19 October 2026

The Dutch university decided a year ago to have as little to do with Israel as possible, and it has now managed to extract itself from its contractual obligations to participate in a Horizon research partnership that includes the Israeli Minister of Health. The Utrecht faculty and administration deserve congratulations for this action. But what is really needed is the cancellation of Israel’s Association Agreement with the EU which enables it to participate in Horizon itself.

Utrecht University withdraws from research project with the Israeli Ministry of Health

15 October 2026

Utrecht University (UU) withdrew from a research project in which the Israeli Ministry of Health is also participating, with effect from 1 October 2026.  The university has transferred its responsibilities to the other project partners. The Horizon Europe project will continue without the participation of Utrecht University. 

The withdrawal follows from Utrecht University’s policy on collaborations with Israeli institutions, which was tightened in May 2025. At that time, the University decided not to enter into any new collaborations until further notice. The ongoing research collaborations between Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht and Israeli organisations were not discontinued. These projects were evaluated on a case-by-case basis in 2024. It was concluded that there was a very low likelihood that the knowledge gained from the ongoing research projects would lead to a deterioration in the human rights situation. All projects will therefore cease on the agreed end date (no later than 2030).

For one study looking at research to better assess risks around chemicals to better protect people and the environment, a decision was taken in 2025 to end Utrecht University’s participation. The reason for this is the involvement of the Israeli Ministry of Health, and consequently the direct collaboration with the Israeli government within the project. 

Careful handover of responsibilities 

UU researchers ceased their work on the project on 1 May 2026. As of 1 October 2026, Utrecht University will also no longer be a legal part of the consortium. The withdrawal took longer than initially expected, as Utrecht University wished to hand over its responsibilities carefully and had to reach agreements with the partners involved.