Public data shows that Israeli arms companies have obtained grants for civilian projects despite a strict EU ban on funding research that can be used in warfare
The EU has funnelled millions of euros' worth of funding meant for civilian research programmes to Israeli arms manufacturers and other defence firms despite a ban on the funding of military and dual-use research.
Public records show Israeli companies, central to the state’s military industry, have repeatedly participated in EU-backed research, including as part of the Horizon Europe and its predecessor Horizon 2020 programmes.
Funding data reviewed by Middle East Eye shows that between 2014 and 2025, Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe allocated nearly more than $15m to projects involving Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a state-owned defence company and one of Israel’s largest weapons manufacturers.
IAI produces drones, missile systems and surveillance technology used in the genocide in Gaza and the occupation of the West Bank.
Since the mid-1980s, EU member states have pooled research funding in successive schemes, the most recent of which is Horizon Europe, which runs between 2021 and 2027 and has a budget of €100bn ($116bn).
Countries not part of the EU can also participate by paying an association fee, which gives their universities and companies access to grants.
Israel has been one of the biggest beneficiaries among the associated members, particularly in security research.
The EU has maintained strict restrictions on the nature of the research allowed under the scheme and has a ban on “dual use” research that can be applied to military uses in order to ensure publicly funded civilian projects cannot be repurposed for warfare.
Unlike the EU, Israel does not maintain strict separation between civilian and military research, as its research ecosystem is structurally intertwined with its defence sector.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a European expert in financing for research and technological development at an Italian university, described dual use for military purposes as “the malignant application of good intentions”. (more...)
Israel's arms manufacturers benefit from EU funding for cutting edge civilian research
“Three times more explosive power has been dropped on Gaza than was used in the Hiroshima bomb.”
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Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell strongly criticised Israel, accusing its government of committing genocide in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/s8FOLeuH8J
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