Proposal for a Council Decision on the position to be adopted by the Communities and their Member States within the Association Council established by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the State of Israel, of the other part, with regard to the adoption of a Recommendation on the implementation of the EU-Israel Action Plan
Date: 2004-12-09
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU relations, Israel, action programme, aid policy, common foreign and security policy, cooperation policy

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 9.12.2004 
COM(2004) 790 final 

Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on the position to be adopted by the Communities and their Member States  
within the Association Council established by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement 
establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member 
States, of the one part, and the State of Israel, of the other part, with regard to the 
adoption of a Recommendation on the implementation of the EU-Israel Action Plan 

EN 

   EN 

 
 
 
  
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

The 2002 Copenhagen European Council, closing accession negotiations with ten new States, 
recognised that enlargement presented an important 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  Europe  and  to  promote  stability  and  prosperity 
within and beyond the new borders of the Union. 

The  Commission  Communication  “Wider  Europe  -  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 contribution, where appropriate, of 
the High Representative, to present proposals for Action Plans for all countries concerned as 
appropriate, commencing with Ukraine, Moldova, and Southern Mediterranean partners with 
Association Agreements. 

On  14  June  2004,  the  Council  welcomed  the  Commission  Communication  “European 
Neighbourhood  Policy  –  Strategy  Paper”2.  The  Council  also  welcomed  the  Commission 
proposal  to  pursue  the  European  Neighbourhood  Policy  (ENP)  through  Action  Plans  to  be 
agreed  jointly  with  the  neighbouring  countries  concerned  and  invited  the  Commission  to 
propose such Action Plans. Action Plans should have a minimum duration of three years and 
be subject to renewal by mutual consent. They should be based on common 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  clearly  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  the  Presidency  and  the  High  Representative  on 
issues  related  to  political  cooperation  and  the  CFSP,  has  held  exploratory  talks  with  Israel 
which have resulted in agreement on a draft Action Plan. It covers a timeframe of three years. 
Its implementation will help fulfil the provisions  in the Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement and 
will contribute to an increasingly close relationship with Israel, involving a significant degree 
of  economic  integration  and  a  deepening  of  political  co-operation.  Implementation  of  the 
Action  Plan  will  significantly  advance  the  approximation  of  Israel’s  legislation,  norms  and 
standards to those of the European Union. 

The Action Plan is a broad tool for economic and political co-operation, carrying to a further 
stage the commitments and objectives contained in the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement. 

In accordance with the Council Conclusions of 14 June 2004, stipulating 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 adoption of a Recommendation on the implementation 
of the Action Plan in annex.  

1 
2 

COM(2003)104 
COM(2004)373 

2 

 
 
  
 
                                                 
The Commission therefore requests the Council to adopt the attached proposal for a Council 
Decision. 

3 

 
 
  
 
Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on the position to be adopted by the Communities and their Member States  
within the Association Council established by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement 
establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member 
States, of the one part, and the State of Israel, 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 Council and Commission Decision 2000/384/EC, ECSC 
of  19  April  2000  on  the  conclusion  of  a  Euro-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) 

(2) 

The Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between 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; 

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 towards 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-Mediterranean  Agreement  establishing  an 
association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and 
the State of Israel, of the other part, with regard to the implementation of the EU-Israel Action 
Plan shall be based on the draft Recommendation of the Association Council annexed to this 
Decision. 

3 

OJ C […] […], p. […] 

4 

 
 
  
 
                                                 
Done at Brussels,  

For the Council 
The President 

5 

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
ANNEX  
draft 
RECOMMENDATION 
on the implementation of the EU-Israel Action Plan  

The EU/Israel Association Council, 

Having regard to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement 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) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

Article  69  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement  gives  the  Association  Council  the 
power  to  make  appropriate  recommendations,  for  the  purposes  of  attaining  the 
objectives of the Agreement.  

In terms of Article 79 of the Euro-Mediterranean 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. 

The EU-Israel Action Plan will support the implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean 
Agreement  through  the  elaboration  and  agreement  between  the  Parties  of  concrete 
steps which will provide practical guidance for such implementation. 

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 further 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 Agreement have agreed on the text of the EU-
Israel Action Plan. 

