Answer to a written question – Urgent disbursement of Annual Action Plan funds for Palestine – P-003362/2023(ASW)
P-003362/2023
Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission
(8.5.2024)
The events on 7 October 2023 have changed the context in which the EU’s support to Palestine1 is being provided, both in terms of operational feasibility of certain operations (mainly in Gaza) as well as a potentially increased risk of aid diversion and the risk of EU funding going to entities that are contributing to incitement to hatred and violence. The 2023 Annual Action Plan in support of Palestine has been adapted to the new circumstances, was approved by the Council and adopted by the Commission in December 2023.
In the meantime, the Commission has quadrupled to over EUR 100 million its humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians, especially in the Gaza Strip.
The Commission has also disbursed an additional EUR 10 million in support of United Nations Relief and Works Agency – UNRWA’s program budget on 6 November 2023.
On the basis of the funding review, given the current context, the Commission has identified further mitigating measures to strengthen the application of those safeguard measures currently in place such as the inclusion of the relevant anti-incitement contractual clauses in all new contracts, monitoring their strict application and enlarging the scope of the monitoring of beneficiaries, including through third-party monitoring.
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1 This designation shall not be construed as recognition of a State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individual positions of the Member States on this issue.
See question(s) : P-003362/2023