Source: European Parliament
The EU is one of the main supporters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
The European Council condemned any attempt to repeal the 1967 agreement between Israel and UNRWA and to attempt to obstruct its capacity to operate its mandate[1].
It is of utmost importance to counter the disinformation campaign aimed at UNRWA. For this reason, the European External Action Service monitors and documents the campaign closely, within the mandate ‘to counter and expose disinformation in countries neighbouring the Union’ outlined in the 2018 Action Plan for Disinformation[2].
The EU and its Member States also continue to reach out to the Israeli authorities, and to highlight concerns through diplomatic outreach and public statements.
The European Council, on 21 March[3], 27 June[4], 17 October[5] and 19 December 2024[6] has consistently reiterated that the services provided by UNRWA are essential.
The High Representative/Vice-President discussed ways of supporting UNRWA with foreign ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council.
The EU will continue to provide both political and financial support to UNRWA. In 2024, the EU provided EUR 92 million in support to UNRWA. This came in addition to the EUR 48.5 million of EU humanitarian funding in 2024.
- [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/2pebccz2/20241017-euco-conclusions-en.pdf
- [2] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/b654235c-f5f1-452d-8a8c-367e603af841_en?filename=eu-communication-disinformation-euco-05122018_en.pdf
- [3] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/70880/euco-conclusions-2122032024.pdf
- [4] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/qa3lblga/euco-conclusions-27062024-en.pdf
- [5] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/2pebccz2/20241017-euco-conclusions-en.pdf
- [6] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/jhlenhaj/euco-conclusions-19122024-en.pdf