A group of ten senior staffers from the European Parliament and related institutions visited Israel for a five-day educational seminar organized by Project Interchange. With Israel-EU relations at a critical juncture, the visit provided the delegation with a better understanding of Israel’s history, diversity, and strategic objectives.The group consisted primarily of foreign policy advisors to Members of the European Parliament, where staffs tend to be small and hold considerable influence. Many were active participants of a parliamentary committee that handles relations with Israel. Other participants were delegates from NATO and the European Saving Bank.
The trip included meetings with leaders across the political and social spectrum in Israel, including Members of Knesset, senior Israeli diplomats, Palestinians and Israeli Arabs. Discussion topics ranged from the Iranian threat, to protecting civil rights while combating terrorism, to Israel as a worldwide leader in medicine, technology and environmental sustainability.
The seminar marked the fifth European delegation that Project Interchange has hosted in Israel this year.
