The European Union on Thursday renewed its push for reforms within the Palestinian Authority (PA) as part of wider international efforts to end the Gaza war, hosting representatives from 60 countries in Brussels to discuss governance and reconstruction of the territory.
Positioning itself for a larger role after being largely absent from US President Donald Trump’s diplomatic efforts, the EU said it aims to strengthen Palestinian institutions and support long-term stability. “Our aim is to strengthen governance, build a more resilient economy, stabilize finances, improve services, and create conditions for future effective governance across all territories,” said Dubravka Suica, the EU’s Commissioner for the Mediterranean.
Several EU member states signed new funding agreements worth over €80 million, part of the bloc’s previously announced €1.6 billion support package for the Palestinians over the next three years. The EU has tied its financial backing to the PA’s commitment to implementing reforms.
The PA insists it must play a key role in administering Gaza once fighting ends. It has not governed the territory since Hamas took control in 2007, although it continues to provide limited services. Trump’s proposal includes a role for the PA after reforms are carried out, a plan Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has largely rejected.
PA Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa reiterated that Gaza and the West Bank must be united under a single administration. “Reunifying the two under one legitimate government, one law and one administration is the only workable path to stability,” he said.
Throughout the conflict, the EU has struggled to assert influence due to divisions among its member states. As part of its bid to play a bigger role in post-war arrangements, the bloc has proposed training up to 3,000 Palestinian police officers to be deployed in Gaza.
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