On Monday, March 21st, FES Israel, in cooperation with its Partner MITVIM – The Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies, conducted a discussion focusing on the offer of the European Union of 2013 to establish a Special Privileged Partnership (SPP) with Israel and a future state of Palestine in case of a final status agreement.
Following a short input statement by Jan Freigang, First Secretary at the Political and Press Section of the Delegation of the European Union to Israel, a lively debate developed, led and moderated by Dr. Nimrod Goren (MITVIM). Some 25 experts from academia, economy, media, Think Tanks and NGOs as well as some former diplomats discussed whether the offer of closer economic, cultural, and scientific ties with the EU does in fact constitute a relevant and effective incentive for increased peace efforts. Furthermore, they elaborated on the question of how public awareness on the EU’s initiative can be increased and what kind of future strategy might enhance its impact.
Summary of the Policy-planning Workshop
