Palestinian Territories - EC Delegation News
EU provides €158.5 million to Palestine to support its recurrent expenditures in 2010
The Palestinian Prime Minister Dr. Salam Fayyad, and the European Union Representative, Mr. Christian Berger, today signed a €158.5 million Financing Agreement, including a €0.5 million contribution from Austria, in support to the Palestinian Authority’s recurrent expenditures for 2010. These funds will be channelled to the Palestinian Authority’s payments of salaries and pensions and its social protection programme through PEGASE, the European mechanism for support to the Palestinians.
(19 January, 2010)
Netherlands contributes NIS 49.5 million to the salaries of the Palestinian civil police and defence
The Government of the Netherlands has made a contribution of NIS 49.5 million towards the wage bill for the Palestinian civil police, as well as members of the civil defence, such as fire-fighters and rescue workers. The contribution will be channelled through PEGASE, the European mechanism for support to the Palestinians.
(6 January, 2010)
EU contributes to the Palestinian Authority payment of December wages and pensions
In line with its commitment to ensure the continuous delivery of public services to the Palestinian population, the European Union is contributing today just under €6.3 million (NIS 34,329,009) for the payment of Palestinian civil servants wages and pensions of December 2009. Funds for this payment have been made available by the European Union and the Governments of Ireland and Luxembourg, and are channelled through PEGASE, the European mechanism for support to the Palestinians.
(6 January, 2010)
EU provides additional EUR€5.5 million to support UNRWA’s environmental health programme in Gaza
Karen Koning AbuZayd, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and H.E. Christian Berger, the European Union Representative, announced today in the UNRWA Rimal Health Center in Gaza City an additional contribution of EUR€5.5 million in support of UNRWA’s health and environmental health programme in the Gaza Strip.
(28 December, 2009)
The Palestinian National Authority and the EU sign three new agreements worth €50.5 million
Today the Palestinian Prime Minister Dr. Salam Fayyad and the European Union Representative Mr. Christian Berger signed three new agreements as part of the continuous support provided by the European Union to the Palestinian Authority. The three agreements will support several sectors and programs such as the infrastructure development program (€18 million), governance and social development (€ 10.5 million), and a special support to the private sector in the Gaza strip that was affected by the war on Gaza (€ 22 million).
(23 December, 2009)
Catherine Ashton’s statement at the European Parliament debate on the Middle East Peace Process
The EU has consistently supported both Israel and the Palestinians by giving them the time and space to negotiate bilaterally. EU assistance has enabled the Palestinian Authority to build the institutions of the future State of Palestine, so that it can deliver services to its people and be a reliable neighbour in this region. Today, however, the Palestinians are divided both politically and physically. Credible negotiations require a strong and united Palestinian partner. Israel stands to gain, not lose from a strong Palestinian partner. Israel has taken a first step with its temporary and partial settlement freeze. We hope this will contribute towards a resumption of meaningful negotiations.
(18 December, 2009)
The European Union provides ten million Euros to support UNRWA’s educational activities
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Commissioner General, Ms. Karen Abu Zayd, and the European Union Representative to UNRWA, Mr. Christian Berger, today signed an agreement providing EUR€10 million in support of UNRWA’s education programme. The new funds represent a crucial response to the Agency’s financial crisis, and will enable it to maintain the current high level of its educational activities throughout this school year, while also guaranteeing measures to boost the quality of its education services.
(18 December, 2009)
Commission approves first package of €224.5 million in support to the palestinian people in 2010
The European Commission decided today to provide an initial financial package worth €224.5 million for the Occupied Palestinian Territory under the 2010 budget.
(16 December, 2009)
Ma’an concludes filming The Stars: Palestine’s first-ever televised college quiz show
Ma’an Network, in conjunction with the European Union, concluded filming and editing on Friday 11 December the last episode of The Stars, Palestine’s first televised university quiz show. Nine Palestinian universities across the West Bank and Gaza Strip competed to demonstrate which team has the greatest knowledge of the European Union, with topics spanning culture, art, politics and economics. The Stars is broadcast on Ma’an Network stations and Palestine TV.
(11 December, 2009)
10 December 2009 – Human Rights Day
The Human Rights Day focuses on non-discrimination with the motto “Embrace diversity, end discrimination”. While the Universal Declaration of Human Rights establishes that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”, millions around the globe face discrimination in their daily lives. Discrimination on grounds such as sex, racial and ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation is incompatible with the basic principles on which the European Union is founded. The prohibition of discrimination is enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights. The EU is committed to fight against all forms of discrimination both in the EU and worldwide.
(10 December, 2009)
Statements of President Barroso ahead of the European Council
Speaking in Bonn at the EPP Congress, President Barroso stressed the need to restore Europe’s social market economy and deliver an ambitious agreement in Copenhagen on Climate change next week.
(10 December, 2009)
Council Conclusions on the Middle East Peace Process
The Council of the European Union is seriously concerned about the lack of progress in the Middle East peace process. The European Union calls for the urgent resumption of negotiations that will lead, within an agreed time-frame, to a two-state solution with the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.
