Israel is the country where respondents gave the highest number of correct answers to questions assessing their knowledge and understanding of the EU. An average of 2.5 questions from a total of 6 were answered correctly.

42% of Israelis have a positive image of the EU, and only 18% have a negative one. Positive perceptions have improved by 5 percentage points compared to 2020, and negative perceptions dropped by 5 percent. Moreover, 62% feel that the EU has a positive relationship with Israel and 68% believe that this relationship is important. 40% of respondents also believe that the EU’s support to their country is effective.

In Israel, the EU is primarily associated with Human Rights (64%), Democracy (63%), Freedom of Speech (62%), Economic Prosperity (61%) and equality / gender equality (60%). In general, Israeli respondents tend to strongly associate the EU to these top mentioned values. 

56% of respondents in Israel believe that tourism benefited the most from EU support, and the green transition is the second most recognized sector of intervention by the EU. 82% of respondents believe that the EU should be more engaged in supporting Israel’s tourism sector, followed by 78% who also chose trade and investment, and 73% who chose the green transition.

This survey – part of a wave of opinion polls carried out in eight southern Neighbourhood partner countries – was conducted in Israel between July and September 2021, with 1,006 people consulted in face-to-face interviews. Respondents were asked about their general perceptions of the EU and the values with which it is associated, about EU relations with their country, and the impact of EU financial support, including in supporting their country’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. The surveys also look at preferred sources of information, how people feel about their personal situation and the situation in their country, and their expectations for the future.

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Opinion Poll 2021 (report)