Source: European Parliament
The Commission can confirm that in 2024 the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was the second largest recipient of humanitarian funding from the EU for the ongoing crisis in Palestine[1].
The EU’s humanitarian funding to UNRWA amounted to EUR 48.5 million, or some 20% of the EUR 237 million total humanitarian budget allocated in 2024 to the Occupied Palestinian Territory by the EU.
In the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the EU’s humanitarian partners are striving to address critical needs under immense constraints.
As of January 2025, 17 EU humanitarian partners — 10 non-governmental organisations, five UN agencies, and two International Red Cross and Red Crescent partners — are working tirelessly with local Palestinian organisations.
The EU is a firm supporter of the UN and the multilateral and rules-based global governance system of which UNRWA, as an UN Agency, is an integral part.
The EU is a longstanding humanitarian partner of UNRWA, which plays an irreplaceable role in delivering essential services for Palestine refugees — not only in Palestine, but also in the region (Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria).
The EU will continue to support UNRWA, noting as per established practice the importance of transparency, accountability, and neutrality in its operations.
- [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.