In a significant development concerning EU policy and accountability, the European Commission has proposed to partially suspend Israel’s access to Horizon Europe funds. The Brussels Morning Newspaper reached out to Marc Botenga, Member of the European Parliament (MEP), for his views on the matter. Botenga described the proposal as “the absolute very least the EU can do” and noted it marks a shift in the Commission’s stance, stating,
“The Commission always claimed it could not suspend Israel’s access as this would constitute ‘discrimination’. We always said this was nonsense.”
Marc Botenga is a Belgian politician representing the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PVDA-PTB) and serves as Vice-Chair of The Left group in the European Parliament. Since his election in 2019, he has been a vocal advocate for human rights and social justice, actively participating in committees such as Industry, Research and Energy and delegations focused on international relations.
When asked how significant the Commission’s proposal is in the broader context of EU policy and accountability regarding Israel’s actions, MEP Botenga told The Brussels Morning,
“After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the European Commission put out a statement that it suspended access, payments and projects with Russian entities. So why would what was possible for Russia, not be possible for Israel? The fact that the Commission now proposes at least a partial suspension shows not only that it lied to protect Israel, but also that popular pressure is working.”
On the potential impact of this suspension on research collaboration within the EU, especially regarding the European Innovation Council’s accelerator grants, Botenga expressed skepticism about its effectiveness:
“The impact within the EU will be limited to be honest. Unfortunately, the proposed suspension is very partial. All funding was cut for Russia, some small start-up funding will potentially be suspended for Israel.”
Regarding current support from EU member states and future policy directions, MEP Botenga highlighted a gradual shift in stance:
“Several countries — Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, France, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Malta — now seem to support the proposal to partially suspend Israel’s participation in Horizon Europe. Similar sounds have come from Sweden and Belgium. Even in Germany, a prominent Christian-Democratic politician said Germany would have to review its stance.”
He added a cautionary note, urging member states not to hide behind the EU framework:
“None of these countries should hide behind the EU. All of them can take sanctions individually, as for example Slovenia did.”
Botenga concluded with a stark warning that the partial suspension alone will not absolve states of their complicity but may help bring about a ceasefire. He also highlighted in his Facebook post:
Marc Botenga’s clear and pointed responses to The Brussels Morning Newspaper underscore a growing call within parts of the European Parliament for stronger accountability measures tied to human rights considerations in EU financial partnerships.
