On Monday, the European Union’s executive branch recommended limiting Israel’s participation in the Horizon Europe research funding program. The move comes amid growing pressure from EU member states urging stronger action to address the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Several EU countries argued last week that Israel had failed to meet its commitments under an agreement with the EU aimed at increasing aid flow into Gaza. In response, they called on the European Commission to propose tangible measures.
The recommendation to partially restrict Israel’s involvement in Horizon Europe will require approval by a qualified majority of EU members—meaning at least 15 of the 27 countries, representing a minimum of 65% of the EU’s total population—for it to be implemented.
The European Commission said in a statement that the proposal comes as a reaction to a review of Israel’s compliance with the human rights clause of an agreement governing its relations with the EU.
The bloc’s diplomatic service said in June that there were indications that Israel had breached its obligations under the terms of the pact.
“While Israel has announced a daily humanitarian pause in Gaza fighting and has met some of its commitments under the common understanding on humanitarian aid and access, the situation remains severe,” the Commission said on Monday. “The proposed suspension is a targeted and reversible action.”
Brussels said the proposal would impact Israel’s participation in the bloc’s European Innovation Council Accelerator, thus halting access to funding for Israeli start-ups involved in fields that include drone technology, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
Last year, Israel was in the top three countries for the number of companies vying for funding, along with Germany and France.
The proposal did not specify the amount of funding that would be impacted by the potential freeze.
Responding on the social media platform X, Israel’s Foreign Ministry called the European Commission’s move “a mistake—regrettable and unjustified,” and expressed hope that EU member states would ultimately reject the proposal.
Israel has been involved in EU-funded research initiatives since 1996, having collaborated on thousands of joint projects over the years.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof stated on Monday evening that he had informed Israeli President Isaac Herzog that, should the EU determine on Tuesday that Israel is not upholding its humanitarian obligations under its agreements with the bloc, the Netherlands would support suspending Israel’s participation in the Horizon program.
“If that turns out to be the case tomorrow in Brussels,” Schoof posted on X, “the Netherlands will also push for additional EU measures—such as those related to trade—and may even consider national steps.”
In a rare move for Israel’s largely ceremonial head of state, President Herzog responded on X, disputing Schoof’s version of their conversation.
“Sorry, Prime Minister, with all due respect — your tweet does not accurately reflect the tone or substance of our conversation,” Israeli President Isaac Herzog responded on X.
He further emphasized, “It would be a huge mistake for the EU to take such steps, especially considering Israel’s ongoing and enhanced humanitarian efforts.”
Typically known for his diplomatic demeanor, Herzog also expressed disappointment that Schoof made no mention of the Israeli hostages held in Gaza, nor did he call for their release during their discussion — something Herzog said left him “particularly saddened.”
Earlier this month, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced that Israel had committed to improving humanitarian access to Gaza. This included promises to increase the number of aid trucks, open more crossing points, and create new routes to distribution centers.
However, during a tense meeting of European ambassadors in Brussels last week, several countries — including France, the Netherlands, and Spain — expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the steps taken so far were insufficient, according to diplomatic sources.
Although the EU has outlined several potential measures to increase pressure on Israel over the Gaza situation, the bloc has yet to act on any of them.
On Sunday, Israel declared a daily 10-hour pause in military operations in certain areas of Gaza to facilitate the distribution of aid. It also opened new humanitarian corridors. Additionally, Israel, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates have been conducting aid airdrops into the territory. Spain announced on Monday that it would airdrop 12 tons of humanitarian supplies into Gaza later this week.
But officials and aid groups remain concerned and say much more needs to be done to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Gaza’s Hamas-controlled Health Ministry reported on Friday that at least 56 people, including 22 children, had died from malnutrition-related causes over the past three weeks. This marks a sharp rise from the 10 child deaths reported due to similar causes over the previous five months.
Israeli officials have rejected claims of widespread famine in the Gaza Strip, though they acknowledged challenges in food distribution. They attributed the shortages to what they described as inadequate cooperation from the UN and other international aid organizations.
