EU Funding Allocated to Israeli Arms Manufacturers Amid Ban on Military Research
The EU has allocated over $15 million to Israeli defense firms, including Israel Aerospace Industries, despite existing bans on military research funding. This financial support, part of the Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe programs, raises concerns about its implications for Israel's military industry amid ongoing conflicts, with some MEPs questioning the legality of such funding. The EU maintains that its funding complies with regulations, even as it signals a shift towards normalizing dual-use research.
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The EU has allocated over $15 million from Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe to Israeli defense firms, including Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), from 2014 to 2025. IAI, a major arms manufacturer, produces technology used in military operations in Gaza and the West Bank.
Despite EU restrictions on dual-use research, the funding has benefited Israel's intertwined civilian and military research sectors. The EU's Horizon programs funded nearly 2,500 projects involving Israeli partners, totaling around $2.55 billion.
Recent policy shifts signal a move towards normalizing dual-use research, with plans for a dedicated military research pillar in the next Framework Programme launching in 2028. Concerns have been raised regarding the implications of EU funding contributing to Israel's military industry, especially amid ongoing conflicts. Some MEPs have questioned the legality of funding a state accused of genocide, but the Commission maintains that its funding complies with EU regulations.
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