EU Proposes Limiting Israel’s Horizon Europe Funding Over Gaza Aid Delays

The European Commission on 28 July proposed partially suspending Israel’s participation in the €95 billion Horizon Europe research programme, citing Israel’s inadequate implementation of an EU-brokered agreement to improve humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. The proposal says the humanitarian situation remains "severe" despite limited progress since the deal was reached earlier this month. Under the plan, Israeli entities would be barred from applying for grants and equity from the European Innovation Council Accelerator, which finances start-ups and small firms developing disruptive technologies in areas such as cybersecurity, drones and artificial intelligence. The measure now goes to EU member states for approval at a meeting scheduled for Tuesday. The move follows warnings from EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas that Israel must take "more concrete steps" to honour its promise to increase aid deliveries, open additional crossing points and expand distribution routes in Gaza. Diplomats had circulated a wider menu of options—including trade restrictions and visa curbs—but settled for research-funding limits as an initial response. Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned the recommendation as "wrong, unfortunate and unjustifiable," arguing that it jeopardises nearly three decades of scientific cooperation. EU officials said further actions remain on the table if conditions in Gaza fail to improve.