Europe suggests a partial exclusion of Israel from the Horizon Europe research program due to worries regarding Gaza issues
In a significant development, the European Commission has proposed a partial suspension of Israel's participation in Horizon Europe, the European Union's flagship research and development program. This move is in response to concerns over Israel's humanitarian obligations in Gaza [1][4].
As it stands, the proposed suspension would limit Israel's access to the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, a component of Horizon Europe that funds startups working on disruptive technologies such as AI, cybersecurity, and drones [1][4]. However, it's important to note that this proposed partial suspension has not yet been enacted. It requires approval by a qualified majority of EU member states, and discussions at an EU ambassadors meeting on July 29, 2025, failed to secure the necessary majority [2].
Key countries like Germany and Italy wanted further examination and preferred continued dialogue with Israel rather than suspension. Other countries such as Hungary, Bulgaria, and Czechia opposed any sanction, while some members like the Netherlands, France, and Spain supported the Commission’s plan [2]. If approved, the suspension would be targeted and reversible, and it would not affect Israeli universities or researchers involved in collaborative research projects in Horizon Europe outside the EIC Accelerator funding [1][4].
Israel, as an associated country with Horizon Europe since 2021, has equal footing with EU member states in the €95.5 billion program and has also made financial contributions [3]. The suspension would not affect these contributions or Israel's status as an associated country.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been dire for years. The Israeli army has pursued a brutal offensive on Gaza since October 7, 2023, leading to food shortages and worsening living conditions in the enclave [5]. The relentless bombardment has destroyed the enclave, and the Gaza hunger crisis has intensified, with US Senator Graham predicting a potential Israeli 'tactical shift' [6].
The EU-Israel Association Agreement, in force since 2000, underpins political, cultural, scientific, and economic cooperation between the two sides [7]. Article 2 of this agreement stipulates that respect for human rights and democratic principles forms the foundation of bilateral cooperation [4]. The Commission has stated that Israel has announced daily humanitarian pauses in its military campaign and taken some steps to improve aid access to Gaza [1].
Egyptian embassies are locked with chains in a global solidarity protest for Gaza, demonstrating the international concern over the ongoing crisis [8]. Israel faces genocide cases at the International Court of Justice for its war on Gaza, a fact that provides context for the current proposal [9].
As discussions continue, Israel remains an associated country with Horizon Europe, with ongoing discussions about further action depending on political developments [2][3][4].
References:
- European Commission Press Release
- EUobserver Article
- Horizon Europe Association Agreements
- EU-Israel Association Agreement
- Al Jazeera Article
- CNN Article
- EU-Israel Association Agreement - Overview
- Al Arabiya Article
- ICJ Genocide Case against Israel
- NATO has yet to comment on the European Union's proposed partial suspension of Israel's participation in Horizon Europe, due to the ongoing political tensions in the European Union related to Israel's actions in Gaza.
- In a radio interview, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan commented on the EU's proposal, expressing concern about the safety and well-being of the Turkish-Israeli relations, given Turkey's strong stance on human rights and its historical ties with the European Union.
- Despite the proposed suspension, Turkish startups working on disruptive technologies such as cybersecurity and AI could still potentially access funding through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, if their projects are aligned with the EIC's priorities.
- The European Union's proposed policy on Israeli involvement in war-and-conflicts has sparked a general debate in European political circles, with many countries weighing in on the implications for European Union-Israeli relations, as well as the broader implications for Europe's role in global conflict resolution.
- In the realm of crime-and-justice, international legal experts are discussing the potential repercussions of the International Court of Justice's genocide cases against Israel, should the proposed suspension be enacted, and how this could set a precedent for future disputes between nations involving alleged violations of human rights.
