EU-Israel Relations: Navigating the Complex Pathways of Political and Institutional collaboration from the 1960s to the present

This study provides a comprehensive examination of the intricate political and institutional connections between the State of Israel and the European Union, focusing on the period from the 1960s, when negotiations started and the first trade agreement was signed, to the contemporary era. It delves into the roles played by European institutions, specialized committees created to facilite the political dialogue, e.g., the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Israel (D-IL) and the Association Council; and key figures in shaping diplomatic discourse and facilitating integration To unveil the dynamic and occasionally challenging nature of collaboration – that of “integration without membership” of Israel, as defined by Pardo & Peters (2010) -, it navigates historical archives, original documents of European laws and agreements, exchange of letters, communication structures, diplomatic exchanges and political discourses and encounters.This, with the aim of exploring the evolution of key areas of cooperation – primarily economics, trade and R&D and scientific research – and dialogue over time. Furthermore, the research extends its scope beyond a retrospective analysis by incorporating a forward-looking perspective. It seeks to examine potential future trajectories in the relations between the State of Israel and the European Union, drawing on discussions with academic experts. By digging into what might come next, the study aspires to provide detailed insights and perspectives on the evolving nature of collaboration, thereby making a substantive contribution to our comprehensive understanding of the future prospects for diplomatic relations between these entities.