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First new EU emergency aid paid to Palestinian Authority

by AI | 01.Aug 2024 | Europe in brief AI

The Palestinian Authority has big money problems. The EU is now transferring millions – but not without conditions.

The EU has paid out initial new emergency aid to the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. Photo: Nasser Ishtayeh/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Brussels – The EU has paid out 150 million euros in emergency aid to the financially struggling Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. Of the amount, 58 million euros are grants to pay salaries and pensions of civil servants and to support families in need, as the European Commission announced. The European Investment Bank is also providing 92 million euros to the Palestinian Monetary Authority through a credit line.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said about the payout: “A strong and reformed Palestinian Authority is key to our shared goal of a two-state solution.” This is the only way to achieve sustainable peace for Israelis and Palestinians.

The financial aid was already fundamentally announced in the middle of the month and is the first part of an emergency aid package worth 400 million euros. It is primarily intended to close funding gaps. Further payments are expected to be made in August and September, depending on the fulfillment of reform requirements.

New support program: EU Commission to present proposal to governments

To be able to provide long-term assistance, the EU Commission intends to present to the governments of EU member states a proposal for a new multi-year support program for the period until the end of 2026 at the beginning of September. It also proposes to establish an international donor coordination platform for the Palestinians in the fall.

The multi-year support program aims to enable the Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs the West Bank, to achieve a balanced budget by 2026.

After the terrorist attack by the Islamist Hamas on Israel on October 7, the EU reviewed its aid to the Palestinians. However, no evidence was found that EU funds were indirectly financing terrorist activities or other unintended purposes.

According to its own statements, the European Union is currently the largest supporter of the Palestinians. The budget for the years 2021 to 2024 amounts to almost 1.2 billion euros. (July 31)