Germany opposes European Union penalties imposed on Israel

The European Union (EU) is currently facing a contentious issue regarding the proposed sanctions against Israel, with Hungary blocking all sanctions against Israeli settlers for months. This decision has sparked a heated debate among EU member states.

Israel has rejected the accusations, stating that the necessary measures they take in the fight against Hamas and the liberation of hostages are essential. The CDU politician, Johann Wadephul, believes that the planned restrictions on arms deliveries are a targeted and necessary measure. However, Germany and Italy, crucial players in the Council of Member States, have rejected these far-reaching sanctions.

The EU Commission's proposal initially denies funding to Israeli start-ups and small companies in areas such as cybersecurity, drone technology, and artificial intelligence. This could potentially result in millions of dollars in losses for Israel. However, the German government has rejected the EU Commission’s proposed sanctions, arguing that suspending Israel's participation in the Horizon Europe research program would not influence Israel’s military actions. Instead, they emphasize the continuation of arms restrictions.

France, Spain, and Ireland, on the other hand, advocate for far-reaching sanctions against Israel. Aid organizations report thousands of civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip and a rapidly increasing number of undernourished children. Brussels cites serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law as the reason for the funding restrictions.

Despite the division among member states, the implementation of the Commission's initiative depends on a vote in the Council of Member States. A qualified majority of at least 15 states representing 65 percent of the EU population is required for the implementation of the initiative.

It is worth noting that universities and researchers in Israel are not affected by the EU's funding restrictions. The rejection of the sanctions plans was stated by CDU Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Copenhagen. Berlin will not support restrictions on research cooperation within "Horizon Europe".

The Italian government’s position is not clearly detailed in the available search results. The EU member states remain deeply divided on this issue, with the outcome of the vote in the Council of Member States yet to be determined.