European Union Increases Aid
(September 2005)
The 25 member nations of the European
Union have agreed to increase aid to the Palestinian
Authority in 2005 with a pledge of $342.8 million.
This new aid package comes a day before the so-called Quartet--the United States, Russia,
the EU and the United
Nations--meet to discuss the next phase in the Middle
East peace process in the post-disengagement era. The total of EU aid to the Palestinians in 2005 is now $612.15 million.
The Quartet will be discussing some vital issues facing
both the Israelis and Palestinians, such as the Gaza-Egypt border, the opening of Gaza air and seaports, and the
Palestinian economy. Now that Israel has left Gaza, the international community is looking
to further stabilize that Palestinian economy and support
its government institutions. Several EU states have
even offered to help develop the seaport in Gaza. Millions
more in aid will be available to the PA if they enact
both political and economic reforms. In addition, over
$12 million has been set aside to help bring Israeli
and Palestinian non-governmental organizations together.
Nearly $80 million in aid has been pledged to the United
Nations Works and Refugee Agency.
Sources: Jerusalem Post (September 20, 2005) |