In order for the suspension to become a fact, the support of 15 out of 27 Member States is needed, which together represent at least 65 percent. Union population. During the presentation of proposals, the European Commission pointed out that despite Israel's previous declarations on the introduction of “humanitarian breaks” in selected areas of the Gaza Strip, the situation on the spot still remains “serious”.
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Excluding Israeli start-ups
Some elements of this decision may cause controversy. In its announcement, the European Commission explained that the planned suspension would mainly affect the participation of Israeli entities in the EIC Accelerator program, focused on supporting start-ups and small companies developing innovative technologies. In particular, areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and drones have been replaced. “The proposed suspension is a targeted and reversible action,” the EU authorities emphasized. It was also added that the decision will not affect the cooperation of Israeli universities and researchers in other projects within the Horizon Europe.
The suspension of Israel's participation in the Horizon Europa program is the result of reviewing the association agreement between the Union and this country. The European Commission indicated that Israel may violate the conditions of Article 2 of this agreement referring to compliance with human rights. The possibility of imposing other sanctions, for example on Israeli officials, would require the unanimity of all EU Member States, which seems unlikely at this stage.
Israel joined the Horizon Europa program in 2021, obtaining the same rights and obligations that Member States have. As part of this cooperation, Israeli researchers and institutions could participate in EU projects, engaging in advanced scientific research. At the same time, the country participated financially in the program budget.
Horizon Europe, the largest research program in the Union, is implemented as part of the current seven -year community budget for the years by 2027. EU funds are planned for it, the amount of EUR 93.5 billion.