(8 December, 2009)
European Parliament Delegation to visit Palestine to assess the heart of Palestinian reality
A nine-strong delegation of MEPs, members of the European Parliament’s delegation for relations with the Palestinian Legislative Council, led by its chair Proinsias De Rossa (Irish Social Democrat), will travel to the West Bank, Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, from 6 to 10 December 2009. The delegation’s objective is to try to assess the main obstacles to the currently-stalled Middle East Peace Process. MEPs will concentrate their visit on the following issues: settlements, evictions and house demolitions, Jerusalem’s status and intra-Palestinian reconciliation.
(6 December, 2009)
A Step Forward for the Union for the Mediterranean
On Tuesday 1 December, the President of the Committee of the Regions, Mr Luc Van den Brande, announced that the first official meeting of the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) is to be held in Barcelona on 21 January 2010. The announcement was made at a working meeting in Brussels attended by representatives of the Union for the Mediterranean, the European institutions and local and regional authorities from the three shores of the Mediterranean.
(3 December, 2009)
Statement by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
“On my first day in office, I would like to recognise and pay tribute to the work of Javier Solana and Benita Ferrero-Waldner. Both have tirelessly advanced the common European project and have given so much of their time and effort to giving the European Union a stronger voice in foreign and security policy. I believe there has been important progress in this field over the past years, and this is in great part due to these two people, who I see as colleagues and friends. Javier and Benita have elevated the reputation of the European Union and ensured that we speak with conviction and clarity on the major issues that face us on the world stage.
(1 December, 2009)
European Commission welcomes the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon
The Treaty of Lisbon enters into force today – 1 December 2009. The occasion will be marked by a ceremony in the City of Lisbon organised jointly by the Portuguese Government, the Swedish Presidency
and the European Commission. The Commission believes that the new treaty provides significant new benefits for citizens and will settle the institutional debate for the foreseeable future. This will allow the European Union to fully concentrate on managing a smooth exit from the economic and financial crisis and pushing ahead with the 2020 strategy for greener growth.
(1 December, 2009)
Gaza schoolchildren celebrate Universal Children’s Day
On November 21, to mark “Universal Children’s Day,” EducAid, together with its local partner the Remedial Education Center, will organize a celebration with the children of six schools of the northern part of Gaza Strip. Universal Children’s Day will be also the occasion to launch officially the “EDUCATIONAL WEB TWINNING”, a web twinning project that will connect children attending schools in Italy and in Gaza, giving them the chance to meet each other.
(19 November, 2009)
Improving delivery of justice for juveniles
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between the Palestinian Ministry of Social Affairs, European Commission and EUPOL COPPS. The MoU paves the way for the implementation of a project, led by the Ministry of Social Affairs, which consists in the elaboration of a Technical Assessment Report on Juvenile Justice, followed by a National Plan for Juvenile Justice.
(19 November, 2009)
EU-funded course empowers Palestinian unionists in the West Bank
The Democracy and Workers’ Rights Center concluded a training course on the “National Budget Analysis and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights” as part of an EU-funded project for protecting trade union rights and uniting efforts to influence socio-economic policies. The three-day training course was attended by 18 men and women representing the Health Services Employees’ Union, Governmental Employees Union, South Electricity Company Union, Financial Sector Employees’ Union, Common Services Council in Tulkarem, Tourism Workers’ Association, State Audit and Administrative Control Bureau and the Federation of Unemployed Young Graduates.
(19 November, 2009)
Presidency Statement on settlement expansion in Jerusalem
The Presidency of the European Union is dismayed by the recent decision on the expansion of the settlement of Gilo. The Presidency recalls that settlement activities, house demolitions and evictions in East Jerusalem are illegal under international law. Such activities also prejudge the outcome of final status negotiations and threaten the viability of a two-state solution. The Presidency recalls that the European Union has never recognised the annexation of East Jerusalem in 1967 nor the subsequent 1980 basic law.
(18 November, 2009)
Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the humanitarian situation in Gaza
The European Union remains gravely concerned by the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Calls for urgent measures have not been sufficiently answered. The European Union continues to urge that prompt and concrete measures be taken to solve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to allow for reconstruction and economic recovery.
(17 November, 2009)
Implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy in 2009 - Invitation to contribute information
The Commission services are now beginning the preparations for the fourth package of progress reports, which will cover implementation in 2009 and which will be adopted in spring 2010. This package will be addressed to the Council and the European Parliament, and presented to the ENP partners concerned. It will also be made available to the public at large.
(17 November, 2009)
Empowering the Palestinian Judicial System: EU launches ‘Seyada II’
On 12 November 2009, the European Union launched the second phase of its major judiciary programme the ‘Seyada’ project. ‘Seyada II’, is the largest project funded by the EU for the development and strengthening of the Palestinian judicial system with a budget of €4.4m. Beneficiaries of the project include the High Judicial Council, the Palestinian Judicial Institute and the Palestinian Bar Association.
This second phase of the ‘Seyada’ project will help the Palestinian Authority develop a more independent, impartial, efficient, transparent and modern justice system.
(12 November, 2009)
“STARS”: EU supports first ever Palestinian University Challenge TV Quiz
Ma’an News, in conjunction with the European Union, proudly presents a pioneering new programme called “Stars”, the first ever TV quiz show between Palestinian universities, to be broadcast at 8pm starting Friday 13th November on Ma’an TV stations and Palestine TV. Nine Palestinian universities across the West Bank and Gaza Strip will compete to demonstrate which team has the greatest knowledge of the European Union, with topics spanning culture, art, politics and economics.
