Belgian universities urge government to back suspension of EU-Israel Horizon Europe association

Ten Belgian universities "appeal to [their] government to actively support and pursue [the request they made on 15/05/2025] to suspend the EU-Israel Horizon Europe Association Agreement immediately", on 09/08/2025.

In their "Call for a values-driven European Union in word and in deed", published in May, the universities argued that, "despite numerous human rights violations documented by the United Nations, the EU continues to treat Israel as a privileged partner, including in the Horizon Europe programme".

Article 2 of the Association Agreement sets out the commitment to respect human rights and democratic principles and "is not a technicality, but a cornerstone", according to Belgian universities. "Respect for human rights and democratic values must underpin any cooperation with third countries. If this foundation is systematically undermined, consequences must follow. Otherwise, our European values risk becoming hollow words".

The rectors of UNamur, VUB, UMons, UAntwerpen, ULiège, ULB, UCLouvain, UGent, UHasselt and KU Leuven claim they "carry not only the responsibility to educate…