HAS ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION: 

Sole Article 

The Association Council recommends that the Parties 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 

6 

 
 
  
 
 
ANNEX 

EU/ISRAEL ACTION PLAN 

1. Introduction  

The enlargement of the European Union on 1st May 2004 has brought a historical 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  opportunity  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  political  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  approach  is  founded  on  partnership,  joint  ownership 
and differentiation. It will contribute to the further development of our strategic partnership. 

The European Neighbourhood Policy of the European Union sets ambitious objectives based 
on  commitments  to  shared  values  and  effective  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 responsibility in conflict prevention and conflict resolution. 

The Presidency conclusions of the Essen Council 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 Association Agreement with Israel. The EU and Israel 
with  the  other  Mediterranean  partners  have  been  working  together  in  the  framework  of  the 
Barcelona  process.  This  AP  will  contribute  to  the  fulfilment  of  the  Essen  declaration  as  we 
shape the future path and framework 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  and  a  well  developed  public  administration  and 
public  services.  This  foundation  makes  Israel  well  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 interests 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  process.  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-

7 

 
 
  
 
 
 
related  rules  and  regulations  with  the  potential  to  enhance  trade,  investment  and  growth.  It 
will  furthermore  help  to  devise  and  implement  policies  and  measures  to  promote  economic 
growth, employment and social cohesion, to reduce poverty and to protect 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  against  terrorism,  as  well  as  prevention  and 
resolution of conflicts in the region and beyond. 

This  Action  Plan  will  also  provide  the  opportunity  and  basis  for  increased  legislative  co-
operation and exchange of views, with an aim to explore the possibility of approximation of 
laws in appropriate areas. Israel already participates in some 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,  with  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 the 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  the  possibility  for  Israel  to 
participate progressively in key aspects of EU policies and programmes. 

•  An upgrade in the scope and intensity of political co-operation; 

•  The  opportunity  to  explore  the  possibility  of  approximation  of  economic  legislation,  the 
opening  of  economies  to  each  other,  and  the  continued  reduction  of  trade  barriers  which 
will stimulate investment and growth; 

•  Where  the  need  to  align  Israeli  legislation  with  EU  norms  and  standards  in  certain  areas 
has  been  identified  and  agreed  upon,  targeted  support  and  advice  will  be  made  available 
through a mechanism such as TAIEX; 

•  The  Commission  is  developing  a  new  European  Neighbourhood  and  Partnership 
Instrument  (ENPI),  which  will  provide  targeted  assistance  to  Israel  to  support,  where 
appropriate, the actions identified in the present document and also covering cross-border 
and  transnational  co-operation  between  Israel  and  the  Member  States.  There  will  also  be 
infrastructure investment support through the European Investment Bank. 

•  Within the overall objective set out above, gradual opening and/or reinforced participation 
in  relevant  Community  programmes,  promoting,  inter  alia,  industrial,  cultural,  scientific, 
educational, and environmental links; 

8 

 
 
  
 
•  Deepening  trade  and  economic  relations,  extending  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  declaration  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  priorities,  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  proliferation  of  Weapons  of  Mass  Destruction,  promoting  the 
protection  of  human  rights,  improving  the  dialogue  between  cultures  and  religions,  co-
operating in the fight against anti-Semitism, racism and xenophobia 

•  Increase economic integration particularly with the EU, inter alia, by developing trade and 
investment  flows,  by  liberalising  trade  in  services,  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 initiative and in the areas of air, maritime and road 
safety; in the energy sector, exploring gradual convergence towards the principles of the 
EU internal electricity and gas markets, development 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  communications  by  businesses, 
government and citizens, as well as strengthening scientific and business links 

•  Strengthen  the  environmental  dimension  of  public  policy  and  EU-Israel  co-operation: 
promotion  of  sustainable  development  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 monitored 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  and  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 

9 

 
 
  
 
Neighbourhood  Agreement  whose  scope  will  be  defined  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  respect  for  human  rights  and  fundamental  freedoms, 
democracy,  good  governance  and  international  humanitarian  law.  Both  parties  are 
committed to join efforts to combat common security threats, to promote peace and stability in 
the Middle East, to support the work of international multilateral frameworks and co-operate 
in these fora. The EU and Israel are also firmly committed to promote regional co-operation, 
as a way to address the challenges 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 international humanitarian law 

–  Explore the possibility to join the optional protocols related to international conventions on 

human rights 

–  Promote  and  protect  rights  of  minorities,  including  enhancing  political,  economic,  social 

and cultural opportunities for all citizens and lawful residents 

–  Promote evaluation and monitoring of policies 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 implementation, 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 view 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 

