Brussels, 13 January 2023
See question(s) : E-000843/2022
EN
E-000843/2022
Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell i Fontelles on behalf of the European Commission (13.1.2023)
The Commission is aware of the reports referred to by the Honourable Members and is giving them due attention. In any case, the Commission considers that it is not appropriate to use the term apartheid in connection with the State of Israel.
The EU continues to closely monitor the developments on the ground. The respect of international humanitarian law and international human rights law by state and non-state actors, and accountability for violations committed, are a cornerstone for peace and security in the Middle East region.
The EU remains committed to a negotiated two-State solution, based on international law, the 1967 lines, with equivalent land swaps, as may be agreed between the parties, with the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign and viable State of Palestine1, living side by side in peace, security and mutual recognition. The EU and its Member States continue to closely monitor the developments on the ground, including the deterioration of the human rights situation in Israel and in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The EU raises its concerns about human rights violations of both parties in public statements and in bilateral contacts with its partners. Concerning the Horizon Europe programme, the agreement prescribes to obligation to comply with the EU’s Guidelines on the eligibility of Israeli entities2. According to the guidelines, to be eligible for participation in Horizon Europe, Israeli legal persons must have their place of establishment within Israel’s pre-1967 borders and they may not carry out activities in geographic areas that came under the administration of Israel after 5 June 1967. The EU’s position is clear: Israeli settlements in territories occupied by Israel are illegal under international law. The EU ensures the strict respect of eligibility requirements for Israeli entities in all ongoing EU-funded programmes and will do so in the framework of any future possible cooperation.
1 This designation shall not be construed as recognition of a State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individual positions of the Member States on this issue.
2 Commission Notice No 2013/C 205/05 establishing the ‘Guidelines on the eligibility of Israeli entities and their activities in the territories occupied by Israel since June 1967 for grants, prizes and financial instruments funded by the EU from 2014 onwards’.