(12 November, 2009)
5th Women’s Film Festival
Shashat launches officially its 5th Women’s Film Festival in Palestine, the only annual women’s film festival in the Arab world, on Thursday November 5 at 7 p.m. at Ramallah’s Cultural Palace, with a screening of 2 rare and historical films, one about Jerusalem, and the other from the PLO period in Lebanon.
(5 November, 2009)
The fight against illicit traffic of cultural property
A regional workshop on Preventing and fighting illicit traffic of cultural property is organised on 9‐11 November 2009 in Beirut within Euromed Heritage 4, a programme funded by the European Union through
the European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument. It contributes to the improvement of the regional legislation for Mediterranean cultural heritage and its safeguard.
(5 November, 2009)
Spain and Sweden help Palestinine to meet end of year payments for civil servants’ salaries
Spain and Sweden have joined forces to help the Palestinian Authority (PA) meet its wages and pensions bill until the end of the year, thus helping to ensure the continuous delivery of public services to the Palestinian people. Spain is contributing a total of €25 million and Sweden €4.85 million to the salary and pension payments for almost 80,000 civil servants and pensioners in November and December 2009.
(4 November, 2009)
Barroso on the signature of the instrument of ratification in the Czech Republic
I welcome that President Klaus has taken the crucial step of signing the instrument of ratification on the Treaty of Lisbon in the Czech Republic. It’s now absolutely clear that the Lisbon Treaty will enter into force soon. At this point in time; I want to pay tribute to all those who have worked hard in the 27 member states to make the Lisbon Treaty a reality.
(3 November, 2009)
EU-funded course gives Palestinian unionists in Gaza tools to analyse Palestinian Authority budget
The three day training course was attended by 20 female and male participants representing the Nurses’ Union, the Telecommunications Company Trade Union, the General Union of Electricity Sector Workers, the Independent Labor Committees Union in the Gaza Strip, the Petrochemicals Union, and the Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministry Employees’ Union. The course aimed at building the participants’ knowledge on various topics related to the national budget, including its conceptual framework, objectives and importance in the national economy, the level of adequacy of the budget to the socio-economic rights that should be enjoyed by various groups in the Palestinian society, the connection between this budget and developmental plans, and the responsiveness of the budget to the priorities of the Palestinian society and the needs of marginalized groups, workers in particular.
(3 November, 2009)
Facilitating Palestinian Global Trade through Jordan and Egypt
The Palestine Trade Center and the Palestine Shippers Council held the closing ceremony of the EU funded Trade Corridors’ Facilitation Project on October 29, 2009. Among the issues raised in the panel was the need to continue direct dialogue between the Palestinian private and public sectors, while waiting for tri-lateral discussions to take place between the Jordanian, Israeli, and Palestinian governments as soon as the political climate is favorable. The private sector must keep raising the issues that hamper internal and foreign Palestinian trade.
(29 October, 2009)
The first Seeds Bank in Palestine
On Thursday 15 October, the Union of Agricultural Work Committees launched the opening of the first Palestinian community seeds bank in Hebron. From 2010 onwards the programme will be expanded and include local seeds improvement and production for other geographical areas (Middle and Northern West Bank and Gaza Strip).
(15 October, 2009)
Palestinian Women’s Lives in 4 films, 58 Screenings & 168 Broadcasts
MASARAT is an ambitious Palestinian media project, funded by the European Union, which aims at promoting awareness of the resiliency and strength of Palestinian women and encouraging public debate of some of their lives.
(15 October, 2009)
EU-funded training course on statistical analysis for Palestinian trade unionists
In cooperation with the Federation of Independent Trade Unions-Palestine and other partner unions, and under an EU-funded project for protecting trade union rights, DWRC conducted a three-day training course in Ramallah on statistical analysis for Palestinian trade unionists.
(15 October, 2009)
EU remains leading activist in efforts to achieve universal abolition of death penalty
The EU considers the death penalty to be a cruel and inhuman punishment, which represents an unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity. In its efforts against the death penalty, the EU is actively supported by states from all regions of the world. The EU encourages public debate, strengthening public opposition and putting pressure on retentionist countries to abolish the death penalty, or at least introduce a moratorium as a first step.
(9 October, 2009)
EU, Ma’an honour winners of “From Here and There” Ramadan radio quiz
Two Gazans are among the top three winners of the EU-funded “From Here and There” radio quiz, which ran throughout the month of Ramadan on nine radio stations across the Palestinian territory and had the highest listening figures of any quiz on the Ma’an radio network.
(9 October, 2009)
Al Kasaba International Film Festival
This year’s edition of the festival sees the participation of 65 films: 53 movies and 12 documentaries, and an animation film from 24 different countries. The festival will take place at Al Kasaba Theatre and Cinematheque in Ramallah, Palestinian National Theatre in Jerusalem, Dar An Nadwa in Bethlehem, and Cinema City in Nablus; in addition to the Palestinian Refugee Camps of Dheisheh, Aida, Al Jalazon, Balata, and Jenin.
