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Flemish universities want European advice on cooperation with Israel

by AI | 02.Jun 2024 | Europe in brief AI

In Belgium, the Flemish universities are seeking advice from the European Commission about their collaboration with Israeli research institutions. Across Europe, universities are screening their ties with Israel.

A photo taken in Rafah of Khan Younis, in the south of the Gaza Strip. - Photo: AFP

Brussels – In Flanders (Belgium), the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR) has officially written to the European Commission to ask for clear guidelines regarding research cooperation with Israel. The VLIR wants universities and other research actors to be able to assess whether Israeli partners in EU-funded research projects comply with European ethical standards.

The VLIR points out the importance “given the recent binding rulings of the International Court of Justice regarding the prevention and punishment of possible genocide in the Gaza Strip.” The French-speaking Conseil des rectrices et recteurs francophones (CRef) has sent a similar letter to the EU executive.

Horizon Europe is the European Commission’s most extensive research program. It funds international research consortia in a wide range of scientific disciplines. Israeli partners can also participate in Horizon Europe. It is contractually stipulated that research groups can only participate in these European projects if they comply with European fundamental values.

Since the war in Gaza and the student protests that have erupted in many places – including in Flanders and Brussels – universities across Europe are scrutinizing their cooperation with Israeli partners.