European Union
Photo: Reuters
Israel to join EU research program Horizon 2020
Despite EU opposition to settlements during long negotiations, Israel is to become first non-European country to join program.
BRUSSELS - European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso is to formally sign a controversial EU-Israel research program with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a visit starting Sunday.
Barroso will hold talks with Netanyahu on Sunday before taking part in a signing ceremony the next day, allowing Israel to become the only non-European country to benefit from the EU's Horizon 2020 scientific research program.
After months of dispute, the two sides finally agreed a compromise in November enabling hi-tech companies and research institutes in the Jewish state to join the 77-billion-euro program.
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Israel had objected to EU guidelines published in July banning funding and financial dealings with settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem from January this year.
The guidelines would have forced Israel to recognise in writing that settlements - which are illegal under international law - are not part of the Jewish state in any future EU agreements.
But after sticky negotiations, it was agreed the EU would appendix an agreement to stop research funds serving institutions in the West Bank, while Israel would add its own appendix stating non-recognition of the new guidelines.
EU-Israel relations have long been difficult, notably over the question of Israeli settlements.
Brussels on Thursday said it was "deeply disappointed" after Israel unveiled plans to build another 3,200 settler homes, and called for the decision to be reversed.
"This move is unhelpful to peace efforts," the EU said in a statement.
