The University of Ghent (UGent) in Belgium has announced the end of its participation in a European research project involving an Israeli partner, marking an unprecedented decision under the Horizon Europe program. The Belgian institution states that it received assurance from the European Commission that it would not oppose this withdrawal, without commenting on its legal compliance or imposing sanctions.
This decision follows a direction taken since May 2024 when the university decided to terminate certain collaborations with problematic Israeli partners based on an unfavorable opinion from its internal commission on human rights and dual-use research. The project in question, named OSTEONET, aims to develop three-dimensional cellular models for the study of bone tissues.
For several months, UGent awaited a clear position from the European Commission, responsible for determining whether this exit constitutes a breach of contract. Ultimately, Brussels indicated that it would not oppose the withdrawal without officially qualifying the nature of this decision, thereby paving the way for a favorable interpretation for the university.
This withdrawal could set a precedent in the landscape of European research by creating a precedent for other institutions wishing to review their partnerships. UGent also affirms its intention to continue in this direction and now plans to end other ongoing collaborations with Israeli partners it deems problematic.
