The European Commission has proposed partially excluding Israel from its £80bn Horizon science research initiative due to what officials described as a "grave" humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The move follows widespread criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, including remarks from Donald Trump urging greater efforts to prevent "severe food shortages." On Tuesday, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a leading authority on food crises, stated that famine is now unfolding in Gaza under the "worst-case scenario."
Horizon Europe is one of the most esteemed global research programs and has never previously suspended a participating nation. However, officials argue that the severity of the humanitarian situation in Gaza now provides legal grounds for action.
In its proposal to member states, the commission notes that "90% of households suffer from acute water insecurity, malnutrition rates are rapidly increasing," along with "critical medicine shortages" and "nearly the entire population of Gaza facing famine risks."
Israel has rejected claims that it is responsible for food shortages, attributing them to factors such as Hamas seizing aid and distribution challenges within UN operations.
On Tuesday, Israel reported that "more than 200 trucks were received and distributed by UN and international agencies," with an additional 260 awaiting handling. However, this volume remains insufficient. Before the conflict, an average of 500 aid trucks entered Gaza daily, supporting a population with adequate food, shelter, healthcare, clean water, a functioning economy, and a productive agricultural sector.
EU officials acknowledged recent increases in aid but stated they have been unable to access Gaza to confirm its delivery. They called for more entry points and distribution centers.
If approved, the measure would restrict Israel’s participation in a key Horizon component—the European Innovation Council (EIC), which focuses on advanced technologies.
Israel has been one of the program’s most successful participants, securing around €200m (£173m) of the €900m distributed since 2021, including €135m in grants and €65m in equity investments. Currently, 46 Israeli firms are involved in the EIC.
The commission stated, "While Israel has implemented a daily pause in Gaza hostilities and met some humanitarian commitments, conditions remain critical."
The proposal follows a review of the EU-Israel trade agreement, initiated after the Netherlands and 17 other nations called for reassessment in May. Officials confirmed that the partial suspension would be enacted under Article 79 of the Euro-Mediterranean agreement.
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