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 six million euros already announced, the European Commissioner responsible for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Suica, told the press after a donor conference in Brussels.
Some sixty delegations consisting of 27 EU members, Arab countries and several international organizations met in Brussels on Thursday, without Israel present.
“Progress” achieved “despite unfavorable environment”
“Today we presented the progress achieved within the framework of our national reform program, which is being implemented, not only promised, but is being implemented ahead of schedule, which has been acknowledged by our partners,” said Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa. And this “despite unfavorable conditions”, he added, accusing Israel of trying to “weaken the Palestinian Authority and its ability to function”.
Dubravka 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. “This was conveyed by all participants,” he assured.
“We will govern, we will reform and we will lead the reconstruction of Gaza”
Regarding Gaza, Mohammed Mustafa assured that the Palestinian Authority has plans, supported by Arab countries, for its reconstruction. “We will govern, we will carry out reforms and we will lead the reconstruction of Gaza,” he assured.
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 the 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.
“All of our support for the Palestinian Authority was tied to efforts to realize a reform agenda,” Suica recalled.
