The European Union (EU) and the Federal Republic of Germany today signed additional contribution agreements with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The event took place at the UNRWA Jerusalem Girls’ School in Silwan, East Jerusalem, with several EU Member States (MS) also joining the ceremony as part of the collective EU and MS support to UNRWA and Palestine refugees.  

In 2019, the Agency received a contribution of EUR 82 million from the EU in support of critical human development work UNRWA provides in the region. At an extremely difficult time for Palestine refugees, the EU is contributing a further EUR 21 million.

Similarly, the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, through the KfW Development Bank, announced four new projects valued at EUR 59 million to UNRWA. The signing ceremony certified German support for the Agency’s basic social services, employment generation and camp infrastructure. The EU and its Member States, including Germany, collectively remain the largest contributors to UNRWA budget.

“The EU and its Member States are proud to remain the largest providers of international assistance to Palestine refugees and the Agency’s most reliable donors. For over four decades, the EU has established itself as a key strategic partner for the Agency, supporting UNRWA in its efforts to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development and assisting the Agency in efficiency gains and reforms “, said Acting European Union Representative Tomas Niklasson.

Read more

Press release