10 

 
 
  
 
–  Encourage  and  support  international  organisations  and  NGO  efforts  in  combating  anti-

Semitism 

–  Encourage development of exchanges among experts 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 international norms through, inter 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  fuelled  by  racist  and  xenophobic  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  political  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 means 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 cultures 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,  humanitarian  aid  and  networking  to  allow  rapid 

reaction for disaster relief and other emergency situations that may arise worldwide 

11 

 
 
  
 
Situation in the Middle East 

Strengthen political dialogue and identify areas for further co-operation on: 

–  Progress towards a comprehensive settlement of the Middle East conflicts 

–  Working together with the EU, on a bilateral basis and as a member of the Quartet, with 
the  aim  of  reaching  a  comprehensive  settlement  of  the  Israeli/Palestinian  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, and 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 unconditional cessation of terrorist activities and violence 

–  While  recognising  Israel’s  right  of  self-defence,  the  importance  of  adherence  to 
international  law,  and  the  need  to  preserve  the  perspective  of  a  viable  comprehensive 
settlement,  minimising  the  impact  of  security  and  counter-terrorism  measures  on  the 
civilian  population,  facilitate  the  secure  and  safe  movement  of  civilians  and  goods, 
safeguarding, to the maximum possible, property, institutions and infrastructure  

–  Improving economic and social conditions for all populations  

–  Further improving access and co-ordination to facilitate the implementation and delivery of 
humanitarian  and  other  forms  of  assistance  and  facilitate  the  reconstruction  and 
rehabilitation of infrastructure 

–  Pursuing  efforts  to  support  and  facilitate  reforms,  transparency,  accountability  and 
democratic  governance  in  the  Palestinian  Authority,  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  destruction  and  their  means  of  delivery,  including 
ballistic missiles 

The EU and Israel will develop their dialogue and co-operation in this context on the basis 
respectively  of  the  “EU  Strategy  against  proliferation  of  weapons  of  mass  destruction 
(December 2003)” and “Israel’s vision 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,  including  through  implementing  UNSC  resolution 
1540/04,  fully  complying  with  and  implementing  at  national  level  their  existing 
international  obligations  and  consider  the  promotion  of  adherence,  implementation, 
accession  and  strengthening  of  other  relevant  international  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  materials,  including  within  the  framework  of 
international fora 

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–  Co-operate on developing effective systems of national export control, controlling export 
and  transit  of  WMD-related  goods,  including  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  security  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-operation in the fight against and prevention of terrorism 

–  Exchange views and experiences on means and methods used to counter terrorism and to 

improve counter-terrorism capacity, 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  Suppression  of  the  Financing  of  Terrorism  and  of  the  relevant 
international conventions 

–  Enhance  co-operation  in  all  relevant  international,  European  and  regional  fora  to 
strengthen  international  solidarity  and  co-ordination  in  countering  terrorism,  including 
through  the  application  of  the  standards  laid  down  in  the  FATF  recommendations  on 
terrorist financing especially regarding the financing of groups 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 all levels against such 
groups in accordance with international and national law 

–  Encourage  effective  implementation,  at  all  levels,  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 

13 

 
 
  
 
–  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, inter alia, working towards normalisation of 
Israel’s  status  in  international  organisations  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 international organisations 

Regional co-operation 

–  Promote  dialogue  on  a  range  of  issues  of  regional  importance  identified  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  legislative  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 problems of post-industrial societies 

–  Promote  dialogue,  co-operation  and  formulation  of  policies  between  relevant  bodies  on 
social issues of mutual interest such as poverty alleviation, domestic violence, drug abuse 
and alcoholism and social exclusion 

–  Exchange experience on pension and welfare policies including health care and care for the 

elderly 

–  Exchange experience on labour policies and labour relations, including disabilities issues 

–  Explore avenues of co-operation 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  framework  existing  under  the  Association 
Agreement  and  incorporate  a  platform  for  action  where  the  parties  jointly  explore  and 
exchange experience and views on economic and policy issues of mutual interest, both on 
the macro-economic and structural fronts 

–  Develop  EU-Israel  co-operation  on  structural  economic  reforms,  including  privatisation 

and pensions 

14 

 
 
  
 
Sustainable development 

3. Promotion of sustainable development 

–  Promote the adoption of sectoral sustainable 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, market and regulatory reform 

