By Ran Curiel - 9th February 2009
This relationship must be founded on a “mature” dialogue
Ran Curiel
Israel’s ambassador to the EU says the coming 12 months “holds the promise” of bringing a “profound change” in the Middle East.
Writing exclusively for this website, Ran Curiel also said that he believes Israel’s recent military action in Gaza was “largely understood in Europe.”
Read the full text of Ambassador Curiel's article below:
I was invited to make this contribution on EU – Israel relations and the "upgrading process", before the crisis in Gaza broke out.
However, the current confrontation - into which Israel hesitated to enter for a long time, opting to try and reach a non-military solution - illustrated the importance of the enhanced political dialogue between Israel and the EU. I hope that when this article is published, Egypt will have succeeded in its attempt to achieve a durable cease fire – which was one of the central goals of the Israeli operation.
Throughout the current crisis in Gaza, Israel and Europe maintained an intensive political dialogue. The visit to Israel by six European heads of government, the EU troika, Javier Solana, EU commissioners, foreign ministers, as well as Minister Livni's meeting with her EU counterparts in Brussels, provide ample proof of this dialogue, which should be measured not only by the number of meetings, but also by their substance and quality. This would not have been possible a few years ago, and would most likely not have taken place if not for the improvement in EU - Israel relations, and especially the development of the political dialogue.
Israel's decision to act in Gaza came as a last resort, and following years of terror activity which included the reckless launching of rockets and missiles at its civilian population by Hamas - actions defined as war crimes by Amnesty International, as was the group's practice of using Palestinian civilians as human shields.
This reality was largely understood in Europe. However, it was coupled with a difficulty of its public opinion to comprehend, from afar, the dilemmas faced by Israel, thus criticising what was perceived as a disproportionate response which generated an unfortunate large number of casualties. The traditional extremist voices in certain European circles were also heard, and though certainly not mainstream, the nature of their criticism raises the question as to the distinction between legitimate criticism and an attempt at delegitimizing the state of Israel. These are the same circles that for years during which Israel had been under constant rocket attacks aimed at its civilians, had chosen to remain silent. From within these circles the cry is heard at every opportunity to suspend relations with Israel.
The development of relations is diverse, encompassing many fields including science, culture, youth, environmental issues, as well as issues related to justice and home affairs. This process does not imply a full accordance with the other side's policies in one area or another. Nor should this cooperation be perceived as "giving" by one side to another, as it serves the common interest of deepening the base on which the relations and the political dialogue take place.
This relationship must be founded on a “mature” dialogue – in which there is place for criticism and dispute, but no place for delegitimizing. For too many years Israel and the EU maintained superficial ties, coupled with a judgmental approach by both sides. This is the core of the change that the upgrading process is trying to bring about.
Looking ahead, beyond the current conflict in Gaza, we can see that at the basis of the mutual will to upgrade relations, lies the fact that the agendas of Israel and the EU, as well as of the west as a whole, are converging. The long-term interests of Israel and of Europe are identical when it comes to the future of the Middle East. Israel and Europe both seek stability, development and, if possible, a process of democratisation.
This is why we have strongly supported EU initiatives directed at the Mediterranean, starting with the “Barcelona Process” and recently the “Union for the Mediterranean”. We are faced with the same challenges of extremism, terror, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, as well as of energy, migration, and environment.
We only need to look at some of the developments of the last years to realise their impact on the relationship: Global changes, including the war against terror and the presence of European soldiers in Afghanistan, Lebanon and Iraq. Changes in Europe, notably enlargement and the growing need to find a more developed model for relations with key neighbours. Developments in Israel, mainly the effort to bring about an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a two-state solution.
Israel is seeking a closer relationship with the EU. Israelis increasingly understand that in a globalised world Israel needs a western political and economic anchor to integrate with. The change in Israeli thinking coincides with a growing recognition within the EU of the need to rethink its own outreach policies and to create a meaningful model strong enough to preserve its neighbours within Europe’s zone of influence.
2009 holds the promise of bringing a profound change in the Middle East in the wake of US and Israel elections. A stronger EU - Israel framework will provide an enhanced trust and support the actions needed to meet the different challenges.
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