EU's Bid to Suspend Israel's Horizon Europe Involvement Falters
The European Commission's bid to partially suspend Israel's involvement in Horizon Europe has faltered. The proposal, aimed at Israeli start-ups and businesses in dual-use sectors, failed to secure the necessary majority among EU member states.
The Commission's move was a response to Israel's alleged non-implementation of agreed humanitarian obligations regarding the Gaza Strip. EU officials expressed concern over the lack of independently verifiable progress in Israeli aid flows to Gaza, despite Israeli assurances. The proposal sought to halt Israeli access to around €200 million in future grants under the European Innovation Council (EIC) component of Horizon Europe.
The proposal required backing from at least 15 member states representing 65 per cent of the EU's population. However, opposition or abstention from Germany and Italy prevented its adoption. These countries felt further scrutiny of the Commission's recommendation was needed before any decision. Israel's Foreign Ministry strongly rebuked the proposed restriction, accusing Brussels of undermining ceasefire prospects. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israeli humanitarian measures in Gaza, stating cooperation with international agencies to facilitate aid delivery.
The Commission's proposal to suspend Israel's participation in Horizon Europe has been blocked, with Germany and Italy notably opposing or hesitating to support it. No consensus was reached among EU member states, preventing further collective EU action. The fate of the €200 million in future grants remains uncertain.
