Analysis reveals dozens of European universities continue participating in EU-funded research projects with Israeli partners linked to defense, despite public commitments to suspend such ties.
Key facts
- •34 universities in Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, and Belgium are involved in 38 new Horizon Europe projects with Israeli entities linked to defense.
- •European universities have received €15 million in funding for projects involving Israeli partners with defense-related technology.
- •The University of Granada is currently involved in a legal battle with the advocacy group ACOM over its attempt to suspend collaboration with Israeli entities.
- •The University of Groningen and Eindhoven University of Technology have faced criticism for continuing participation in the REACT project despite earlier suspension announcements.
- •Paris-Saclay University reversed a decision to suspend partnerships with Israeli universities following guidance from the French ministry of higher education.
European universities are struggling to reconcile public pledges to cut ties with Israeli entities with their ongoing participation in EU-funded research. Despite announcing suspensions following the International Court of Justice's January 2024 warning regarding Gaza, many institutions remain involved in projects with Israeli partners that have defense links or dual-use technology potential.
By the numbers
Ongoing Research and Funding
Analysis of the EU CORDIS database indicates that 34 universities across Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, and Belgium are participating in 38 new Horizon Europe projects involving Israeli entities with defense-related links. These institutions have collectively received €15 million in funding for these projects. Across the entire Horizon Europe program, 386 European higher education institutions are involved in 205 projects with Israeli entities that have defense or defense-technology connections.
Institutional Challenges and Legal Constraints
Universities often cite contractual obligations and legal risks when attempting to withdraw from these partnerships. For instance, the University of Bologna reversed a decision to suspend projects after a legal analysis suggested withdrawal could conflict with international and supranational obligations. Similarly, Paris-Saclay University withdrew a recommendation to suspend partnerships after the French ministry of higher education stated that political stances regarding the Middle East conflict do not justify institutions unilaterally ending partnerships with foreign universities.
Dual-Use Technology Concerns
Many of the projects involve technologies with dual-use potential, meaning they can serve both civilian and military purposes. Projects like PROACTIF, involving the University of Granada and the Israeli company Mellanox, aim to develop unmanned vehicles. While some universities argue these projects are strictly civilian, critics point to the involvement of defense companies and the reported use of related technologies by the Israeli military.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by EUobserver.
