Press Release: Israel joins EU competitiveness programme

Israel is the first neighbouring country to join the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP) under which the European Commission promotes innovation, entrepreneurship and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. The Memorandum of Understanding on the CIP was signed by Vice-President Günter Verheugen, and the Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry, Trade and Labour, Eliyahu Yishai, in Tel Aviv. The participation of Israel in Community programmes is an important step in the process of progressive economic integration between Israel and the EU in the framework of the ENP. During his visit to Israel on 1-2 November 2007, VP Verheugen will also participate in the EU-Israel business dialogue and discuss with key decision makers the priorities for future enterprise and industrial cooperation between the European Union and Israel.