Barroso to sign controversial deal with Netanyahu
Malta Independent
Saturday, 7 June 2014, 10:04
Last update: about 11 years ago
European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso is to formally sign a controversial EU-Israel research programme with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a visit starting Sunday.
The outgoing head of the European Union executive will hold talks with Netanyahu on Sunday before taking part in a signing ceremony the next day allowing Israel to become the only non-European country to benefit from the EU's Horizon 2020 scientific research programme.
After months of dispute, the two sides finally agreed a compromise in November enabling hi-tech companies and research institutes in the Jewish state to join the €77-billion programme.
Israel had objected to EU guidelines published in July banning funding and financial dealings with settlements in the occupied West Bank and annexed east Jerusalem from January this year.
The guidelines would have forced Israel to recognise in writing that settlements -- which are illegal under international law -- are not part of the Jewish state in any future EU agreements.
But after sticky negotiations, it was agreed the EU would appendix an agreement to stop research funds serving institutions in the West Bank, while Israel would add its own appendix stating non-recognition of the new guidelines.
EU-Israel relations have long been difficult, notably over the question of Israeli settlements.
Brussels on Thursday said it was "deeply disappointed" after Israel unveiled plans to build another 3,200 settler homes, and called for the decision to be reversed.
"This move is unhelpful to peace efforts," the EU said in a statement.