On Thursday 7 February, the EU published in the Official Journal the three-year extension of the European Union-Palestinian Authority (PA) Action Plan.
This extension follows an exchange of letters between the parties, according to a European source. The extension has been effective since 31 January and the return of the Palestinian Authority's letter, she explained to EUROPE.
"The three-year extension of the EU-Palestinian Authority Action Plan will allow the parties to fully pursue their cooperation in the coming years, including through the possible negotiation of partnership priorities”, the Council's decision emphasises.
According to the EU and the Palestinian Authority, the Action Plan, defined in May 2013, “continues to reflect the privileged partnership” between the two parties and “to support the implementation of the Interim Association Agreement”.
The objectives of this plan include deepening bilateral relations with a view to establishing a fully-fledged Association Agreement between the EU and the future State of Palestine, working towards the creation of a Palestinian State based on the rule of law and respect for human rights and democratic and accountable institutions. It also addresses the sustainability of the Palestinian Authority's finances and economic development throughout the occupied Palestinian territory, support for the political, economic, social and cultural rights of the Palestinian population in East Jerusalem and the promotion of inclusive development in Area C (see EUROPE 10718). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)