the EU Member States 
Environment 
11. Ensure good environmental governance 
 
 26    – Strengthen the administrative capacity of the Ministry of Environment and other relevant 
institutions 
– Promote the strengthening of communication stra tegies and availabil ity of environmental 
information to the public, inter alia thr ough exchange of information between the 
Commission and Israel 
12. Take action for prevention of deterioration of the envir onment, protection of human 
health, and achievement of rational use of natural resources in line with the commitments of 
Johannesburg Summit 
– Review the national waste master plan in order to ensure an integrated approach to waste 
management, including prevention of waste a nd reduction at source and energy from waste 
– Exchange of information between Israel  and the Commission on air quality and air 
pollution issues, including the "C lean Air for Europe" Programme 
– Prevent pollution of waters, in particular  through enhanced water pollutant emission 
reporting, drawing on the experiences with in the EU Water Framework Directive 
– Enhance co-operation between relevant authorities on pr evention of air pollution and 
pollution of water resources 
– Exchange of information between Israel and the Commission on best practices on water re-
use 
– Exchange of experience on protection of biol ogical diversity and rural landscape, with 
special attention to the re levant migratory species 
13. Enhance co-operation on environmental issues 
– Enhance co-operation to achieve the commitment s by the parties with regard to provisions 
under the Kyoto Protocol and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change 
– Taking account of specific national circum stances, work towards ratification and 
acceptance of the Protocols and amendments to Barcelona Convention 
– Identify possibilities with neighbouring count ries for enhanced regional co-operation  
– Explore the modalities for Israel ’s participation in relevant European Environment Agency 
activities 
– Enhance exchange of information with Israel  on issues of mutual interest, including on 
environmental taxes, eco-management as well as on spatial information 
– Promote the involvement of environmental NG Os and exploring mechanisms to enhance 
their active participation, including with regard to regional co-operation 
– Sharing experiences gained in the implemen tation of Strategic Environmental Impact 
Assessment 
Science and technology, research and development 
 
 27    14. Promote further cooperation in science and technology  
– Promote further integration of Israel in the European Research Area, including the 
approximation of Science and Technology policies 
– Reinforce the participation of Israel in the re gional S&T co-operation in the Euro-Med area 
and facilitate ties between Israeli experts and their regional colleagues 
– Promote a dialogue on science and society issu es, including questions  related to ethics 
– Promote further co-operation in the fields of  bio-technologies and space. Promote further 
co-operation on space-related matters with European actors including ESA, where 
appropriate, and on specific projects of  mutual interest in the space domain. 
2.6. People-to-people contacts  
Education, training, and youth 
1. Creation of a "European Higher Education and Vocational Training Area", increased 
mobility of teachers and students included 
– Establish a policy dialogue between the EU and Israel in the field of  education and training 
– Further promotion of Israel's participati on in Community Programmes (Tempus, Erasmus-
Mundus, promoting mobility and excha nge of academic staff and students) 
– Explore possibilities to exte nd co-operation in the areas of  school educati on, vocational 
education and training, as well as adult education  
– Begin talks with the aim to reach a bilateral agreement on higher education 
– Developing a mechanism for coor dinating the respective EU and Israeli systems of study 
credits, with a view to facilitating th e exchange of students in the future 
– Promote dialogue on special challenges in educat ion (inter alia disabi lities, gender equality 
issues, special needs, etc.) 
– Promote dialogue on the role of ICT a nd IST in educati on and e-learning 
– Explore the scope for training in the fight against racism and an ti-Semitism, including 
issues related to Holocaus t awareness and remembrance 
– Promote the exchange of young professionals  between Israeli and European bodies 
2. Enhance co-operation in th e field of Youth and Sport 
– Promote youth exchanges and co-operation in  the field of non-formal education and 
intercultural dialogue  
– Promote co-operation in programmes aimed at increasing awareness among youth of the 
dangers of drugs and narcotics 
Culture and audio-visual issues 
 
 28    3. Enhanced cultural co-operation 
– Enhance Israel’s participation in the relevant cultural co-operation programmes of the 
Euro-Mediterranean partnership 
– Promote exchange of views on policies prom oting culture, audio-visual policy and 
regulatory issues 
– Promote closer co-operation on in ter-faith dialogue, preservati on of historical institutions, 
religious freedom (including in observance),  religious tolerance and including in the 
education systems 
– Promote co-operation in the field of cultu ral and linguistic heritage, including, where 
possible, protection of minority la nguages (e.g. Yiddish and Ladino) 
– Promote cultural exchanges 
– Develop a dialogue on cultura l diversity, including in the context of the relevant 
negotiation in UNESCO 
Civil society co-operation 
4. Promote civil society co-operation – Development of EU-Israel li nks between civil society or ganisation and NGOs (symposia, 
workshops) 
– Develop a work programme including the orga nisation of a symposium in 2005 consisting 
of intellectuals, politicians, expe rts and journalists, with a view to considering how best EU 
and Israel can develop civil society links , cultural contacts and “people-to-people” 
exchanges 
– Promotion of regular dial ogue on civil society issues  
– Encourage the empowerment of consumers and the protection of their legitimate economic 
interests 
Public health 
5. Increase the level of health  security and epidemio logical safety in Israel based on global 
standards taking into account EU legislation an d in co-operation and with the support of the 
WHO. Relate the information system of Israel to the health indicator process underway in the 
EU. Integrate Israel in the EUPHIN health inform ation and knowledge system. 
– Exchange of information and know-how on  health indicators and data collection 
regulations  
– Encourage dialogue on health policy issues 
– Invite relevant Israeli authorities as observers in the mee tings of the Network of Competent 
Authorities 
– Take measures to integrate Is rael in the EUPHIN system 
 
 29    – Examine scope for Israeli participation through  umbrella organisations in the EU Health 
Forum 
6. Communicable Disease Surveillance and Health Security 
– Participation in Communicable Disease Netw orks and dedicated surveillance networks 
– Develop laboratories networking 
3. Joint review  
The Action Plan will be submitted for form al adoption within the framework of the 
Association Council between the EU  and Israel. The Action Plan will guide the work between 
the EU and Israel. Should the need arise, on th e EU side, for specific measures necessitating 
legally binding decisions, the Commission will  recommend to the Counc il the adoption of the 
necessary negotia ting directives. 
The joint bodies established under the Associ ation Agreement will advance and monitor the 
implementation of the Action Plan. 
A first review of the implementation of the Ac tion Plan will be undertaken within two years 
of its adoption. 
The Action Plan can be regularly amended and/ or updated to reflect progress in addressing 
the priorities.