11/2/2005
EU Annouces New €250 Million Palestinian Support Package

The European Commission is to make €250 million available to support further steps towards the creation of a viable Palestinian state, it announced this week. The decision comes hard on the heels of the visit to the Middle East by Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the European Commissioner for External Relations and the successful re-launch of the peace process between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Part of the money may used to help rebuild shattered Palestinian infrastructure. The size of the package is a clear indication that the EU sees itself playing an integral part in the evolution of the region.

“We will continue to be a major provider of political and financial support to the peace process. It is essential that the Palestinian people see a concrete dividend of moves towards peace, and we will make funds available to help President Abbas deliver tangible improvements in his people’s living conditions. We will also support the reforms and institution building necessary to build up the Palestinians’ government capacity, and support the reconstruction of infrastructure and basic services,” Ms Ferrero-Waldner said.