The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), funded by the EU’s Horizon research programme, continues to support its innovation hub in Israel despite growing concerns over Israeli tech’s role in military operations and recent UN genocide allegations in Gaza.
The latest Cross-KIC (Knowledge and Innovation Communities) Regional Innovation & Internationalisation funding call for 2026–2027 mandates that all innovation plans include support for hubs in both the UK (London) and Israel (Tel Aviv). This “development” typically means allocating budget, visibility, and priority to these hubs.
Cross-KIC proposals must be submitted by consortia of universities, corporations, and research bodies, all of which are required to incorporate the Israeli hub in their plans. The submission deadline is 3 September 2025, with an estimated budget of €16.8 million.
However, according to the EUobserver, the EIT clarified that opting out of supporting the Israeli hub does not disqualify applicants or result in penalties.
This funding call comes amid increased scrutiny of EU financial support for Israel, following the European Commission’s proposal to suspend Israel from the Horizon programme and restrict access to the €10.1 billion European Innovation Council (EIC) accelerator funding for Israeli small businesses.
Between 2021 and 2024, Israeli researchers and companies received €1.1 billion in Horizon Europe grants, including €242 million through the EIC Accelerator, according to the Israeli Innovation Authority.
The EIT affirmed its commitment to align with any future EU policy measures regarding Israel and pledged to adjust its support accordingly.
The EIT Hub in Israel was established in 2019.
Source: EUobserver
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