(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Two-thirds of adults in Israel would like their country to join the European Union (EU), according to a poll by Keevoon and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. 69 per cent of respondents support this idea.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Two-thirds of adults in Israel would like their country to join the European Union (EU), according to a poll by Keevoon and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. 69 per cent of respondents support this idea.
In addition, 54 per cent of respondents would like Israel to become a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
In June 2000, the EU-Israel Association Agreement established the basis for relations between the continental group and the country. An action plan designed to gradually integrate Israel into the policies and programs of the EU is currently in place.
NATO was originally formed in 1949 as an agreement of collaboration designed to prevent a possible attack from the Soviet Union on North America or Western Europe during the Cold War. In March 2004, NATO added seven more nations, six of which were once members of the Warsaw Pact—a military alliance of Eastern European Soviet countries.
Last month, EU external affairs commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said that an expected upgrade in the existing association agreement with Israel would be postponed "until the new Israeli government shows a clear commitment to pursue peace negotiations with the Palestinians."
On Apr. 29, Israeli Foreign Ministry official Rafi Barak expressed dismay at Ferrero-Waldner’s statement, adding, "Israel is asking Europe to lower the tone and conduct a discreet dialogue. However, if these declarations continue, Europe will not be able to be part of the diplomatic process, and both sides will lose."
Polling Data
There has been some talk that Israel could one day join the European Union (EU). Would you support or oppose Israel joining the EU?
|
Support |
69% |
|
Oppose |
18% |
|
Not sure |
13% |
There has been some talk that Israel should join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which might mean that in the event of an attack, NATO countries would help Israel defend itself. By the same token Israel would be obligated to help defend NATO countries under attack. Would you support or oppose Israel joining NATO?
|
Support |
54% |
|
Oppose |
33% |
|
Not sure |
13% |
Source: Keevoon / Konrad Adenauer Foundation
Methodology: Interviews with 600 Israeli adults, conducted from Apr. 1 to Apr. 5, 2009. Margin of error is 4.1 per cent.
