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 within the Horizon Europe program. The Belgian institution indicates that it has received assurance from the European Commission that it will not oppose this withdrawal, without pronouncing on its legal compliance or imposing sanctions.
This decision follows a direction adopted since May 2024, when the university had chosen to terminate certain collaborations with Israeli partners deemed problematic, based on an unfavorable opinion from its internal commission responsible for human rights and dual-use research. The project in question, named OSTEONET, aims to develop three-dimensional cellular models for studying bone tissues.
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For several months, UGent awaited a clear position from the European Commission, tasked with determining whether this exit constituted a breach of contract. Finally, Brussels indicated that it would not oppose the withdrawal, without officially qualifying the nature of this decision, thus opening the way to a favorable interpretation for the university.
This withdrawal could set a precedent in the landscape of European research, creating a precedent for other institutions wishing to reassess their partnerships. UGent also asserts its intention to continue in this direction and now considers ending other ongoing collaborations with partners from Israel that it deems problematic.