(7 October, 2009)
Javier Solana calls for restraint in East Jerusalem
“I am very concerned about the recent clashes in East Jerusalem. I have been closely following the situation around the Al Aqsa mosque in recent days. I would like to urge all parties to refrain from provocative actions that could further inflame tensions or lead to violence. Everyone must take action to avoid escalation. Our continued priority remains the re-launching credible negotiations in an atmosphere conducive to their success.”
(7 October, 2009)
Statement of President Barroso on the outcome of the Irish Referendum
My message today is very simple; Thank you Ireland: It’s a great day, for Ireland and for Europe. The Irish people have spoken. They have said a resounding yes to Europe.
(3 October, 2009)
Greece helps Palestine to cover arrears to private sector for vehicles and police uniforms
The Government of Greece is contributing half a million Euros (over one million shekels) to help the Palestinian Authority (PA) settle bills due to the private sector in the field of security and rule of law. Through this assistance, Greece is providing critical support to the private sector and to the PA, in a bid to help sustain the economy and ease the ongoing difficult fiscal situation faced by the PA.
(1 October, 2009)
PM Fayyad signs a financing agreement with Spain for €25 million
Prime Minister (PM) Salam Fayyad and the Spanish Consul General Ambassador Ramón Ansoáin today signed a €25 million financing agreement for direct support to the Palestinian National Authority budget (PNA), to be channeled through the European Union’s (EU) PEGASE mechanism. The funds will be used to pay government salaries and pensions.
(1 October, 2009)
EU statement during at the UN Human Rights Council general debate on the situation in Palestine
The European Union once again conveys its deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In light of the urgency to seek a durable solution to the crisis, the European Union urges the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel to enter into serious peace negotiations as soon as possible, respecting previous agreements.
(1 October, 2009)
Quartet Statement
Recalling the fundamental principles laid down in its statement in Trieste on June 26, 2009, the Quartet welcomes the recent meetings between U.S. President Barack Obama, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as significant steps toward the re-launching of direct, bilateral negotiations as part of a comprehensive resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict, on the basis of UN Security Council Resolutions 242, 338, 1397, 1515, 1850, and the Madrid principles.
(26 September, 2009)
Presidency Statement on the Arab-Israeli conflict
The European Union remains committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict. We strongly support the United States’ vigorous pursuit of a two state-solution and call on the parties to fully engage in resumed negotiations to create a viable Palestinian state on the basis of the June 1967 borders, living side by side in peace and security with the State of Israel.
(18 September, 2009)
Speech By Javier Solana “Europe in the World”
It is 10 years since we started doing foreign and security policy in the European Union in a more serious way. Not everything is perfect. But we are making a difference where it matters. We are promoting peace and protecting the vulnerable in the Balkans, Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere. More than 70,000 people, from soldiers to policemen to rule of law experts, have been deployed in more than 20 crisis management operations.
(17 September, 2009)
Early EU contribution to Palestinian salaries and pensions to mark end of Ramadan
Tomorrow the European Union will make its tenth monthly contribution to the Palestinian Authority’s payment of its civil service salaries and pensions, both in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. At the request of the Palestinian Authority, this contribution is more than two weeks early, to allow Palestinian civil servants and pensioners to retrieve their money ahead of the feast Eid Al-Fitr that marks
the end of Ramadan.
(15 September, 2009)
Early payment of PEGASE allowances lets Palestinian families to take part in Eidal Fitr celebrations
The Palestinian Authority and the European Union will launch the payment of social allowances on Saturday 12 September, to over 50,500 vulnerable Palestinian families across the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). These allowances, which are paid every three months, are targeted towards families in need. The payments are made over-thecounter in bank branches throughout the West Bank and Gaza.
(10 September, 2009)
EU disburses €12.83 million for Palestinian salaries and pensions
Today the European Union made its ninth contribution this year to the Palestinian Authority’s payment of its civil service salaries and pensions, both in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Its contribution of just under NIS 70 million (€12.83 million) was delivered through the EU’s PEGASE mechanism and benefited 78,696 civil servants and pensioners. The payments help to ensure the basic delivery of public services by the Palestinian Authority.
(3 September, 2009)
EU contribution to UNRWA’s Job Creation Programme in Gaza to create more than 1,4 million work days
The European Commission has today announced a contribution of €13 million to support the Job Creation Programme of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which will help to create more than 1,4 million work days for Gaza’s unemployed. Mr. Christian Berger, the European Commission Representative for the West Bank and Gaza Strip and UNRWA, made the announcement to UNRWA Commissioner-General Karen AbuZayd at Gaza City’s port, Al-Mina.
(1 September, 2009)
Support for the Media in the Palestinian Territories
On 27 August, BBC World Service Trust successfully completed a two-week specialised training course in television news production for Ma’an Television Network with the participation of network stations; Bethlehem TV, Al-Amal TV, and Qalqilia TV. The course targeted reporters, camera operators and picture editors and focused on the skills of news reporting and the production of news stories, with participants producing 10 news reports by the time training was completed. The TV training was complemented by an online course entitled ‘Introduction to Journalism, Accuracy, Impartiality and Fairness and Straight Dealing’, which was accessed via the BBC’s iLearn training resource.
