President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced from Ramallah on Tuesday the resumption of European aid to the Palestinian Authority, after being held up for over two years.
“I am very glad to announce that the EU funds for 2021 can be disbursed rapidly,” she said during a joint press conference with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh.
“At the moment being, we have mobilized 25 million euros to improve the food security here in Palestine. But this is the short-term help, immediate help that is necessary. I think that we also have to discuss the mid- and long-term activities to really improve this,” she stressed.
Von der Leyen also welcomed “all efforts towards peace and we remain committed to a negotiated two-state solution. A solution that gives the Palestinian people a perspective. This is so important. An independent, democratic, and viable Palestine existing side by side in peace with Israel.”
“And finally, I wish to convey, dear Prime Minister, sincere regret for the death of [Al Jazeera's] Shireen Abu Akleh,” she said, adding that the EU calls “for a thorough, independent investigation.”
Shtayyeh and the European official had discussed political development, European support to Palestine and possible joint efforts to tackle the impact of the war against Ukraine on food security and energy.
He stressed that Europe is a neighbor to Palestine in the Mediterranean and they are partners in ensuring its safety.
Shtayyeh added that Europe is the largest donor to the Palestinians, remarking that these funds would help safeguard the security and civil peace.
