Israel signed an agreement with the European Union Dec. 6 to join the 2021-2027 Horizon Europe research and development program. The program, the largest of its kind in the world, focuses on international cooperation in science and industry and has a budget of 95.5 billion euros, making it a major source of funding in these fields. It is the ninth such R&D program sponsored by the EU. Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Mariya Gabriel signed the agreement in Brussels with Haim Regev, Israel’s ambassador to the European Union and NATO.

The agreement will allow Israel to remain at the forefront of worldwide scientific and technological development as an innovation pioneer in several major fields, including cyber technology, agricultural technology, food tech and green technology. Research funded by the previous programs can be largely credited for Israel’s successful projects in science and advanced technology.

Joining the European program is also important diplomatically. It will rehabilitate and deepen Israel’s relations with the EU, a priority set by Foreign Minister Yair Lapid when he took office. While the program will not provide grants to Israeli groups in West Bank settlements, politicians on the right including former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett are enthusiastic supporters of Israel joining Horizon Europe.

After the signing Lapid said in a statement, “Israel’s joining the Horizon program, which is the flagship program in Israel’s relationship with the EU, is an important diplomatic achievement and another step to strengthening ties with European countries and the European Union. Israel has a lot to offer the biggest and most important research and development program in the world. Joining today will help Israel stay at the forefront of global research.”