The Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot has said that Belgium will vote in favour of partially suspending Israel’s participation in the Horizon Europe research programme. Last week, the European Commission announced that it is to review Horizon Europe research programme cooperation in the light of Isreal’s actions in Gaza. The European Commission’s position will soon be put before the Council of Ministers.
Belgium to vote for a partial suspension of Israeli participation in Horizon Europe research programme
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If passed a suspension of Horizon Europe research programme cooperation would be the first concrete measure taken by the EU against the Israeli government and Isreal’s economic interests.
In a statement Mr Prévot said that “This decision marks a turning point in relations between the European Union and Israel and is a concrete response to the Israeli government’s violations of both Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and humanitarian obligations towards the EU”.
“We call on the Commission to quickly come up with other concrete proposals for measures within the association agreement. Pressure on the Israeli government must be stepped up to ensure full and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza.”
The Belgian Foreign Minister also calls for Hamas to release the remaining Israeli hostages it is still holding, immediately and without conditions. “Respect for human rights is and remains non-negotiable”.
The European Commission presented its proposals at the end of last month. Under the measures it suggests, it would no longer finance start-ups and SMEs based in Israel whose aim is to put “disruptive technologies” onto the market.
Since 2021, Israeli companies and institutions have received a total of around 900 million euros in funding through the Horizon Europe programme. Of this 200 million euro has been distributed among 46 companies through the EIC programme.
The suspension would only apply to future applications. Existing projects would retain their funding. “Disruptive technologies” area typically suitable for both military and civilian use.
The European Commission’s proposals will require the approval of member states. This will require a “qualified majority”. 55% of the members states, representing 65% of the population will have to back the measures in order for them to take effect. If the measures are approved, Israel will lose access to an estimated 400 million euro in subsidies and investment support.
Universities are “Very disappointed”
In a reaction the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR) has said that it is “very disappointed” with the slow response of the European Commission.
“Without the cooperation of the member states, the Commission can do little. The proposal to exclude Israeli researchers from only a small part of Horizon Europe is purely symbolic.”
VLIR and its Francophone counterpart, CRef, have been calling for the immediate suspension of the entire EU-Israel Association Agreement.