Brussels: Belgium will vote in favor of the European Commission proposal for the partial suspension of Israel's participation in a research program with EU participation, the nation's prime minister said Tuesday. "At my initiative, Belgium has decided today to support the European Commission's proposal for the partial suspension of Israel's participation in the Horizon Europe program," Maxime Prevot wrote on X.

According to Anadolu Agency, if a majority votes for the measure, it would represent the "first concrete" European sanction on Israel's government and its economic interests. Prevot emphasized the need for additional proposals from the Commission regarding the Association Agreement, highlighting concerns over commitments related to humanitarian aid.

The Belgian Prime Minister pointed out that airdrops are merely a temporary solution and advocated for comprehensive access for humanitarian aid to Gaza. Prevot referenced a written statement from the Foreign Ministry indicating that the proposed measure would specifically impact Israeli entities' participation in the European Innovation Council Accelerator, which supports startups working on breakthrough innovations and emerging technologies.

The statement elaborated that if the EU adopts the proposal, Israel would lose access to nearly £400 million ($462 million) in grants and investment support available under the program. The proposal is currently under review by EU member states within the Council of the European Union.

The statement further noted that once the Danish Presidency of the Council determines a qualified majority is secured, the proposal will be added to the agenda of the Coreper II meeting on August 13 and subsequently adopted through a written procedure by the Council. The measure would be enacted 30 calendar days following its notification to the Association Council.