What it is about
Israeli Knesset’s ministerial committee has unanimously approved the automatic application of European standards on imported goods, as part of an import reform measure. This new policy overrides the need for domestic regulatory approval.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to address the disproportionately high cost of living in Israel, where food and beverage prices are significantly higher than in other developed countries. According to the OECD, prices in Israel are notably excessive, with bread and grains priced 49% above the average and dairy and eggs 64% more expensive.
The context
While some price inflation can be attributed to the ongoing conflict with Hamas, the major factor is the lack of competition in Israel’s alleged free-market economy. Rachel Gur, the deputy CEO of grassroots organization Lobby 99—known as “the people’s lobby”—emphasizes the importance of this reform in potentially alleviating the financial pressure on everyday citizens.
Who is involved
Rachel Gur, who moved to Israel from the United States at age 17 and is an IDF Spokesperson’s Unit veteran, now serves as the deputy CEO of Lobby 99. Armed with significant academic credentials, including degrees from the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya and New York University Law School, Gur advocates for systemic changes to benefit the public.
What’s next
The adoption of European import standards is expected to introduce more competitive pricing into the Israeli market, bringing hopes of reduced living costs for consumers. The positive development stirs optimism as stakeholders like Gur take center stage in conversations seeking to bring meaningful economic relief to Israelis.
More insights
Rachel Gur is the featured guest in this week’s episode of What Matters Now podcast hosted by Amanda Borschel-Dan, available for download on major platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. For a deeper dive into Gur’s perspectives and ongoing efforts to combat high living costs, listeners can turn to this dedicated episode for additional insights.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.