In a significant development concerning EU policy and accountability, the European Commission has proposed to partially suspend Israel’s access to Horizon Europe funds. Eurotoday reached out to Marc Botenga, Member of the European Parliament (MEP), for his views on the matter. Botenga described the proposal as “the absolute very least the EU can do” and noted it marks a shift in the Commission’s stance, stating,
“The Commission always claimed it could not suspend Israel’s access as this would constitute ‘discrimination’. We always said this was nonsense.”
Marc Botenga is a Belgian politician representing the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PVDA-PTB) and serves as Vice-Chair of The Left group in the European Parliament. Since his election in 2019, he has been a vocal advocate for human rights and social justice, actively participating in committees such as Industry, Research and Energy and delegations focused on international relations.
When asked how significant the Commission’s proposal is in the broader context of EU policy and accountability regarding Israel’s actions, MEP Botenga told Eurotoday,
“After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the European Commission put out a statement that it suspended access, payments and projects with Russian entities. So why would what was possible for Russia, not be possible for Israel? The fact that the Commission now proposes at least a partial suspension shows not only that it lied to protect Israel, but also that popular pressure is working.”
On the potential impact of this suspension on research collaboration within the EU, especially regarding the European Innovation Council’s accelerator grants, Botenga expressed skepticism about its effectiveness:
“The impact within the EU will be limited to be honest. Unfortunately, the proposed suspension is very partial. All funding was cut for Russia, some small start-up funding will potentially be suspended for Israel.”
Regarding current support from EU member states and future policy directions, MEP Botenga highlighted a gradual shift in stance:
“Several countries — Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, France, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Malta — now seem to support the proposal to partially suspend Israel’s participation in Horizon Europe. Similar sounds have come from Sweden and Belgium. Even in Germany, a prominent Christian-Democratic politician said Germany would have to review its stance.”
He added a cautionary note, urging member states not to hide behind the EU framework:
“None of these countries should hide behind the EU. All of them can take sanctions individually, as for example Slovenia did.”
Botenga concluded with a stark warning that the partial suspension alone will not absolve states of their complicity but may help bring about a ceasefire. He also highlighted in his Facebook post:
Marc Botenga’s clear and pointed responses to Eurotoday underscore a growing call within parts of the European Parliament for stronger accountability measures tied to human rights considerations in EU financial partnerships.
Comments
10 responses to “Marc Botenga MEP Critiques EU’s Limited Suspension of Israel Funding”
-
Typical EU, eh? A partial suspension is like putting a Band-Aid on a broken leg—good luck convincing anyone it’s a real solution! 😂
-
Looks like the EU’s idea of a ‘partial suspension’ is just a fancy way of saying ‘we’re still trying to keep everyone happy while doing the bare minimum.’ Classic Brussels, eh? 🤷♂️
-
Looks like the EU’s idea of “suspension” is as effective as a chocolate teapot. 😂 I mean, it’s cute they’re trying, but how about a proper hardball for once, eh?
-
Oh brilliant, a “partial” suspension—just what we need, a half-hearted attempt that even a Belgian waffle would find lacking! 🍽️ Honestly, if they’re trying to win a gold medal in the Olympics of indecision, they’re definitely on the podium! 🥇
-
Looks like the EU’s new approach to funding Israel is as bold as a Belgian in a bowler hat—half-hearted and a tad ridiculous. Cheers to doing the bare minimum while patting ourselves on the back! 🍻
-
Looks like the EU’s idea of a ‘suspension’ is about as tough as a wet noodle. Bravo for the grand gesture, but are we really just playing peek-a-boo with accountability? 🙄💸
-
Oh, a partial suspension of funding? How delightfully generous of the EU, just like giving a kid a single cookie while the rest of the jar remains untouched. 🍪 Typical bureaucracy—making a big fuss about doing the bare minimum!
-
Seems like the EU’s finally found its backbone—just in time for a polite tiptoe into the realm of accountability. Bravo, Marc! 🎉 Or should we say, “Bravo, but don’t break a leg on your way to the exit!” 😏
-
Oh sure, a “partial” suspension of funds—because why not take baby steps when you can just sit back and enjoy the show? 🎭 Typical EU, always keeping it “light” on the accountability front. 😏
-
Looks like the EU’s idea of a bold move is akin to throwing a thimble of water on a raging fire. Bravo, Marc, I suppose at this rate we’ll be handing out gold stars for effort next! 🌟
Last News
Why Tensions Are Escalating Between Poland and Ukraine
Host Zoya Sheftalovich recently interviewed Irish Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne at a POLITICO event to explore what Dublin’s main priorities will be. His insights will feature on the show.
Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy might visit Polan
Britain’s Financial Sector Rebounds as Global Investment Confidence Restores
London, United Kingdom, June 21 – Eurotoday Newspaper — Global investment news continues to focus on Britain’s financial sector as new data suggests the industry has largely adapted to the post-Brexit environment. After years of uncertainty following the UK’s departure from the European Union, banks, insurers, investment firms, and financial technology companies are reporting renewed confidence
EU Leverages China Trade Pressure as a New Policy Instrument
Following warnings about industrial dependence, Brussels is preparing a diversification tool supported by EU leaders
The European Commission is transitioning from warnings to action on trade risks connected to China, planning a new diversification tool after EU leaders supported a stronger response to supply-chain reliance and economic disparities.
This marks a new stage in a discussion that has
France Restricts Public Drinking Amid Heatwave Impacting Music Festival Crowds
Trump-Iran Talks Continue Amid Warnings Exchanged in Switzerland
Geneva, Switzerland, June 21 – Brussels Morning Newspaper — Trump Iran talks remained in focus on Monday as U.S. and Iranian negotiators met in Switzerland while exchanging firm public warnings ahead of another round of diplomatic discussions. The latest Trump Iran talks are centered on nuclear issues, regional security, and the possibility of reducing tensions through continued negotiations. In
Balayan Puts Armenia on Brussels’ Civic Stage
H.E. Tigran Balayan, Ambassador of Armenia (left)
Tigran Balayan, Armenia’s ambassador in Brussels, serves as a key figure showcasing Yerevan’s evolving relationship with Europe. His efforts extend beyond official summits and security matters, emphasizing civic events, busi
Trump Criticizes Starmer as UK Prime Minister Nears Exit
Trump Claims Meloni Repeatedly Requested a Photo at G7 Amid Escalating Dispute
On Saturday, Trump revisited the Iran war dispute, criticizing Meloni for not allowing the U.S. to use Italy’s landing strips,
UK Company Formation Attracts Entrepreneurs with Digital Services
Leave a Reply