2.3.1. Movement of goods 

Promote trade relations 

1.  Establish  a  structured  and  comprehensive  dialogue  to  promote  trade  and  investment 
between Israel and the EU 

–  Analyse  trends  in  trade  relations  between  the  EU  and  Israel  and  promote  solutions  (e.g. 

industrial co-operation initiatives) 

–  Establish a business community dialogue, including 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 economic and trade provisions of the Association Agreement 

–  The  Parties  will  examine  the  evolution  and  structure  of  trade  with  a  view  to  improve 

reciprocal market access for processed agricultural products 

–  Develop  co-operation  on  e-commerce  issues  by  tasking  the  relevant  sub-committee  with 
analysis  and  exchange  of  information  on  regulatory  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 the 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 between Israel and other Euro-Mediterranean 

partners, such as Jordan, and work towards the facilitation of Palestinian trade 

–  Continue the facilitation of customs procedures, administrative co-operation and relations 

with economic operators in accordance with the Palermo recommendations. 

15 

 
 
  
 
3. Customs-related issues 

–  Increase co-operation in the area of customs 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-operation within the framework of joint customs 
enforcement,  as  catered  for  by  Protocol  5  to  the  Association  Agreement,  including 
improved identification of particular enforcement issues and priorities 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  purpose,  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,  exported  or  in  transit,  and  explore  possible 
definitions  of  standards  for  certification  of  operators  (exporters  and  transporters) 
intervening in commercial exchanges 

Technical  regulations,  standards  and  conformity  assessment  procedures  (EU  harmonised 
areas) 

4. Facilitate market access of industrial products 

–  Accelerate  progress  towards  bilateral  negotiations  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  consumer  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  

16 

 
 
  
 
Sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues 

6. Improve co-operation on sanitary and phyto-sanitary 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-sanitary issues (e.g. legislation, implementing practices), while 
taking into account of the different conditions prevailing on both sides 

–  Exchange  of  information  on  and,  as  appropriate,  explore  the  possibility  to  increase 
convergence, of Israeli legislation with EU legislation on sanitary (live animals and animal 
products) and of phyto-sanitary issues (plant hygiene, plant 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 the possibility of adapting Israeli legislation 

–  Exchange of views on the setting-up of an animal and plant identification and traceability 

system 

–  Exchange of information regarding , the placing on the market of substances dangerous to 
human  health,  including  plant  protection  products  and  the  ensuring  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 accreditation bodies (inter alia, 

on issues related to organic agriculture) 

–  Increase  co-operation  in  the  field  of  international  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  Association  Agreement  to  improve  the  investment  climate  and 
creation of an investment framework favourable to foreign direct investment covering all 
economic  sectors.  Such  framework  shall  examine  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 fields of accounting and auditing 

–  Promote  the  mutual  exchange  of  information  on  rules  and  standards  in  the  fields  of 

auditing and accounting 

17 

 
 
  
 
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  Israeli  economy,  the  overall 
objectives set in the conclusions of the Euro-Med Ministerial meetings and the objectives 
set  in  the  draft  Framework  Protocol  for  Liberalisation  of  Services  among  Euro-
Mediterranean partners (known as “the Istanbul Protocol”), notably mutual recognition of 
professional services 

–  Closer co-operation in policy and regulatory issues 

Financial services 

–  Continue  to  ensure  effective  implementation  of  independent  supervisory  authorities  in 

accordance with internationally recognised standards (e.g. G10, IAIS, IOSCO, IASB) 

and 

–  Strengthen co-operation between the EU and Israel on regulation, supervision and financial 
stability 
a  prudential 
regulatory/supervisory framework equivalent to the underlining principles of those existing 
in the EU while taking into account Israel’s right to maintain and set benchmark standards 
and regulations 

the  possibility  of 

convergence  with 

examine 

–  Carry out an assessment of the scope for legislative 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 provisions under Article 64 and 65 of the Association Agreement as regards 
the co-ordination of social security  

–  Preparation for a decision of the Association Council, in line with Article 65, concerning 

the ways and provisions for implementation of the objectives in Article 64. 

