Israel at odds with EU over science funding guidelines

Science : Scientists in Israel may lose European Union funding due to new guidelines on the eligibility of territories occupied by Israel since 1967. The guidelines state that the EU does not recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, Gaza Strip, and West Bank. Therefore, as of 2014, no EU grants will go to any organizations or activities in those areas. Israel has participated in various EU research programs as an “associated country” since 1996 by making a fixed contribution based on its gross domestic product. Although only one company, AHAVA Dead Sea Laboratories, which produces skin care products, would currently be affected by the new guidelines, Israel may pull out on principle. “We will not accept any outside diktat about our borders,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last month. Some think Israel’s withdrawal from the funding program would be catastrophic for Israeli scientists; others say the country could instead invest its monetary contribution in domestic research.