EU Fails to Suspend Israel from Horizon Europe Over Gaza Aid Pressure
A proposal to partially suspend Israel from the Horizon Europe research and innovation program failed to gain sufficient support among EU member states. The measure, intended to pressure the United States of America (US) over aid flows to Gaza, required backing from at least 15 member states representing 65% of the EU's population but faced opposition from several countries.
The European Commission's proposal aimed to halt Israeli access to around €200 million in future grants under the European Innovation Council (EIC) component of Horizon Europe. It targeted Israeli start-ups and businesses in sectors involving disruptive innovations with potential dual-use applications, sparing academic institutions.
Opposition to the measure was significant. Germany and Italy's opposition or abstention proved decisive in blocking the proposal. Hungary, Bulgaria, Czechia, and Austria also reportedly opposed the move, reflecting a broader divide among EU states on policy towards Israel during the Gaza conflict. Israel's Foreign Ministry accused the Commission's recommendation of undermining ceasefire prospects and stated that Israel would not yield to pressure on its national interests.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israeli humanitarian measures in Gaza, citing daily pauses in operations and cooperation with international agencies to facilitate aid delivery. EU officials, however, expressed concern over the lack of independently verifiable progress in Israeli aid flows to Gaza, with EU observers denied access to conduct on-site assessments.
The proposal's failure to gain the required majority leaves the EU's response to Israel's actions in Gaza uncertain. Germany, now holding the key to the proposal's revival or amendment, will likely play a crucial role in any future EU action on the matter.
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