EU-Israel Association Council to meet for first time in decade

The European Union confirms that the first meeting of the EU-Israel Association Council since 2012 will take place in Brussels on Monday.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell will head the European side. It remains unclear whether Prime Minister Yair Lapid will attend in person.

While the EU statement said that the Israeli delegation  “will be led” by Lapid, sources in the Prime Minister’s office tell The Times of Israel that no definitive plans have been made, and chances are he will not travel.

The Jewish High Holiday of Yom Kippur begins on Tuesday night.

The Association Council is a meeting that is meant to occur annually between Israel and the EU to cover matters of mutual concern, but meetings fell by the wayside after 2012. During his recent stint as foreign minister, Lapid made it a goal to reconvene the forum.

According to the EU, the meeting will cover the war in Ukraine, the global energy crisis and food insecurity.

The EU statement stressed that the “Middle East Peace Process” would be discussed, saying the body “hopes to build on the momentum generated at the UN General Assembly.”

Lapid endorsed a two-state solution during his UN address last week, calling it “the right thing for Israel’s security, for Israel’s economy and for the future of our children.”

The EU does not mention Iran at all.