Israelis would like to join European Union
Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research
Israelis Would Like to Join European Union
February 24, 2007
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) — Many Israelis believe their country should become a member of the European Union (EU), according to a poll by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. 75 per cent of respondents would support a bid by Israel to join the continental group.
Bulgaria and Romania were the latest countries to join the European Union, in January 2007. On Jan. 19, Romanian president Traian Basescu urged all member states to support the continuation of the open-door policy, saying, "There is a new European reality, the fifth post-wave, which must not be neglected. The European neighbourhood policy is already a vehicle for the spread of values and standards in the East and we are decided to contribute to its evolution towards more consistency."
The EU has repeatedly urged the Palestinian government, integrated partly by the political wing of Hamas-an organization accused of staging violent attacks against Israel-to renounce violence and recognize the legitimacy of the Israeli state in exchange for foreign aid and support.
While Israel signed an association agreement with the EU in November 1995—which incorporates specific free trade regulations—the prospect of Israel’s full membership in the EU has never been seriously considered by either Israeli or European leaders.
Polling Data
| Would you support or oppose Israel joining the European Union (EU)? | |
| Support | 75% |
| Oppose | 18% |
| Not sure | 7% |
Source: Konrad Adenauer Foundation
Methodology: Interviews with 511 Israeli adults, conducted in February 2007.
