An EU Twinning project has come to an end, aimed at improving Israel’s environmental regulatory framework and adapting it to European standards, in order to reduce pollution and environmental risks. The completion of the project was described by the Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Environmental Protection (MoEP) as a “milestone” in reducing pollution and improving the health of Israelis.

The two-year Twinning project paired experts from the MoEP with those from three European countries – Germany, Austria and the UK (Northern Ireland).

Environmental Protection Minister Zeev Elkin praised the EU for strengthening collaboration with the Ministry, and “sharing the abilities and experiences necessary to adopt and enforce the high environmental standards developed in the EU”.

The project helped the Ministry prepare for the adoption of an Integrated Environmental Licensing Law that meets the criteria adopted in Europe, and to implement regulatory tools such as those that exist in the European Union.

MoEP Director General Yisrael Dancziger said the government was committed to continuing the process, “which will improve environmental protection, improve the health of the residents, and will reduce the bureaucratic burden of industry.”

The Twinning project was aimed at making a contribution to sustainable development and green growth in Israel, by modernizing and implementing an environmental regulatory and management framework for industry, as well as by promoting the creation of infrastructure required to use resources effectively for public benefit.

Through the project, Israeli regulators learned from the expertise and knowledge of European regulators and industry experts who’ve already created legislation in this area in their countries. Knowledge was shared through workshops, ad-hoc consultations, study visits, and more.

Over the past two years, more than 55 Twinning experts from Germany, Austria, and Northern Ireland were invited by government ministries and agencies to Israel, and worked in close cooperation with the staff of Israel’s MoEP.

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Press release

EU-MoEP Twinning Project video

Twinning Project web page

EU Delegation Israel