Conflict continues between EU and Israel over research funding program

Nature : Despite last week’s deadlock during negotiations in Brussels, both Israel and the European Union are trying to work through their differences concerning the upcoming launch of the EU’s €80 billion research and innovation program, Horizon 2020 . Israel, which has participated as an associate country in various EU research programs since 1996, has objected to the new program guidelines, which were made public in July. The guidelines state that any funding Israel receives will not apply to research carried out in territories it has occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank. Israeli government officials have charged that the EU is trying to make the country waive its claims of sovereignty. Because Israel has benefited financially from its previous participation, many of its scientists are concerned about the potential loss of grant money and involvement in international research projects should Israel’s government decline to participate. Negotiations are set to resume in a few weeks.