(28 August, 2009)
Statement by Christian Berger European Commission Representative
“The EC welcomes Prime Minister Fayyad’s government programme and we are looking forward to further discussions with our Palestinian partners on how we can best support it. This initiative aims at consolidating the state-building achievements of the Palestinian Authority by 2011. It also confirms the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to the two-state solution, its willingness to fulfil its responsibilities towards the Palestinian people and to respect its obligations under the Road Map. The EC will continue steadfastly to support all efforts at Palestinian state-building.”
(27 August, 2009)
EU-funded pickups to help Palestinian Civil Police deliver better service
The European Commission has handed over the keys of 20 pickup trucks to the Palestinian Civil Police (“PCP”), as part of an EU grant of equipment to the Police worth a total of €5 million. The 20 Mitsubishi pickups were handed over in Ramallah, and will be assigned to police stations throughout the West Bank.
(19 August, 2009)
EU concerned over increasing risks to humanitarian workers on first World Humanitarian Day
World Humanitarian Day is commemorated for the first time tomorrow on August 19 th, with at least 69 humanitarian aid workers killed so far this year. The day aims to honour humanitarian workers who have lost their lives or been injured in the course of their work. The European Commission, through its Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO), has staff permanently present in crisis spots around the world.
(18 August, 2009)
Improving training for Mental Health Professionals in the occupied Palestinian territory
Major programmes of specialist postgraduate training for nurses and doctors in mental health and family medicine were launched today at the Public Health Laboratory of the Ministry of Health in Ramallah. The programmes have been developed by the Ministry of Health, Ibn Sina College for Health Sciences in Ramallah and An Najah University in Nablus, with technical support from the World Health Organisation and financial support from the European Union.
(16 August, 2009)
Media Sector Project organises two symposia on “Humanitarian media in times of crisis”
Led by BBC World Service Trust Expert Imogen Wall, participants from different media and aid organizations discussed topics including principles of humanitarian media, sources of humanitarian
content, understanding audience needs, and basic principles of messaging.
(11 August, 2009)
Mosaics from the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem on display in Bethlehem
After the great success in Ramallah and Nablus, where it has been on display for the last month, the Mosaic Centre Jericho – Committee for the Promotion of Tourism in the Governorate of Jericho, will move the exhibition “The Dome of the Rock mosaics come closer” in the core of Bethlehem. The exhibition is organized on the occasion of Jerusalem Capital of Arab Culture 2009 and is under the patronage of the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and in cooperation with the Peace Centre. The opening will be on August 12th.
(11 August, 2009)
Mobile Clinic Launched: Bedouin Communities Access - Primary Health Care
An integral part of the EC-funded project, Provision of Primary Health Care: a special emphasis on combating anaemia and malnutrition for Bedouin women and children in Jericho District and vicinity, this mobile clinic will be providing primary health care to thousands of individuals, particularly women and children, who would otherwise have no access to basic essential health care. The majority of project beneficiaries are women of reproductive health age and children 0 - 5 years from the 26 Bedouin encampments.
(10 August, 2009)
Building Palestinian Sovereignty: Palestinian Customs’ Pioneering Steps
A state of the art web-based system, ASYCUDA WORLD, was officially launched by Palestinian Customs today, August 10th 2009, after years of relentless efforts. Out of the 90 countries that use the ASYCUDA system – known locally as TAWASOL - to manage their customs, the Palestinian Customs service is one of the first 10 national customs authorities to adopt the latest version, ASYCUDA WORLD.
(10 August, 2009)
European Union assistance to the Palestinian Authority 2009 budget reaches €207 million
Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and the European Commission Representative, Mr. Christian Berger, today signed a €39 million financing agreement for direct support to the Palestinian National Authority budget, bringing the total amount committed by the European Union (EU) in 2009 to €207 million.
(10 August, 2009)
Inauguration of Khudreya and Jenayna Streets in Beit Sahour
Residents and visitors to the Beit Sahour area near Bethlehem will face less traffic congestion thanks to a better road network, financed by the European Union.
(8 August, 2009)
EU disburses €12.75 million for Palestinian salaries and pensions
Today the European Union made its eighth contribution this year to the Palestinian Authority’s payment of its civil service salaries and pensions, both in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Its contribution of just under NIS 70 million (€12.75 million) was delivered through the EU’s PEGASE[1] mechanism and benefited 80,620 civil servants and pensioners. The payments help to ensure the basic delivery of public services by the Palestinian Authority.
(4 August, 2009)
Presidency Statement on evictions in East Jerusalem
The Presidency of the European Union reiterates its serious concern about the continued and unacceptable evictions in East Jerusalem, notably the evictions by Israeli authorities of two families from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood on Sunday 2 August 2009.
(3 August, 2009)
Statement in the UN Security Council on the Middle East
The EU remains committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict, on the basis of international law, the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, the terms of reference of the Madrid conference, including land for peace, the Roadmap, the agreements previously reached by the parties, the Annapolis process, as well as the Arab Peace Initiative. We remain equally committed to the two-state solution with an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable Palestinian state, comprising the West Bank and Gaza, living side by side in peace and security with the State of Israel.
