The foundation of the Jewish state, its ability to sustain itself and to eventually grow into a technological hub for the world, to some can only be described as a wonder, to others as one of the 21st centuries biggest human accomplishments.

As European Jews and activists, the relationship between the EU and Israel is not only of personal concern to us, but part of our daily political work. With the celebration of seventy years since the creation of the Jewish State, it is therefore time to reflect on the origins of the vital bilateral relationship with the European Union, taking a broad view on the core issues of today and a realistic outline for future possibilities.

Israel-EU relations have a history of significant cooperation, but also of growing challenges. Israel has been for Europe not only a natural trading partner, but also uniquely for the Middle East a partner in values, sharing a mutual commitment to democracy, respect for freedom and the rule of law.

Today, the cornerstone of the EU-Israel relationship is the Association Agreement, together with a series of sectoral agreements meant to intensify their collaboration in the fields of research and technological development. Moreover, as a member of the Quartet on the Middle East, the EU has a seat on the table in the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP). Cooperation is deep and comprehensive in some of these areas, but there is room for expansion.

As well as an intensified economic partnership, the EU tends to constantly look at Israel through the lense of the Arab-Israeli conflict. This has resulted in misunderstandings and tensions. Voices within the EU periodically call for the suspension of the Association agreement and the decision to label goods. Therefore, there is a need for an effective voice from civil society organisations in Brussels.

Effective advocacy for Israel requires an understanding of the dynamics of the EU decision-making process, which is very much driven by the politics of compromise. In essence, an issue will be easy to compromise on, if the different interests of stakeholders do not overlap. Such an issue will tend to go forward as a unified position.

These dynamics are very clearly the basis of the EU’s position on the two-state solution, quite simply because this is an issue on which from an internal EU perspective very easy to reach a compromise, since EU stakeholders have no concessions to make on this issue.

Lack of progress in the MEPP has led many voices within the EU to lay the blame solely on Israel, even to the point of attributing the stalling of negotiations only to Israel. This thinking is common among certain actors in the EU and is simultaneously sincere, unbalanced and uncreative in the search of solutions to the Arab-Israeli conflict.

This line of thought is has been slowly seeping into European public discourse. Within the EU institutions today, it is voiced by a small, but rowdy minority, influenced by radical groups such as the BDS movement and its allies.

These attacks do not constitute legitimate criticism of a state, but rather bad faith attempts with the clear intention of demonising and delegitimising and even crossing the line to antisemitism.

This new antisemism, which is disguised as criticism of Israel, can have and has had very tangible negative effects for Jewish communities in Europe. This became again visible as synagogues in Malmo and Gothenburg were firebombed because of the absurd belief that European Jews are to be blamed for a diplomatic statement from a leader, thousands of miles away, describing the self-evident truth that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. This discourse can never be normalised.

The European Jewish Congress advocates for Jewish communities in Europe, but also against the demonisation of the Jewish State at the EU institutions. These are two separate battlegrounds, which are nevertheless intricately connected.

One of our main tasks is to ensure that European leaders take all kinds of antisemitism seriously. In our capacity as Secretariat of the European Parliament Working Group on Antisemitism we have consistently raised awareness of the rising threat of new antisemitism with European leaders.

Opposing the narratives of delegitimisation is necessary, but not sufficient. Advocating in the European Union requires pragmatism and looking for constructive solutions.

To quote the rabbinical saying, we can speak of a gesher tzar me’od: A very narrow bridge, that exists between Israel and the EU. Our main task is to cross that bridge without fear.

Our experience in the European institutions has taught us that there are European leaders who out of their moral conviction have decided to stand with the Jewish people and the Jewish state. Identifying and cultivating these relationships is essential for effective advocacy.

Another essential task is taking the narrative back. In seventy years, Israel has made the deserts bloom, created the most remarkable hub of technological innovation, worked towards overcoming pressing environmental challenges, among many other things.

Moreover, it is a democratic island in a sea of autocratic regimes, a state with the rule of law and with representative institutions exceptional in the region.

Finally, it is also our task is to communicate this message and to show that in all of these fields Israel is a reliable partner where cooperation can and should be strengthened to the mutual benefit of all involved, because Europe and Israel have so much to gain from each other. The increased collaboration with NATO and strong bilateral ties with European states promise a bright future for this friendship, yet we can expect that important challenges remain.

As we celebrate these remarkable achievements, let us look forward to strengthening relations between Israel and Europe.