Brussels, 19/09/2005 (Agence Europe) - Aid granted by the EU to the Palestinians in 2005 will rise to the region of 280 million EUR, which is 60 million at more than anticipated, in order to breathe new life into the Palestinian economy and create institutions which are capable of facing up to the new responsibilities, born of Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. The Commission made an announcement to this effect on Monday, on the eve of the meeting of the Quartet in New York, to discuss progress made by the peace process. "We intend to take very decisive action to breathe new life into Gaza and to help the Palestinians to prepare for the creation of a State. Having supported the reform efforts by the Palestinian Authority, we are now helping to found a viable Palestinian economy", said Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Commissioner for External Relations. The package of aid will go to fund projects based around six priorities, which were identified by the special envoy of the Quartet, James Wolfensohn, shortly after the Israeli withdrawal (borders, a liaison between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, free movement of goods and people in the West Bank, ports and airports, demolition of houses in the colonies).