The European Union pledged 88 million euros to the Palestinian Authority
European Union countries will pay around 88 million euros to help the Palestinian Authority, which European countries are pressing for reforms, fearing their future role within the framework of Trump’s plans for the region.
“We have signed more than 82 million euros”which is in addition to the 6 million euro funding already announced, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Suica, told the press on Thursday after a donor conference in Brussels.
More than 60 delegates – from the Twenty-Seven European Union, Arab countries and several international organizations but without Israel – met in Brussels to discuss reconstruction, governance and security in the Gaza Strip, as well as proposed reforms to the Palestinian Authority.
“Today we presented the progress achieved in our national reform program, which is being implemented, not only promised, but implemented ahead of schedule, which has been acknowledged by our partners”said Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. And this, “Even though the environment is not supportive”he added, accusing Israel of looking for him “to weaken the Palestinian Authority and its ability to function”. mI Suica reiterated calls launched by the European Union for Israel to agree to release tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority, which are essential for the functioning of the institution.
The European Union is the Palestinian Authority’s main financial backer. However, this conditions future aid payments on carrying out reforms, which are considered essential for this authority to fully play its role within the framework of the two-state solution, Israel and Palestine, which European countries have defended for many years. Regarding the reconstruction of Gaza, an event is planned soon in Egypt to raise funds.