2.3.4 Other key areas 

Taxation 

1. Increase awareness of international and European taxation standards 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, savings, interests and royalties 

–  Promote  exchange  of  views  on  the  principles  of  the  Code  of  Conduct  for  Business 

Taxation with a view to create an equitable environment for business operators 

18 

 
 
  
 
–  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  aid  (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 example, data protection, 
enhancement  of  enforcement  through  a  dialogue  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 access, inter alia, through seminars and dialogue 
with relevant operators and authorities 

–  Act on the information provided in the above action aiming at improving effective access 
to  one  another's  public  procurement  markets  and  expand  the  scope  of  respective 
commitments. 

Statistics 

5.  Increase  awareness  of  EU  and  international  statistical  methods  in  relevant  statistical 
areas, and examine the possibility of further harmonisation 

–  Elaborate  a  strategy  for  increased  awareness  of  European  standards  in  the  relevant 

statistical areas, including foreign trade 

–  Enhance co-operation with relevant Commission services 

–  Improve  co-operation  on  establishment  of  statistics  on  trade  in  services  and  migration 

statistics 

Enterprise policy 

6. Creation of a suitable environment for SMEs and entrepreneurial activity 

19 

 
 
  
 
–  Promote the implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean Charter for Enterprise adopted by 

Industry Ministers in Caserta in October 2004 

–  Co-operate  in  implementing  the  work  programme  of  the  Working  Party  on  Euro-

Mediterranean Industrial Co-operation for 2005-06 

–  Establish  a  structured  and  comprehensive  dialogue  on  industrial  and  enterprise  policy 

including the improvement of the business environment 

–  Facilitate enhanced industrial co-operation, in particular between businesses 

–  Associate  Israel  to  EU  initiative  to  stimulate  competitiveness  in  the  tourism  sectors  (e.g. 
exchange of information, participation in networks and studies) in accordance with Article 
54 of the Association Agreement 

International Development Co-operation 

–  International  development  co-operation:  favourable  consideration  will  be  given  to 
extending  Israeli  participation  in  the  award  of  contracts  under  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 Justice 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 legislative approximation, where required by the relevant programme 

Migration issues (including legal and illegal migration and asylum) 

1. Effective management of migration flows 

–  Exchange of information and dialogue concerning (legal) migration  

–  Exchange of information and dialogue concerning integration of migrants: best practices, 

evaluation, joint studies 

–  Discuss  the  issues  of  management  of  migration  flows,  and  cooperate  to  increase  the 
effectiveness  of  measures  designed  to  prevent  or  curb  the  flow  of  illegal  immigration, 
including co-operation with the Border Police 

–  Exchange of information concerning illegal immigration, including transit migration, 

–  Observation  and  analysis  of  the  migratory  flows;  participation  in  the  EUROMED 

migration research network 

–  Identify the conditions to invite Israel as participant/observer in the activities organised in 

the framework of EU programmes on migration issues (ARGO, AENEAS) 

Asylum 

20 

 
 
  
 
–  Exchange information and best practices in the field of asylum policy 

Specific actions to combat terrorism in the JHA field 

2. Strengthening co-operation to combat terrorism 

–  Develop co-operation to strengthen the fight against the financing of terrorism 

–  Develop co-operation between law enforcement agencies to combat terrorism 

–  Develop judicial co-operation in the context of combating terrorism 

Fight against organised crime, including trafficking in human beings 

3.  Exchange  of  experience  and  foster  mutual  co-operation  on  the  basis  of  relevant 
international instruments in the fight against organised crime  

–  Work  towards  ratification  and  implementation  of  the  UN  Convention  on  Trans-National 

Organised Crime and its protocols on smuggling, trafficking and firearms; 

–  Intensify  the  fight  against  trafficking  in  human  beings  including  through  an  exchange  of 

information regarding preventive measures 

–  Inform the consultative “Experts Group on Trafficking 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 general standards for trafficking in human beings 
and  explore  the  scope  for  participation  of  Israel  in  the  activities  under  the  AGIS 
programme 

–  Exchange  of  information  on  criminal  offences,  legislation  and  case  law;  victims'  rights; 
Member  States'  and  Israeli  legislation  and  modus  operandi;  enhance  public  awareness; 
foster co-operation with countries of origin and transit 

–  Exchange  of  information  on  the  patterns  of  organised  crime  involved  in  trafficking,  the 
characteristics  of  victims,  target  client  populations  and  the  connections  between 
prostitution and trafficking  

