European Commission Proposes Partial Suspension of Israel from Horizon Research Program Amid Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

The European Commission has put forth a proposal to partially suspend Israel from its flagship €80 billion Horizon Europe research program, citing a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza as the primary reason. This decision comes in the wake of widespread global condemnation of Israel's actions in the region, with calls from various international figures, including former President Donald Trump, urging Israel to take additional measures to alleviate what many are calling a critical humanitarian situation. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a leading authority on food crises, the dire conditions in Gaza have escalated to a worst-case scenario of famine. Current reports reveal that 90% of households in the region are facing severe water insecurity, while malnutrition rates are on the rise. Essential medicine is in short supply, and virtually the entire population of Gaza is now at risk of starvation. Horizon Europe is regarded as one of the most prestigious science research programs globally and has never previously suspended a participant country. However, officials contend that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is so dire that it now provides a legal basis for suspension. The Commission’s proposal will be presented to member states during an ambassadors’ meeting in Brussels, seeking approval for its implementation. Currently, Israel is one of the most proficient countries within the Horizon program, having received approximately €200 million of the €900 million allocated since 2021. Among other aspects, the proposal primarily targets Israel's access to the European Innovation Council (EIC), a critical sector of the Horizon program that focuses on disruptive technologies. Israeli representatives have denied allegations that they are responsible for the starvation crisis, attributing the situation to various factors, including the looting of aid by Hamas and logistical failures by the United Nations. They asserted that while just over 200 aid trucks were delivered recently, the volume remains insufficient, falling drastically below the pre-war average of 500 trucks a day. This average sustains a population that had previously enjoyed access to substantial resources, including adequate shelter, healthcare, and food. EU officials have acknowledged that while there has been a recent increase in the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, they face restrictions that prevent them from verifying the delivery of such aid on the ground. They emphasized the urgent need for more entry points and distribution centers to address the escalating crisis effectively. The suspension of Israel from the Horizon program, if approved, would stem from a review of the Euro-Mediterranean trade agreement, initially urged by the Netherlands and supported by 17 other nations in May. The proposal will strive for legal enforcement through Article 79 of the trade agreement, contingent on receiving a qualified majority—approximately 15 member state votes representing 65% of the EU's population. This outcome may necessitate backing from key nations such as Germany. The discussions in the recent ambassadors’ meeting reflected heightened tensions and a sense of urgency regarding the humanitarian situation, leading to an increased push for this proposal. It is noteworthy that the UK faced a suspension from Horizon for three years due to Brexit but is set to rejoin in 2024. However, officials have clarified that this proposed suspension of Israel is a distinctly different situation. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2