Tajani visit focuses on strengthening ‘amicable’ business relations

Israel and the EU are set to sign a new agreement strengthening co-operation in industrial policy, fields of satellite navigation research and SMEs.

Antonio Tajani, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Industry and Entrepreneurship, will meet with President Shimon Peres and key Israeli ministers as part of a three-day trip to Israel. The visit aims to reinforce strong business relations between the EU and Israel as part of the ‘Missions for Growth’ programme. The scheme assists European enterprises, in particular SMEs, to better benefit from fast growing international markets.

More than 65 industry associations and companies from EU member states are travelling with Tajani. It is hoped businesses will be able to form new partnerships with Israeli firms in addition to exploring further opportunities for European SMEs in Israel.

The ‘Mission for Growth to Israel’ targets numerous industry sectors, such as space technologies; ICT and tourism; however, innovative and environmental technologies will also be key topics on the agenda. The mission focuses on enhancing Europe industry’s economic growth and competitiveness by better exploring the growth potential of Israel’s economy.

Israel and Brussels are currently in negotiations regarding the country’s participation in Horizon 2020, after the EU introduced new Settlement Guidelines during the summer prohibiting the spending of EU funds by Israeli enterprises located in the Occupied Territories.

The visit will conclude on 23 October 2013.