Palestinian Territories - Action Plan
The Interim Association Agreement on Trade and Cooperation with the Palestinian Liberation Organisation on behalf of the Palestinian Authority (PA) is in force since 1997.
The ENP Action Plan was adopted in May 2005. Its main priorities aim to
- facilitate efforts to resolve the Middle East conflict and to alleviate the humanitarian situation;
- enhance political dialogue, strengthen the fight against terrorism and incitement to violence;
- promote the protection of human rights and the rights of minorities, improve the dialogue between cultures and religions and co-operate in the fight against racism and xenophobia;
- strengthen the rule of law and institutions;
- develop the accountability of public finances;
- develop trade relations with the Palestinian Authority and progress with economic and regulatory reform plans;
- enhance cooperation on transport and energy issues.
The European Commission is the lead donor to the Palestinians. Its assistance has increased to €550 million in 2007 from €340 million in 2006 and €270 million in 2005. This was linked to the higher emergency and humanitarian needs due to the deterioration of the political and economic situation, especially in the Gaza Strip.
The total EU assistance (European Commission + Member States cumulated) has increased from €500 million in 2005, to €688 million in 2006 and to around €1 billion in 2007.
In December 2007, the Commission co-chaired the Paris donors’ conference for the Palestinians and pledged €440 million for 2008. This includes substantial support for the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan 2008-2010, support to UNRWA for Palestine refugees, as well as humanitarian and food aid. EU Member Stated pledged €664 million for 2008.