(27 July, 2009)
The Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture concludes the annual summer camp
More than 260 children of Palestinian victims of torture have enjoyed a summer camp organized by an EU-funded project, giving them the opportunity to step out of the violence of their everyday lives and explore ways of dealing with trauma. The summer camp comes as a part of a three-year project co-funded by the EU entitled “Sustaining and enhancing a comprehensive service delivery for victims of torture” in the West Bank.
(27 July, 2009)
Learning Each other’s Historical Narratives: Israelis and Palestinians
PRIME, Peace Research Institute in the Middle East, in cooperation with Georg Eckert Institute (Germany), are holding today the final conference of a three-year project, “Learning Each other’s Historical Narratives: A Bi-national Textbook for Use in Israeli and Palestinian Schools”. The project, supported by the European Union through a €249,000 grant, provides students and teachers at intermediary and secondary levels with a model curriculum, including a history textbook and a teacher’s guide, which simultaneously presents and compares the conflicting Israeli and Palestinian narratives of the Middle East Conflict.
(26 July, 2009)
Media skills for Palestinian trade unionists
Palestinian trade unionists are being trained in media skills under an EU-funded project for protecting trade union rights. The aim is to develop the trade union movement and enable better dissemination of its message to all its target groups through improved communications skills.
(23 July, 2009)
EU hands over €3 million’s worth of waste collection equipment to clean up Palestinian environmen
The Palestinian Ministry of Local Government today took delivery of over €3 million’s worth (approximately NIS 17.2 million) of waste collection and disposal equipment, in a move that will directly impact on the quality of life of ordinary Palestinians, helping local authorities to deal with the estimated 500,000 tons of solid waste generated annually in the West Bank alone.
(22 July, 2009)
EU assistance makes leading contribution to Palestinian drive for transparent public finances
The European Union (EU) has made a leading contribution to the Palestinian National Authority’s (PNA) efforts to establish an efficient, transparent and well-structured public finance administration capability, with the completion of a €4 million technical assistance project to align practices with international standards – part of a comprehensive package of financial reforms originally introduced by Dr. Salam Fayyad when he was Minister of Finance, in which particular emphasis was placed on the development of an effective internal audit and internal control capacity.
(22 July, 2009)
Al Dameer concludes a training course entitled “Children Participation”
The training course that lasted for three days focused on Palestinian children’s right in participation and in decision-making through the establishment of a parliament for the Palestinian Children.
(21 July, 2009)
Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII launches EC-funded Summer Camp for school children in At Twani villag
Today began the Summer Camp in At Twani, a little village in the Southern Hebron Hills. The camp will last for two weeks and will end with a big event. The camp is attended by about 150 children of the area: At Twani, Susiya, Tuba and also from the nearby city of Yatta. Every morning trainers facilitate games and several educational and artistic activities for the children. A one day trip to visit an important city of the West Bank is planned.
(16 July, 2009)
Union for the Mediterranean: Commission increases its contribution to priority projects
On the eve of the first anniversary of the launching of the Union for the Mediterranean (Paris, 13 July 2008), the European Commission announces an additional contribution of €72 million, for 2009-2010, to the areas identified as priorities by the Euro-Mediterranean Heads of State and Government in Paris. Work will focus on the de-pollution of the Mediterranean Sea, maritime and land highways, alternative energies, with a focus on the Mediterranean Solar Plant, higher education and research and supporting investment in businesses. Part of the funds will be dedicated to support the running of the Union for the Mediterranean Secretariat.
(11 July, 2009)
Training of trainer in early intervention of deaf children
A total of sixty-four hours of training-of-trainer (TOT) over a period of six weeks was conducted to develop the capacity of professional staff in deaf early intervention. The training was implemented by the Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children (ASDC) as part of its EU-funded project titled “The Development of a Comprehensive Intervention Services Infrastructure and Active Advocacy Network for the Rights and Needs of Hearing Impaired and Deaf Children and their Families in the Gaza Strip.”
(8 July, 2009)
With funding from the EC hundreds of Palestinian herders to receive fodder and seeds
The Italian humanitarian Organization UCODEP in partnership with the Palestinian NGOs Union of Agricultural Work Committees and Palestinian Livestock Development Center presented today in the Yatta Municipality a new project funded by the European Commission Humanitarian Aid department, aimed at supporting the breeders severely hit by the drought in the Southern Hebron Governorate. Thanks to this project, fodder and seeds will be distributed to more than 650 families.
(8 July, 2009)
Palestinian olive oil wins special commendation in international competition
On June 27 2009, the Palestinian olive oil “Shami Monocultivar” has been awarded with a Special commendation for light fruity olive oils, in the framework of the 11th International
Competition of Extra Virgin Olive Oils “L’Orciolo d’Oro” (Italy). Palestinian tradition and international expertise have come together in this oil, produced with farmers involved in the EU’s Olive Oil Programme in the occupied Palestinian territory.
(2 July, 2009)
International Day in Support of Torture Victims
In light of the growing level of violence, torture and human rights abuses in Palestine, the Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture “TRC” in conjunction with the High Commissioner office for Human Rights in the Palestinian territory, launched its annual conference titled “Towards better life for Victims of Torture.” This launch coincides with the commemoration of the UN International Day In Support Of Victims of Torture.
