During a signing ceremony in the presence of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the European Union announced the 2022 financial assistance package to the Palestinian people. This package of €199.2 million will support the Palestinian Authority’s expenditures for social allowances, medical referrals, salaries and pensions, and projects in the occupied Palestinian territory, in addition to EU-funded projects in East Jerusalem.
This adds to the already disbursed financial support of €97 million to UNRWA, which includes a €15 million top-up from the Food and Resilience Facility aimed at mitigating the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on food prices and food security. This brings the total EU assistance to the Palestinian people under the 2022 budget allocation to €296 million.
In his remarks during the signing ceremony, the EU Representative, Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff said: “Despite the numerous economic, social, and political challenges Palestinians face in their quest for self-determination and well-being in the occupied Palestinian territory, the EU remains committed to the two-state solution. Our projects and interventions cover almost all aspects of Palestinian life. An effective Palestinian Authority guided by the principles of democratic governance and rule of law is a key element for stability, peace and security. In this context, we will continue to call for the respect of existing agreements between Palestinians and Israelis. We will also continue to work with the Palestinian government towards structural, economic and fiscal reforms that will improve the performance and efficiency of its public services.”