Under the leadership of France, the European Union and European Member States have joined forces to establish a strong partnership with the Palestinian Authority to promote sustainable water resource management. This Team Europe Initiative aims to improve water management sustainably through comprehensive and equitable wastewater treatment, high-quality water reuse (for agriculture and aquifer recharge), and the strengthening of the sector’s institutional framework. The initiative seeks to contribute substantially to environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation in Palestine.

The Team Europe Initiative takes a comprehensive and transformative approach that addresses both Palestinian aspirations and needs, as well as the broader global policy priorities on Climate and Biodiversity. Access to clean water is a basic human right that enables the realization of all other human rights, including the right to a healthy environment and the right to development.

This initiative will build on past efforts, leverage private and public investments through European financial instruments, and increase policy dialogue to support the Palestinian Authority. Addressing the multiple and transboundary challenges in the water resources management sector requires mutual trust, cooperation, and boldness. The EU and Member States aim to provide essential benefits through joint political, technical, and financial engagement, following the “stronger together” approach.

In the last ten years, the EU and the European Development Partners have been the primary contributors to the water sector in Palestine, investing over 400 million Euros. European-Palestinian flagship projects include the Hebron, Tubas, and Nablus Wastewater Treatment Plants in the West Bank, as well as the North Gaza Sewage Treatment Plant and the Central wastewater treatment plant in Gaza.