Ministry of Foreign Affairs Welcomes European Parliament Vote on 2024 Discharge Report
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has welcomed the European Parliament’s vote during its plenary session in Strasbourg on the European Union’s 2024 discharge report. The vote resulted in the removal of stricter language that had been pushed by some right-wing blocs within the Parliament, while maintaining the original text. This outcome reflects European recognition of the progress achieved in Palestinian reform efforts and a rejection of attempts to politicize the issue of Palestinian curricula.
The Ministry emphasized that this vote represents an important achievement for Palestinian diplomacy. It follows intensive diplomatic efforts led by the Mission of the State of Palestine to the European Union over two consecutive months. These efforts included a series of meetings with the report’s rapporteurs from various parliamentary groups and influential Members of the European Parliament, demonstrating the EU institutions’ confidence in the reforms being implemented by the Palestinian government. It also reaffirms the EU’s commitment to continue supporting the Palestinian people and their national institutions without imposing biased or unjustified political conditions.
The Ministry stressed the importance of the report’s confirmation that EU funding through the PEGASE mechanism is limited to clear and traceable expenditures. These include public sector salaries, social allowances, and health-related payments, within the framework of the 2024 emergency support package and the Multiannual Programme for Palestinian Recovery and Resilience (2025–2027), thereby enhancing transparency and accountability.
The Ministry also welcomed the report’s recognition of progress in the education reform process, including the issuance of new educational materials and ongoing cooperation with the European Commission. This reflects a serious Palestinian commitment to developing the education system in line with relevant international standards.
Regarding UNRWA, the Ministry highlighted the report’s appreciation of the United Nations’ response and measures taken. It reaffirmed the vital role played by the Agency in providing essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees, stressing the need to ensure sustainable funding and to protect it from politicization or targeting.
Finally, the Ministry called on EU member states and institutions to build on this balanced position, strengthen partnership with the State of Palestine, and support its efforts in confronting the Israeli blockade, the withholding of Palestinian funds, and development challenges. Such support would contribute to stability and enhance prospects for achieving a just and comprehensive peace in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions.