Despite international outrage over the ongoing war in Gaza, the European Union (EU) continues to fund Israeli military and research institutions, including organizations tied to military projects. Under the EU’s Horizon research programs, Israel has received over €238 million ($250 million) since October 7, when the war began. This funding includes €640,000 ($674,000) for Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a key supplier to the Israeli military.
Controversial Dual-Use Technology
The Horizon framework mandates that EU-funded projects must focus on civilian applications. However, many technologies have dual uses, meaning they can also support military objectives. For example, IAI used EU funds to develop 3D mapping for drones initially intended for emergency responders. Critics argue these technologies can later be adapted for military purposes, raising ethical concerns.
Elbit Systems, another Israeli defense company, received €2.2 million ($2.3 million) under Horizon 2020. The company works closely with the Israeli Ministry of Defense, and its EU-funded projects often focus on surveillance and border protection—areas closely linked to military strategy.
Read: Israeli Quadcopters and Their Deadly Role in Gaza
Calls for Accountability Ignored
As civilian casualties in Gaza surpass 40,000, European academics and organizations have demanded an end to Israel’s participation in Horizon programs. In July, over 2,000 academics and 45 organizations petitioned the EU, claiming the funds indirectly advance Israeli military technology. The EU has yet to act on these calls, maintaining that all funded projects comply with international law.
The European Commission’s refusal to disclose ethics assessments for these projects has further fueled criticism. Activists argue that transparency is essential to ensure EU funding does not contribute to human rights violations.
Israeli Universities: A Military Backbone
Israeli academic institutions receive the largest share of Horizon funds. Critics, such as scholar Maya Wind, argue that universities like Technion and Hebrew University play a central role in Israel’s military-industrial complex. These institutions developed critical technologies used in displacing Palestinians and continue to support military innovations.
For instance, Technion’s aeronautical engineering department laid the groundwork for Israel Aerospace Industries and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, both state-owned defense companies. EU-funded projects involving these universities often focus on artificial intelligence and surveillance, technologies that critics believe are later used in military operations.
Broader Implications for Human Rights
The EU’s funding practices highlight a larger debate over the ethical implications of research collaborations. While researchers argue their projects are civil in nature, critics point to documented cases where similar technologies have been adapted for military use. For example, AI-based surveillance systems reportedly used in Gaza have been linked to EU-funded research.
Despite suspending some funds after public backlash, the EU continues its partnerships with Israeli institutions. Critics insist that collaboration with Israeli entities undermines the EU’s commitment to human rights. Without stricter oversight, they argue, these partnerships risk enabling systematic violations of international law.
The ongoing support for Israeli research raises critical questions about the balance between innovation and ethical responsibility, leaving the EU under scrutiny for its role in this controversial funding.
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