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7 Jul, 2015

European taxpayers fork out €18.1M for Palestinian salaries, pensions for June

RAMALLAH, July 6, 2015 (WAFA) – The European Union and the Netherlands Monday announced a contribution of around €18.1 million ($20 million) to the Palestinian Authority’s payment of June salaries and pensions.

This contribution, which is channelled through the financial mechanism launched in 2008 to support the PA Reform and Development Plan (2008-2010) and subsequent Palestinian national plans (PEGASE), is being funded by the European Union (€17.0 million) and the Government of the Netherlands (c.€1.1 million earmarked specifically for PA salaries in the justice sector).

The EU Representative John Gatt-Rutter said in this regard, ‘This contribution to salaries and pensions is another evidence of our strong support for the efforts of the Palestinian Authority to provide essential public services to the Palestinian people in both the West Bank and Gaza.’

He added, ‘Ahead of Eid Al Fitr, I want also to take this opportunity to commend the extraordinary work of all those involved in delivering public services, whose efforts we are supporting through this salary payment, and wish everyone a peaceful Eid.”

Meanwhile, Peter Mollema, the Netherlands Representative said “Through this contribution, the Netherlands continues to support development and reform of the justice sector with its European partners.”

Since February 2008, more than €1.8 billion have been disbursed through the PEGASE Direct Financial Support programmes.

In addition, the EU has provided assistance to the Palestinian people through UNRWA and a wide range of cooperation projects.