On 26 May, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, Mr Josep Borrell Fontelles hosted a Ministerial Meeting in Brussel, chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Mr Espen Barth Eide.

At the meeting, the Palestinian Prime Minister Dr Mohammad Mustafa presented his government’s plans to international partners, highlighting the following priority areas: the facilitation of emergency aid to Gaza; a comprehensive plan for Gaza; a comprehensive reform program to strengthen Palestinian institutions; and a comprehensive plan to develop and transform the Palestinian economy.

International partners welcomed these plans and reaffirmed their support to the Palestinian Authority. The reform agenda is important to improve the PA’s accountability, democratic legitimacy, efficiency, and governance. Acknowledging the challenging environment, participants were encouraged to channel their support in ways that enable these reforms.

Prime Minister Mustafa and other participants emphasized the significant challenges facing the Palestinian economy. Due to the war in Gaza, Israel’s withholding of Palestinian clearance revenues and significant restrictions on access and movement in the West Bank, the Palestinian economy has contracted, and the Palestinian Authority’s revenues have declined sharply.

Participants highlighted two urgent measures needed to counter this dangerous trend: an immediate reversal in Israeli policies that undermine the PA and the Palestinian economy, and an enhanced political and economic partnership between international partners and the PA, including increased financial assistance. This is crucial for preventing a further erosion of the economy and of the government institutions that have been constructed over the past 30 years.

Joint and swift action by all parties is needed to prevent a collapse and to continue strengthening the Palestinian institutions as a crucial element in the implementation of the two-state solution. Priority should be given to supporting efforts to unify the West Bank and Gaza under one single legitimate, economically viable and sufficiently funded Palestinian Authority. The future of Gaza can only be ensured within such a political framework. The Chair and other participants called on international partners to increase their financial assistance to Palestine.

The meeting was attended by Australia, Canada, Egypt, European Union, France, Germany, International Monetary Fund, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Norway, Office of the Quartet, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, United Nations, United Kingdom, United States of America, and World Bank.