The European Commission Proposes Partial Suspension of Israel's Association with the "Horizon" Project

SadaNews Translation - The European Commission today proposed a partial suspension of Israel's participation in the "Horizon" research funding program, specifically concerning the participation of entities established in Israel in activities funded under the European Innovation Council (EIC) accelerator.

According to SadaNews translation, this suspension comes in response to the review of Article 2 of the Partnership Agreement between the European Union and Israel. Compliance with these obligations is a crucial part of cooperation between the EU and Israel under the agreement, including bilateral scientific and technological collaboration between the two parties.

While Israel announced a daily humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and met some of its commitments under the joint understanding on humanitarian aid and accessibility, the situation remains critical.

This decision will affect the involvement of Israeli entities in the European Innovation Council accelerator, which targets startups and small companies with revolutionary innovations and emerging technologies with potential dual-use applications, such as cybersecurity, drones, and artificial intelligence.

The proposed suspension is a targeted and reversible measure. It does not affect the participation of Israeli universities and researchers in collaborative projects and research activities under the "Horizon Europe" program.

For the Commission's proposal to be adopted, it must secure a qualified majority in the Council of the European Union.

The "Horizon Europe" program is the EU's flagship research and innovation initiative, designed to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve citizens' lives.

The EU and Israel have a solid partnership in scientific and technological cooperation. The Partnership Agreement, signed in Brussels on November 20, 1995, which entered into force in June 2000, provides the legal framework for relations between the EU and Israel. The agreement also establishes regular dialogue on scientific, technological, cultural, audiovisual, and social issues.

In 2021, Israel joined the "Horizon Europe" program as an associated country, allowing its researchers and organizations to participate on an equal footing with EU member states. Israel has also financially contributed to its participation in the program.