Brussels, 24/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - On 22 June 2009, Israel and the EU signed a memorandum of understanding on implementation of financial aid in accordance with EU neighbourhood policy, states a press release from the European Commission delegation in Israel. The agreement, which relates to action programmed during the 2008 financial year, was signed by the head of the delegation, Ramiro Cibrian-Uzal, and the director general of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, Yossi Gal. According to the delegation, the aim was to “develop an increasingly close relationship between the EU and Israel”, to promote legislative approximation, and strengthen the dialogue between the EU and Israeli public administrations in the areas of equal employment opportunities and veterinary services. Twinning projects are envisaged. The Commission points out that €2 million annually are earmarked for this task. (F.B./transl.jl)