University of Jyväskylä’s joins an appeal to exclude Israel from EU research programmes

On 4 November, the University signed an appeal calling on the European Commission and member states to suspend the Association Agreement with Israel in order to prevent Israeli research institutions from participating in, for example, research programmes funded by the European Union. The agreement defines the basis for economic and political cooperation between the European Union and Israel. The University Management Team of JYU unanimously supported joining the appeal.
Published
18.11.2025

The appeal signed by JYU notes that Israel’s military offensive in Gaza conflicts with Article 2 of the Association Agreement with the European Union. The Association Agreement requires respect for international agreements on human rights and compliance with the principles of human rights and democracy.

The appeal asks the European Commission to develop a transparent, structural and independent framework for evaluating the implementation of human rights in all international partnerships carried out under Horizon Europe and other European programmes.

The original appeal calling for the suspension of the Association Agreement between EU and Israel was made by ten Belgian universities and 44 universities has joined it in addition to the University of Jyväskylä.

Jari Ojala
Jari Ojala
Rector