Further talks to take place on Settlement Guidelines

A meeting to resolve Israeli concerns over the EU’s new Settlement Guidelines has ended without a resolution. However, diplomats have agreed to return to talks later this week in Brussels.

Union and Israeli officials held a day of discussions in the Middle East on the new guidelines which will restrict EU funds passing to any organisation operating in the Golan Heights, Gaza Strip or West Bank. The new arrangements, first published in July, will have a significant impact on the country’s ability to participate in Horizon 2020.

Following the meeting, an EU source said: “There were fruitful discussions today between Israel and the EU on the issue of the EU guidelines. Both sides explained their positions and expressed their willingness to find solutions to any potential difficulties. The talks will continue in Brussels on Thursday in the framework of negotiations on Israel’s participation in the Horizon 2020.”

An Israeli source quoted in the Jerusalem Post said the discussions had taken place in a “good, positive atmosphere.”

It’s understood that Israel is hoping for some flexibility in the implementation of the new rules which are due to be applied from January 2014. The Israel government has said it will not accept the guidelines in their current form.

An immediate solution to resolving Israeli concerns is not expected.