Israel is trying to upgrade its standing in the European Union to be equal to that of Switzerland and Norway.
Although the two countries are not members of the EU, they have free passage for people, capital and merchandise between them and the rest of the EU countries.
The Israel-EU Association Council – a council of European foreign ministers who monitor European-Israeli relations – is scheduled to convene in Brussels in March, with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.
The Foreign Ministry is examining options of promoting Israel's standing in the EU at the meeting. The Israeli National Security Council,
representatives from ministries, the academia and NGOs are collaborating with the foreign ministry in preparation for the appeal.
Among the suggestions that are being examined are allowing Israelis and European nationals to travel freely between the countries, to start businesses and open European companies in Israel and Israeli companies in Europe, ensuing from the Norwegian and Swiss relations with the rest of the EU countries.
"We are looking into several options to find the best way to improve our relations with the EU," senior foreign ministry staff said. "It will require authorization of all the government ministries."
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