Research dispute puts EU-Israel ties under severe strain

As Israel looks warily west in the hope that the United States has its back in any conflict with Iran, it might do well to glance north and consider its relations with Europe too.

Under a new funding deal, the EU and Israel will shortly sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Israel's participation in the Union's "Horizon 2020" research programme.

The grants will be governed by new EU guidelines, which say Israeli firms and institutions cannot spend a cent of EU money on activity in occupied Palestinian land.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Building on long-standing ties, EU and Israel explore new opportunities for growth and innovation http://www.europeansources.info/record/memo-building-on-long-standing-ties-eu-and-israel-explore-new-opportunities-for-growth-and-innovation/

ESO: Background information: EU-Israel row over confrontation with diplomat http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-israel-row-over-confrontation-with-diplomat/

ESO: Background information: EU-Israel talks fail to agree on science funding http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-israel-talks-fail-to-agree-on-science-funding/

EUObserver, 27.11.13: EU punishes Israel on settlements, rewards it on UN club http://euobserver.com/foreign/122269

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