EU-Israeli RelationsThrough the Prism of innovation

Résumé En

Israeli–European Union (EU) relations have consisted of several conflicting trends that have resulted in the emergence of a highly problematic and volatile relationship: one characterized by a strong and ever-increasing network of economic, cultural, and personal ties, yet marked at the political level by disappointment, bitterness, and anger (Pardo and Zahavi, 2022). The objective of this paper is to examine the EU- Israeli relations, and their mutual external perceptions through the arena of innovation. Specifically, the paper investigates the landscape of interests and perceptions among EU and Israeli policy-makers and industry representatives in relation to the innovation sector and Israeli- European innovation cooperation. Through interviews with policy-makers and industry representatives and qualitative analysis of official documents and data, and political discussions, the paper also follows how EU- Israeli cooperation in the area of research and innovation was developed throughout the years. Relying on the theoretical frameworks of normative power (Manners, 2006) and external perceptions (Chaban et al., 2013), the paper elaborates how the innovation sector reflects a wider picture of EU-Israeli relations and European perceptions of Israel. Furthermore, this reflects a more diversified attitude in the EU’s external policy and diplomacy. The study contributes to the discussion of the use of science as a tool in foreign policy, as part of the tool kit of Europe's normative power.