Despite a European ban, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) still collaborates with Israeli knowledge institutions and companies with ties to the defense industry. In fact, three new collaborations have started since July 2025. This is evident from research by Vrij Nederland.
Not only TU/e, but also six other Dutch universities still participate in joint research projects with Israeli partners. While universities previously announced that they would stop such collaborations. Free Netherlands is based on discussions with experts and data from Academic Complicitya research collective that maps European collaborations with Israeli institutions.
Semiconductors
TU/e has started three new research projects since July last year. The university conducts research with various Israeli universities and tech companies into the production of semiconductors, the building blocks of chips for devices. This is coordinated by ASML from Veldhoven.
The university is also involved in a project with TU Delft, Bar Ilan University and technology company Spin Edge LTD. TU Delft withdrew from that project in early 2026 after reports of links between a researcher and the Israeli army.
Dual use
A project is also underway with Mellanox on technology for self-driving vehicles. According to experts, that area of research is often seen as relevant for future military purposes. The project was subsidized with almost 1 million euros from the Horizon program and more than 9 million euros from Europe.
The studies fall under the category ‘dual use‘. This means that the knowledge and technology can be used for both civil and military applications. According to Vrij Nederland, Dutch universities are participating in at least eighteen such projects. Together they received almost 197 million euros in subsidy from Horizon Europe, the European Union’s research program.
‘Scrutinized critically’
This European fund is intended for research that strengthens Europe’s competitive position, respects human rights and is not used for military purposes. According to the research, the projects do not meet these conditions, but the European Commission does not monitor how the research results are applied after the end of a project.
In response to questions from Vrij Nederland, TU/e says that only long-term collaborations with the Israeli arms industry are excluded. “Individual scientists can still collaborate with Israeli parties,” a spokesperson said. New projects “have all been critically examined before they start, including the question of whether there is a relationship with serious human rights violations and what the nature of the participating partners is.”
New collaboration
Last year, weapons experts Ko Colijn and Frank Slijper concluded that 28 European research projects could be possible dual use are noticeable. Following those findings and student protests, several Horizon projects were reassessed. TU/e then froze cooperation with the Israeli university Technion from Haifa. Remarkably, eight days later the university entered into a new research project with the same institution. According to TU/e, that project had been ‘tested’ in advance.
Another project with Bar Ilan University and tech company Spin Edge focuses on technology used in smartphones, as well as semiconductors, sensors and radars. This technology will play an important role in modern warfare. Europe made more than 53 million euros available for that research.
Question marks
Jochen van Kerckhoven, expert in the field of dual use and export control at knowledge agency Alongsight, questions the project in Vrij Nederland. “We are talking about an innovative project that aims to increase technical knowledge and skills. You will not be able to buy these projects in the supermarket.” According to him, there is a good chance that the research results will eventually also be used militarily.
TU/E first worked with IAI, a state-owned company that produces space systems. That company has close ties with the Israeli army. The university now only works with Israeli tech companies on these dual-use projects.