Economic Council to Take Up Israel’s Request for Link to Euromart

The Council of the European Economic Community will discuss Israel’s long-standing request for some kind of link with the six-nation Common Market at its session next week, it was indicated here today.

After many studies and conferences, the EEC Council instructed the EEC Commission to make a product-by-product analysis of the effects which the progressive implementation of the EEC common external tariff policy and the introduction of a planned uniform agricultural policy might have on trade between Israel and the six nations.

The study was made by the EEC commission in cooperation with the Israel mission to the EEC here. At its July session, the commission turned over to the Council of Ministers its findings. The Council then instructed the committee of permanent representatives–the Ambassadors of the six member countries to the EEC-to examine the findings in preparation for the discussion planned at the September 24 Council meeting and suggest steps to be taken to meet Israel’s wishes.

European Economic Community sources said that in addition to the problem of Israel, per se, a solution might serve as a precedent for other countries hoping to achieve arrangements with the Euromart short of full membership. Members of the Secretariat of the Council confirmed widespread opinion here that a solution might be found through a form of commercial agreement although it was stressed that only the Council of Ministers can give the mandate for negotiations with Israel and that the negotiations themselves will determine the form and content of the hoped-for agreement.