Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002001/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Anna Maria Cisint (PfE), Silvia Sardone (PfE), Roberto Vannacci (PfE), Isabella Tovaglieri (PfE)
Hamas, which the EU has blacklisted as a terrorist organisation since 2003, carried out a deadly attack in Israel on 7 October 2023, killing more than 1 500 people, including 68 Europeans. Despite this, it operates freely in Türkiye. Although an active member of the Horizon Europe programme and an EU candidate country, Türkiye is home to Hamas-affiliated individuals and organisations; it denies their terrorist nature and provides medical care to its members. This stands in stark contrast to the EU’s stance.
What is more, Turkish institutions, which are in receipt of Horizon Europe funds, appear to indirectly facilitate Hamas’ activities. This raises questions about the use of EU funds in Türkiye and the risk that they could be used to support activities that undermine EU values.
In the light of the above:
- 1.In view of Türkiye’s public support for Hamas, how does the Commission justify the country’s continued involvement in the Horizon Europe programme?
- 2.What specific measures have been taken to ensure that the Horizon Europe funds allocated to Türkiye are not used – not even indirectly – to support activities that go against the EU’s core values, political decisions and goals?
Submitted: 9.10.2024