Horizon Europe: Israel’s participation conflicts with human rights respect.

The European Union’s next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10), set to succeed Horizon Europe, is currently under development and debate. Among the key issues under discussion is the potential inclusion of Israel—a country previously associated with EU programmes, but now facing strong criticism for the military offensive launched on October 7, 2023, along the Gaza Strip.

Raising once again the question of whether Israel should be granted access to EU research programmes (and, notably, their funding) were MEPs Lynn Boylan, Kathleen Funchion, Rima Hassan, and Anthony Smith. They have asked the European Commission to clarify Israel’s right to participate in and benefit from European funds—resources which, under EU treaties, should be allocated only to democratic countries that uphold human rights.

However, it is difficult to expect a clear and consistent response from Ursula von der Leyen’s European Commission. According to Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva, Israel’s participation in EU research programmes, which began in 1996, represents “a success story, with mutual benefits in key sectors such as information technology, health, advanced manufacturing, climate change, energy, and biotechnology.”

In an apparent effort not to alienate any party—given the political weight of the country involved—Zaharieva stressed that it is currently too early to determine which countries will be eligible to participate in FP10, as the Commission’s formal proposal has yet to be adopted and discussions among EU co-legislators are ongoing.

Still, when it comes to human rights compliance and the eligibility of countries, the EU requires even the smallest beneficiary to uphold the core values enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, including respect for human rights. This obligation should, consequently, be reaffirmed without ambiguity in the context of funding for research and innovation.

Yet, as has been documented on several occasions, Israeli universities—many of which have been awarded Horizon Europe funds—have conducted research for the defence sector, potentially overstepping the limits set by the programme, which clearly stipulates that activities funded under Horizon Europe must serve strictly civilian purposes. It is hoped that this principle will not only be maintained in FP10 but finally enforced.

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