–  Enhance police and judicial co-operation in witness protection programmes 

–  Exchange  of  information  on  appropriate  attitudes  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  participation  in  Council  of  Europe  activities  and  regional 
working  groups  against  economic  crimes,  corruption,  organised  crime,  trafficking  in 
human beings and cyber-crime 

Drugs 

4.  Mutual  exchange  of  experience  and  enhancement  of  mutual  co-operation  on  the  basis  of 

21 

 
 
  
 
relevant international instruments 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  information  and  co-operation  between  national  law 
enforcement authorities and agencies; combating the financing of terrorism 

–  Identify  the  scope  for  Israel’s  participation  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, operational and strategic information between the EU, EU Member 

States and Israeli law enforcement, including 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 conditions for co-operation and exchange of information with the 

European Judicial Network in criminal matters 

–  Explore the possibilities and conditions for co-operation and exchange of information with 

the European Judicial Network in civil matters 

–  Explore the possibility to develop co-operation between Israel and Eurojust 

–  Enhance co-operation between Israeli agencies and EUROPOL 

–  Co-operate in training for judges, 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 prevention and forensic science (ENFSI) 

–  Exchange  of  information  on  the  use  of  IT  and  other  high-tech  equipment  to  support 

criminal investigations  

22 

 
 
  
 
2.5. Transport, energy, information society, environment and Science and Technology 

Transport 

1. Co-operation on transport and infrastructure policy 

–  While  underlining  the  importance  of  a  national  sustainable  transport  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 priority regional infrastructure projects 

–  Participate in initiatives and programmes for sustainable transport 

–  Exchange 

information  and  cooperate  on 

infrastructure  financing  (e.g. 
Public/Private Partnerships, shadow-tolling, etc.); establish financing strategies for priority 
infrastructure projects 

issues  of 

–  Development of co-operation in the Galileo and other similar initiatives; 

2. Co-operation on selected measures and reforms 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  intelligent  transport  systems  and  services  and 
increased participation in relevant 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 rail regulatory framework including the setting 

of technical standards 

–  Explore  the  benefits  of  regional  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 adjusting bilateral aviation agreements concluded with Member 
States in order to include the Community designation clause; exchange of information on 
the possibility of an EU-Israel global aviation agreement. 

–  Explore the possibility for involvement in the Single European Sky and closer co-operation 

in the area of aviation safety 

–  Proceed  for  a  mutual  recognition  agreement  with  the  EU  in  the  field  of  acceptance  of 

certification findings (airworthiness) 

–  Co-operate on aviation security matters (common rules to combat international terrorism) 

4. Co-operation on selected measures and reforms in the maritime sector 

23 

 
 
  
 
–  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 for co-operation with EMSA 

–  Further  develop  co-operation  with  EU  and  Mediterranean  partners  in  the  framework  of 

IMO and participate in the new regional 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  context  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  principles  of  the  EU 
internal electricity and gas markets 

–  Explore  the  possibility  of  legal  and  regulatory  convergence  towards  the  principles  of  the 

EU internal electricity and gas markets 

–  Promote the exchange of experiences in pursuit of the electricity market reform in Israel 

–  Identify the scope for providing advice regarding the legal and regulatory 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 being part of inter-regional studies 

–  Develop gas transmission and distribution systems 

–  Exchange of know-how on security and safety of energy networks/infrastructure 

8. Further progress on energy efficiency 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  harmonisation,  where  appropriate,  with  EU  energy 

efficiency legislation (minimum efficiency standards; labelling appliances) 

24 

 
 
  
 
–  Take steps towards participation in EU activities relating to Energy Efficiency and the use 

of Renewable Energy (e.g. conferences and workshops) 

Regional co-operation 

Develop regional co-operation on, inter alia, electricity and gas; energy and renewable energy 
sources  and  networks  (including  Euro-Mediterranean,  and  co-operation  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 comprehensive regulatory framework including licensing, 
access and interconnection, numbering, Universal Service and users’ rights, protection of 
personal data and privacy , costs-orientation of tariffs 

–  Establish an independent regulatory authority 

–  Explore  ways  for  co-operation  with  the  working  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 use of Information Society applications 

–  Promote  the  use  and  exchange  of  views  on  new  technologies  and  electronic  means  of 
communications  by  businesses,  government  and  citizens  in  areas  such  as  e-Business 
(including standards for e-signatures), e-Government, e-Health, e-Learning, e-Culture 

