Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2025
199. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps being taken to ensure that the €200 million currently earmarked and future moneys under the Horizon Europe's EIC Accelerator for Israeli start-ups is withdrawn; and whether the matter has been raised by him at EU Council meetings. [63979/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July 2025, the European Commission proposed to partially suspend Israel's participation to Horizon Europe. The proposed suspension specifically concerned the participation of entities established in Israel in activities funded under the Accelerator of the European Innovation Council (EIC). This proposed suspension was related to the review of Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which establishes that human rights obligations constitute an essential part of EU-Israel cooperation under the Agreement, including for bilateral scientific and technological cooperation between the two parties.
In September 2025 the European Commission put forward a number of additional proposals, including the suspension of the trade elements of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
Ireland welcomed the Commission proposals, including the partial suspension of Israel's participation to Horizon Europe, and encouraged fellow Member States to support them.
Notwithstanding the positive and welcome recent developments with regard to a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza, Ireland and a number of other Member States have made clear their view in EU meetings that the EU proposals, including the partial suspension of Israel's participation in Horizon Europe, should remain on the table. In her State of the Union address, the President of the European Commission was clear on the rationale for tabling the package of proposals, all of which remain valid.
Following discussions at the October Foreign Affairs Council, the EU made it clear that the proposals, including the measure relating to Horizon Europe, remain on the table.
