Brussels, 17/09/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 14 September, the European Commission announced new funding of €100 million for the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT), of which the European Union is the biggest donor.
This package focused on seven priority areas. A third of this aid (€31 million) will support recurrent expenditure of the Palestinian Authority. Support for governance, rule of law and social sector institutions will receive €20,5 million. The EU will contribute €11.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) for its 2012 budget. Support for the private sector in the West Bank and Gaza Strip will receive €11,2 million to help economic growth, particularly the agricultural sector. Sustainable management of natural resources in Gaza will receive €11 million. This will involve assistance for managing water resources and solid waste disposal, while €8 million will support the delivery of community services in East Jerusalem. Land development and basic infrastructure in Area C, the part of the West Bank under direct Israeli control, will receive support to of €7 million for Palestinians living there and to promote the social and economic development in this zone.
This aid package is worth €100m and brings the EU's aid to the OPT for 2012 to a total of €200 million, to which a further €100 million of 2011 credits to be spent in 2012 should be added. (CG/trans/fl)