No, Israel is not a European country. But to some degree, it shares several cultures and traditions with the Europeans. Israel has a strong cultural, sporting, and economical connection with Europe. Israel is not geographically in Europe. Yet, it is a member of several European organizations and frameworks. The country has strong ties with the European continent. The country is an associate state of the European Union, yet still pushing for full membership. Over the years, the two maintained strong and positive bilateral relations. Both established strong partnership economically. Israel has a GDP per capita, like other European countries. Here are some agreements that created a ‘special relationship’ between Israel and Europe: Free Trade Zone Agreement A strong partnership was established economically with the said agreement in 1975. It led to a significant increase in exports between the two, beneficial to both economies. The agreement was able to develop close businesses among investors and entrepreneurs. Israel-European Union Association Agreement It comes into force in June 2000 but was signed in 1995. It allows a heightened political dialogue and closer relations in economies. European Neighborhood Policy The policy seeks to establish closer ties to countries in the east and south of Europe. They are developing countries that are seeking an active member state of the EU. One of the members of the European Neighborhood Policy in Israel. Association Agreement It came into force in 2000. The Association Agreement opened ties in economic, commercial, technological, and research. It became a forum to create a free trade area in industrial goods, agriculture, among others. Moreover, Israel has a more substantial relationship among countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The said ties become increasingly close in the aspect of economy, tourism, and culture. The relationship does not only extend to the economy alone. Israel takes part in several European sporting events and the Eurovision Song Contest.