During Israel’s recent conflict with Gaza, the European Union’s stance was clear. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself and stated that the EU stood with Israel. Despite this, Israel faces charges of genocide at the International Court of Justice and its leaders, along with a top Hamas commander, have been indicted by the International Criminal Court.
Despite these legal challenges, the EU continues to fund Israeli institutions under its “Horizon” programme, which supports research and innovation. Data analyzed by Al Jazeera shows that since October 7, Israeli institutions have been granted over 238 million euros in funding, including significant amounts to companies like Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a key supplier to the Israeli army.
While the Horizon framework requires projects to focus on civilian applications, it acknowledges that some technologies can be used for both civilian and military purposes. This has led to concerns about the EU indirectly supporting the development of military capabilities through Israeli institutions.
A group of European academics and organizations previously petitioned the EU to end funding to Israeli institutions, citing concerns about the advancement of Israeli military technology through these collaborations. Despite this, the EU has continued its support.
Various projects funded by the EU under Horizon have been linked to Israeli military activities, raising questions about the ethical implications of such collaborations and the potential impact on human rights.
Funding Israel’s military apparatus
The EU has a long history of supporting Israel through research and innovation programmes, channeling significant amounts of funding to Israeli organizations. Despite the absence of a formal mechanism to prevent the military application of technology acquired through these projects, the EU asserts that it does not fund actions that violate international law.
Some EU-funded projects involving Israeli institutions have raised concerns about the dual-use of technologies, with the potential for civilian research to be repurposed for military applications. Critics argue that such collaborations should be reconsidered due to the risk of enabling human rights violations.
Dual-use technologies: From civil to military applications
EU-funded projects involving Israeli institutions have raised ethical questions about the use of technology for both civilian and military purposes. Researchers involved in these projects emphasize their civil intentions, but the potential for technology to be repurposed for military applications remains a concern.
Al Jazeera’s investigation found that some Horizon-funded projects involving Israeli institutions have parallels to military technologies used by Israel, raising further questions about the unintended consequences of research collaborations.
Israeli universities’ links to the military
Israeli universities have received a significant share of EU funding under the Horizon programme, leading to concerns about their involvement in the country’s military industry. Critics argue that collaboration with Israeli academic institutions indirectly supports military activities, impacting Palestinian liberation efforts.