(25 June, 2009)
“Challenges and Future Perspectives of the Palestinian Statistical System”
The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), in cooperation with the European Commission (EC), is organizing an International Conference on “The Challenges and Future Perspectives of the Palestinian Statistical System” to be held at the Best Eastern Hotel in Ramallah, Palestine on June 22-23, 2009. The conference focuses on development indicators most notably towards the UN’s Millenium Development Goals (MDGs), and progress towards the empowerment of women and the rights of children.
(23 June, 2009)
EU funds double social allowance for vulnerable families
Today the European Union has announced that it will exceptionally double the social allowance that provides a lifeline to some of the poorest families in the Gaza Strip. The social allowance payment, which takes place every three months, will be launched by the Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Social Affairs in cooperation with the European Union and will reach over 49,600 families in need across the West Bank and Gaza.
(22 June, 2009)
Helping the deaf in the Gaza Strip to Communicate with the Community
Eight Courses designed to provide basic and intermediate Palestinian Sign Language have been implemented by the Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children (ASDC) as part of its EU-funded ‘Adult Education Programme’. The Programme aims at increasing the ability of deaf people to communicate with their family members and the community in general.
(22 June, 2009)
Mosaics from the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem on display for the first time
On the occasion of Jerusalem Capital of Arab Culture 2009, the Mosaic Centre Jericho – Committee for the Promotion of Tourism in the Governorate of Jericho, in cooperation with the Municipality of Ramallah, will open the exhibition “The Dome of the Rock mosaics come closer” on June 24th.
(21 June, 2009)
Export and import procedures through King Hussein Bridge
Under the Patronage of H.E. Dr. Bassim Khoury, the Minster of National Economy and Mr. Christian Berger, Representative of the European Commission and with the participation of both Mr. Tony Blair, the Quartet Representative, and Mr. Haruhisa Takeuchi, the Japanese Ambassador, Palestine Trade Centre (PalTrade) and Palestinian Shippers’ Council (PSC) jointly hosted a workshop on Export and Import Procedures through King Hussein Bridge at Palestine Red Crescent Society in Ramallah.
(16 June, 2009)
EC mobilizes further €4million in humanitarian aid for most vulnerable Palestinians hit by drought
In response to a sequence of natural disasters, and primarily the ongoing drought, the European Commission has announced a further four million EUR in humanitarian aid. This is to support stricken populations including the Bedouin communities, farmers, livestock herders and marginalised communities in the West Bank. The European Commission’s intervention will provide for water and fodder distribution where the need is greatest.
(16 June, 2009)
Javier Solana sees chance for re-launching the Middle East Peace Process
Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the CFSP: Settlements are a very important question. They have been on our agenda for quite a long time. Today, the US and the EU are on the same wavelength and share a constructive attitude to encourage a process that leads to peace.
(11 June, 2009)
At least 16,000 people from 10 marginalized communities in Bethlehem have improved access to water
CARE International announced today the completion of the “Emergency Water Assistance to Drought Affected Communities in the West Bank” the project which is funded by the European Commission Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO), this project aims to improve access to water for more than 16,000 people in ten communities affected by a severe and chronic shortage of water in the Bethlehem governorate.
(9 June, 2009)
EU helps Palestine maintain basic services through regular payment of salaries and pensions
Less than a week after a World Bank report confirmed that “budget support remains indispensible to allow the Palestinian Authority to continue to provide basic services – and is also an appropriate instrument given the PA’s good performance in public sector management,” the European Union has contributed over NIS 71 million (€13 million) for the regular payment of almost 78,000 Palestinian civil servants and pensioners in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
(7 June, 2009)
East and West Talk show exploring European-Palestinian relations
In cooperation with the EC, Ma’an Network will launch “East and West,” a thirteen-week live radio talk show exploring European-Palestinian relations, at 7pm on Monday 1 June 2009. The first episode will focus on the role of media in Europe, the occupied Palestinian territory and the Arab world. Prominent Palestinian journalists and media experts will discuss media cooperation, ways to promote press freedom, the way Palestinian media cover European affairs and how European media report on Palestinian issues. Subsequent episodes will discuss topics ranging from people with special needs to migration to alternative energy.
(29 May, 2009)
Launch of Programme Post-Trauma Rehabilitation of Ex-detainee Children
Today at 10:00 am, in a ceremony held at the premises of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in Ramallah, a comprehensive programme offering post-trauma rehabilitation for ex-detainee children will be officially launched. The programme is to be implemented with major funding from the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO), and additional support from Save the Children, in partnership with the East Jerusalem YMCA- Rehabilitation programme.
(28 May, 2009)
EU-funded cars to help Palestinian Civil Police deliver better service
The European Commission has handed over the keys of 79 cars to the Palestinian Civil Police (“PCP”), as part of an EU grant of equipment to the Police worth a total of €5 million. The 31 VW Passat and 48 VW Jetta cars were handed over in Ramallah, and will be assigned police stations throughout the West Bank. They are the second consignment of vehicles delivered under the grant, which covers three types of police vehicles and a radio communications tower.
