7amleh’s research finds that European rules on artificial intelligence and related funding often stop applying once technology or money leaves the EU. The organisation identifies three main channels that move EU resources into West Asia and North Africa: migration control, research and innovation funding, and direct exports. Migration-related cooperation accounted for a dedicated share of third-country funding, and agreements in 2023–2024 with Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Lebanon were followed by transfers of biometric ID systems, traveller screening tools, smart border gates and maritime surveillance infrastructure. Funding is frequently routed through member states and implementing organisations, which the report says increases distance and reduces accountability.
On research funding, the report documents grants and investments that reached companies with military or surveillance uses. It cites European Defence Fund and investment vehicles that channelled millions to firms connected to Israeli defence and spyware technologies, and Horizon Europe support to companies later contracted to supply thousands of assault drones. Direct exports of facial recognition, biometric tools, drone components and smart-city technologies were sold to governments across the region with limited binding human rights due diligence, blurring civilian and military use and leaving minimal oversight.
The report points to grave humanitarian consequences in Gaza: roughly 67,000 deaths have been officially reported, the majority civilians, and a study in The Lancet found life expectancy halved within the first year of the war. The International Court of Justice has identified conduct involving plausible acts of genocide. 7amleh calls for extending the AI Act to cover exports and dual-use technologies, mandatory human rights due diligence for all exports, independent public human rights impact assessments before migration agreements are signed, greater transparency on funding and procurement, and a reassessment of Israel’s participation in Horizon Europe. Nadim Nashif is named as the organisation’s executive director in the report.
Difficult words
- surveillance — continuous observation or monitoring of people or places
- biometric — using body traits for identification or access
- due diligence — careful checks to avoid legal or ethical harm
- dual-use — designed for both civilian and military purposes
- procurement — the process of buying goods or services
- transfer — movement of goods or money between placestransfers
- accountability — responsibility for actions and decisions
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think extending the AI Act to cover exports and dual-use technologies would reduce human rights risks? Why or why not?
- How could greater transparency on funding and procurement improve accountability in technology transfers?
- What problems can arise when civilian and military uses of technology are blurred? Give examples or reasons.
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