Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002761/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Auke Zijlstra (PfE)
Recently, reports surfaced in the media that Dutch universities are terminating cooperation with universities in Israel, often on the grounds of ‘defence aspects’. Much of this cooperation takes place under the umbrella of Horizon Europe and is partly funded by this EU programme. Israel has a legitimate association agreement with the EU. That being so, I should like to ask:
- 1.The decision to end participation in a consortium funded by Horizon Europe can be taken only on the basis of Article 32(2) of the model grant agreement, and the partner(s) should be heard. A decision is then taken on the basis of the consortium agreement. Can the Commission confirm that unilateral termination of a consortium by Dutch universities is not in line with Horizon Europe requirements?
- 2.Can the Commission confirm that university research in the field of defence is allowed within the context of Horizon Europe, in accordance with Article 22(1) of the relevant regulation: ‘Any legal entity, regardless of its place of establishment and including legal entities from non-associated third countries or international organisations, may participate in actions under the Programme, provided that the conditions laid down in this Regulation have been met together with any conditions laid down in the work programme or call for proposals’?
Submitted: 8.7.2025
Last updated: 15 July 2025