Minister Ben Eliezer opened the Eureka Year events in Israel

"Under the Israeli leadership, we will strive to further increase cooperation for growth and prosperity between the countries, and in the countries themselves," said the minister at the event held at the Rabin Center in Tel Aviv

"Israel is proud to head the EUREKA organization for the years 2010-2011. We appreciate the fact that we have been granted the right to serve in this honorable position, especially in light of the fact that during this year the organization will celebrate its 25th anniversary. Together with your support, we look forward to the challenge that lies ahead of us - to lead Eureka from our mother base here in Israel - the land of milk and honey and - innovation" - said Minister of Industry, Trade and Employment Binyamin Ben Eliezer (Foad) at the event to mark the beginning of the Eureka year in Israel that took place at the Rabin Bat Center "A. Ben Eliezer received the "Presidency Bell" at a ceremony held this year in Berlin (Received photo).

The Israeli presidency of "Eureka", Europe's largest program for cooperation in industrial R&D, is hosting the first meeting of the program in Tel Aviv this week - as part of the year of the Israeli presidency. 40 billion euros per year, originating from the budgets of the chief scientists of the member states. Over a hundred senior officials from the member states of Eureka, including scientists and representatives of international corporations from Europe, are participating in the series of meetings this week, and are discussing the outline of activities formulated by the Israeli presidency.

Minister Ben Eliezer said that "this center, where we are meeting tonight, was established with the aim of promoting peace and cooperation - characteristics exemplified by Yitzhak Rabin in his life, who was a true innovator - both in his quest for peace and in his deep commitment to a civil society based on respect, democratic values ​​and solidarity socially. Yitzhak Rabin once said that: "Israel is no longer a nation that dwells alone; She must join a global campaign for peace, reconciliation and international cooperation."

This message is even more true tonight. When I stand here in front of Eureka representatives from 40 different countries, it is clear that we are not alone."

"Together and through the Eureka platform, we created new technologies, improved the national economy, created employment opportunities and contributed to the continued prosperity of our people. Through the cooperation in the field of R&D and technological innovation that Eureka supports, we have acquired not only financial benefits. Joint projects between Israel and Europe are essential for improving our society, protecting our environment and strengthening the ties between Europe and Israel. I believe that science can serve as a bridge between cultures and continents."

"In a dynamic environment that is constantly changing, innovation is our key to survival and advancement"

"I'm sure you've all heard the term "innovation" often over the past few days. But it is a concept that can also be seen here in Israel - in our buildings and beaches, in our solar panels and cell phones. This is a concept by which many of us in Israel live - a mission that we inherited and adopted by our scientists and researchers, by industry leaders and businessmen, teachers and politicians. Innovation is a philosophy according to which more than 3800 technology start-up companies operate, as well as 8 Israeli Nobel Prize winners - including Yitzhak Rabin. Yes, innovation flows through our veins."

"In a dynamic environment that is constantly changing, innovation is our key to survival and advancement. We have adapted our economic structure in response to the challenges associated with globalization. We have moved to a competitive high-tech economy open to international cooperation. Today, even when we are facing a global economic and financial crisis, our economy is still strong and healthy."

"As the chairman of Eureka, we are committed to strengthening the organization and paving its way towards growth and cooperation. Under Israeli leadership, we will strive to further increase the cooperation that will enable growth and prosperity between the countries and within the countries themselves. In the global and competitive market where we have to deal with difficult challenges for the environment and our society, the innovation and cooperation with Eureka is valuable."

"In Israel, as well as in Europe, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels. We must strive to identify new trends and anticipate changes and challenges. Israel's emphasis as chairman of the organization on giving priority to clean technologies reflects this need. Through the Eureka Clean-Tech initiative, we would like to encourage Eureka industrial projects based on R&D cooperation in the clean-tech sector."

"In Israel, the development and efficient management of the fields of energy and water, renewable energy and green technologies with a smaller ecological footprint, stem from our personal experience and the needs of an area that is certainly not known for its natural resources. But the need is not limited to our borders - this is a global challenge that requires the kind of international cooperation that Eureka represents."