–  Promote co-operation in regional and global e-Strategies, including the continuity of Israeli 
participation in pilot projects of the regional programme EUMEDIS and the preparation of 
the second phase of World Summit on the Information 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  generation  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  framework  of  the  recently  established  ENISA 
(Article 24 of the Founding Regulation) 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  entities  in  the  next  call  for  proposals  under  this 
programme 

–  Build on Israel’s participation in the Minerva Plus project and its emerging experience of 

the National Representatives Group on Digitisation Policies in the EU Member States 

Environment 

11. Ensure good environmental governance 

25 

 
 
  
 
–  Strengthen the administrative capacity of the Ministry of Environment and other relevant 

institutions 

–  Promote  the  strengthening  of  communication  strategies  and  availability  of  environmental 
information  to  the  public,  inter  alia  through  exchange  of  information  between  the 
Commission and Israel 

12.  Take  action  for  prevention  of  deterioration  of  the  environment,  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 and reduction at source and energy from waste 

–  Exchange  of  information  between  Israel  and  the  Commission  on  air  quality  and  air 

pollution issues, including the "Clean Air for Europe" Programme 

–  Prevent  pollution  of  waters,  in  particular  through  enhanced  water  pollutant  emission 

reporting, drawing on the experiences within the EU Water Framework Directive 

–  Enhance  co-operation  between  relevant  authorities  on  prevention  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  biological  diversity  and  rural  landscape,  with 

special attention to the relevant migratory species 

13. Enhance co-operation on environmental issues 

–  Enhance co-operation to achieve the commitments by the parties with regard to provisions 

under the Kyoto Protocol and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change 

–  Taking  account  of  specific  national  circumstances,  work  towards  ratification  and 

acceptance of the Protocols and amendments to Barcelona Convention 

–  Identify possibilities with neighbouring countries 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  NGOs  and  exploring  mechanisms  to  enhance 

their active participation, including with regard to regional co-operation 

–  Sharing  experiences  gained  in  the  implementation  of  Strategic  Environmental  Impact 

Assessment 

Science and technology, research and development 

26 

 
 
  
 
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 regional 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 issues, 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 participation in Community Programmes (Tempus, Erasmus-

Mundus, promoting mobility and exchange of academic staff and students) 

–  Explore  possibilities  to  extend  co-operation  in  the  areas  of  school  education,  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 coordinating the respective EU and Israeli systems of study 

credits, with a view to facilitating the exchange of students in the future 

–  Promote dialogue on special challenges in education (inter alia disabilities, gender equality 

issues, special needs, etc.) 

–  Promote dialogue on the role of ICT and IST in education and e-learning 

–  Explore  the  scope  for  training  in  the  fight  against  racism  and  anti-Semitism,  including 

issues related to Holocaust awareness and remembrance 

–  Promote the exchange of young professionals between Israeli and European bodies 

2. Enhance co-operation in the 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 

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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  promoting  culture,  audio-visual  policy  and 

regulatory issues 

–  Promote closer co-operation on inter-faith dialogue, preservation of historical institutions, 
religious  freedom  (including  in  observance),  religious  tolerance  and  including  in  the 
education systems 

–  Promote  co-operation  in  the  field  of  cultural  and  linguistic  heritage,  including,  where 

possible, protection of minority languages (e.g. Yiddish and Ladino) 

–  Promote cultural exchanges 

–  Develop  a  dialogue  on  cultural  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 links between civil society organisation and NGOs (symposia, 

workshops) 

–  Develop a work programme including the organisation of a symposium in 2005 consisting 
of intellectuals, politicians, experts 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 dialogue 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 epidemiological safety in Israel based on global 
standards taking into account EU legislation and 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 information 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 meetings of the Network of Competent 

Authorities 

–  Take measures to integrate Israel in the EUPHIN system 

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–  Examine  scope  for  Israeli  participation  through  umbrella  organisations  in  the  EU  Health 

Forum 

6. Communicable Disease Surveillance and Health Security 

–  Participation in Communicable Disease Networks and dedicated surveillance networks 

–  Develop laboratories networking 

3. Joint review 

The  Action  Plan  will  be  submitted  for  formal  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 the EU side, for specific measures necessitating 
legally binding decisions, the Commission will recommend to the Council the adoption of the 
necessary negotiating directives. 

The joint bodies established under the Association Agreement will advance and monitor the 
implementation of the Action Plan. 

A first review of the implementation of the Action 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. 

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