Overview

• On July 28, the European Commission formally invoked Article 79 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement to freeze Israel’s participation in the European Innovation Council segment of Horizon Europe.
• The proposal targets Israeli entities in the €10.1 billion EIC Accelerator programme, which funds start-ups with potential dual-use technologies.
• Commission officials argue that announced humanitarian pauses and aid commitments have fallen short as Gaza faces severe malnutrition and water insecurity.
• EU ambassadors on July 29 did not reach the qualified majority needed to implement the suspension, with Germany’s undecided stance viewed as pivotal.
• Brussels diplomats plan to continue lobbying member states through August, although final approval may be delayed by the summer recess.