The European Leadership Network (ELNET) has conducted the Israel Survey for the third consecutive year. 317 Members of Parliament (MPs) from 29 European countries participated in the unique research project.
The survey examines the state of Europe-Israel relations amidst significant geopolitical events, highlighting the perceptions and priorities regarding Israel, Europe’s Middle East policy, and Jewish life in Europe among European MPs from diverse political affiliations.
The Israel Survey is the most comprehensive parliamentary analysis of European-Israeli relations. Nevertheless, it cannot claim to be representative.
These are some of the key takeaways:
- Unwavering support for Israel: A majority of European legislators (73 percent) view relations between their country and Israel as very good or good. Many express that their nation’s relationship with Israel holds special significance (83 percent).
- Growing interest in defense cooperation: Across Europe, MPs are demanding more cooperation with Israel in the area of defense, with an increase of 26 percent compared to last year’s survey. Cooperation in new technologies (72 percent) was the area most frequently mentioned by the parliamentarians.
- Embracing the Abraham Accords: 85 percent of participating MPs want to actively promote further agreements between Israel and Arab/Muslim countries. 77 percent believe that the Abraham Accords should be utilised as an effective framework for Arab countries to assist in mediating peace and facilitating the reconstruction process.
- UNRWA under scrutiny: The vast majority (90 percent) is in favour of alterations to UNRWA’s organisational structure. Opinions within this group vary: 46 percent advocate for reforming UNRWA and imposing stricter oversight, while 44 percent propose integrating the agency into other UN bodies.
- Strong call to combat antisemitism: 84 percent of participating MPs believe that further efforts are necessary to counter antisemitism in their country. Antisemitism from radical Muslim communities is seen by parliamentarians as the most significant threat in their countries (53 percent). There has been an increase in the perception of antisemitism from the left and across all layers of society as threats. A majority also agrees that Israel-related antisemitism is a problem in their country.
Download
English: download Israel Survey 2024 (European edition)
German: download Israel Survey 2024 (German edition)
Video
Carl Ovens (CEO ELNET DACH) presents the preliminary results of the Israel Survey 2024.
Background
The European Leadership Network (ELNET) is an NGO dedicated to strengthening Europe-Israel relations based on shared democratic values and strategic interests. It has offices in France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Belgium (EU and NATO), Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), and Israel.
Source and further information: ELNET Germany, ELNET