(27 May, 2009)
EU funds guarantee UNRWA’s social safety net programme in 2009 and 2010
Today, at a ceremony at UNRWA’s food distribution centre in Jabalia Camp, Gaza, Mr. Marcus Cornaro, Director for Europe, Southern Mediterranean, Middle-East and Neighbourhood Policy at the European Commission’s EuropeAid Cooperation Office, and UNRWA’s Commissioner General, Ms. Karen Abu Zayd, announced that the EU will be making a contribution of €39.7 million to help guarantee UNRWA’s Social Safety Net (SSN) programme in the occupied Palestinian territory, which helps meet the needs of some of the poorest and most vulnerable Palestine refugees.
(26 May, 2009)
Helping the deaf in the Gaza Strip to learn a trade
Sewing, embroidery and culinary arts are the focus of eight new vocational training courses implemented by the Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children (ASDC) as part of its EU-funded ‘Production Oriented Vocational Training and Employment Programme’ (POVT& EP) to provide job opportunities for deaf and marginalized people in the Gaza Strip. The courses will be launched at the Atfaluna Society building during May and June 2009. Eighty deaf, hearing impaired and marginalized people will attend the training.
(25 May, 2009)
ECHO and ACF provide hundreds of Palestinian families with clean water
Occupied Palestinian Territory, the International humanitarian organization Action Against Hunger / Action Contre la Faim (ACF), with funding from the European Commission Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO), announced today the successful completion of a project that provided almost 10,000 people of southern Hebron with direct access to safe water and increased water collection and storage capacity.
(25 May, 2009)
EU highlights results of ‘Seyada’ Project and introduces second phase
The European Commission today highlighted the results of a three-year programme, run in partnership with the High Judicial Council, Public Prosecution, and the Justice Ministry, which has significantly strengthened the Palestinian judicial system and helped improve the delivery of justice in the Palestinian territory.
(21 May, 2009)
Support for the media in the Palestinian Territories
On 14 May, BBC World Service Trust successfully completed a two-week specialised training course in television news production at Nablus television station in the West Bank. The course, which targeted reporters, camera operators and picture editors, is part of a two-year ‘Support to the Palestinian Media Sector’ project funded by the European Union and the Dutch Government.
(20 May, 2009)
Media sector project concludes radio training in Gaza and the West Bank
As part of the ‘Support to the Palestinian Media Sector’ project funded by the European Union and the Dutch Government, the BBC World Service Trust successfully concluded, in April and May, a specialised radio training in five radio stations in Gaza. Journalists working for Alwan, Fursan Al-Erada, Sawt A-Sha’ab, Al-Eman and Gaza FM radio stations were trained in news management, writing and interviewing skills, news selection, production of news bulletins with audio inserts and programme design.
(14 May, 2009)
The Palestine Red Crescent Society reaches out to persons with disabilities
Building on an experience in outreach projects of more than six years in different areas of Palestine, PRCS will launch two mobile teams in North/West and East Jerusalem as well as the Jordan Valley and the Jericho district.
(13 May, 2009)
Elections awareness project in the schools gives students firsthand experience of electoral success
The Central Elections Commission held a closing ceremony Tuesday for a project that has carried out electoral outreach in schools. The project targeted approximately 9,000 students in 107 schools in the West Bank (including Jerusalem).
(12 May, 2009)
Spain supports Palestinian Authority through EU’s PEGASE scheme
The Government of Spain has contributed a further €3 million (over NIS 16.5 million) through the EU’s mechanism for assistance to the Palestinians, PEGASE, to help the Palestinian Authority (PA) settle bills due to the private sector for the purchase of medicines. Through this assistance, Spain is providing critical support to the private sector and to the PA, in a bid to help revive the economy, maintain health services and ease the ongoing difficult fiscal situation faced by the PA.
(12 May, 2009)
EU supports regular payment of salaries and pensions for Palestinian civil servants and pensioners
The European Union has contributed over NIS 70 million (€13 million) this month for the regular payment of salaries and pensions to nearly 78,000 Palestinian public service providers and pensioners, both in the West Bank and Gaza.
(7 May, 2009)
EU project helps address problem of case backlog at prosecution offices in the West Bank
The ‘Seyada’ Project for Empowering the Palestinian Judicial System is supporting efforts to resolve the issue of case backlog at prosecution offices in the West Bank, to develop a stronger justice system in Palestine.
(7 May, 2009)
AWEP “EU funded project” launched at Al-Ahli Hospital – Hebron
A cutting-edge EU-funded project to supply the biggest health facility in the West Bank with 40% of its power through wind energy has been launched at the Al Ahli Hospital in Hebron.The three-year project will include the installment of a wind turbine that can produce up to 700 KW of energy. A study will also explore the potential for developing wind energy in the West Bank. The EU contribution is €1.3 million equivalent to 80% of the total cost.
(4 May, 2009)
Over 24,600 Palestinian families facing hardship in the Gaza Strip to collect social allowances
As of May 4th, over 24,600 vulnerable families in Gaza will be able to collect their quarterly social allowance for March 2009, delayed because of restrictions in the supply of cash to banks in the Strip.
(4 May, 2009)
Completion of project “Peace Education through Modern Media”
AlQuds Educational TV / the Institute of Modern Media / AlQuds University, in partnership with the Center for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation, have concluded their project “Peace Education through Modern Media” funded by the European Union. The projects main objective is the raise awareness on the importance of communication to solve conflicts in the Palestinian society.
(28 April, 2009)
Delegation website: http://www.delwbg.ec.europa.eu/en/index.htm