EU proposes to limit funding for research in Israel due to Gaza

• The EU proposal requires support from 15 countries for its implementation.
• In Gaza, nearly 470,000 people are experiencing hunger.
• Israel has rejected the criticism and hopes for EU support.

This was reported by The Yomiuri Shimbun, Asharq Al-Awsat.

The European Union has prohibited Israel from accessing the research funding program Horizon Europe. This decision was a response to calls from several EU member states to strengthen pressure on Israel to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

At the meeting held on July 28, 2025, representatives of several EU countries stated that Israel is not fulfilling its obligations under the agreement with the EU, which concerns increasing humanitarian aid obligations for Gaza. The EU Commission reported that in order for the proposal for partial suspension of Israel's participation in the Horizon Europe program to be valid, it requires support from at least 15 EU member states, which together represent 65% of the population of the Union.

The Commission noted that this decision was the result of an assessment of Israel's compliance with human rights obligations under the agreement with the EU. In June 2025, the diplomatic service of the bloc indicated potential violations by Israel of its obligations under this agreement.

According to data from the World Food Program, nearly 470,000 people in Gaza are living under conditions similar to starvation, of which 90,000 women and children require specialized nutrition. The Israeli government rejected international criticism of its policies in this region.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel characterized the Commission's proposal as "hypocritical, harmful, and baseless" and expressed hope that EU member states would not support this initiative.

Israel has participated in EU research programs since 1996, collaborating on thousands of joint projects. The EU proposal also implies participation of Israeli companies in the European innovation council, which supports startups and small businesses with innovative technologies.

Tags: Europe/Middle East/Politics/Research