Jerusalem - "Al Quds" dot com - The European Union announced today, Tuesday, that it will provide the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees " UNRWA " within three years, a total amount of 246 million euros.

It will also provide an additional €15 million from the Food and Resilience Facility to address food insecurity and mitigate the impact of the Ukraine war, in line with the EU-UNRWA Joint Declaration 2021-2024.

In a statement, the European Union affirmed its role as a permanent and reliable partner of UNRWA and one of its largest donors. The European Commission has approved €261 million as a multi-year contribution that will provide predictable financial resources to the Agency in order to provide basic services to Palestine refugees.

“The European Union, as a long-term partner of UNRWA, is committed to continuing to provide political and financial support for its activities. UNRWA remains important in providing essential protection and basic services to Palestine refugees, and in supporting peace and stability in the region,” said the High Representative and Vice-President of the European Union, Josep Borrell.

He added that the European Union will continue to support UNRWA in all its fields of operations, including East Jerusalem.

"Our support for UNRWA is an essential component of our strategy to contribute to enhancing security, stability and development in the region, which also helps preserve the prospects for a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians," he said.

“We remain a reliable and predictable partner, and a major donor to UNRWA, others need to step up their efforts and join the EU in providing reliable multi-year funding,” said Oliver Varhelyi, EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement.

He added, "The Agency plays a role in achieving stability in the region, and it must continue to do so, with a clear focus on its core priorities. We will continue to work with UNRWA to strengthen the Agency's governance systems and help increase transparency and sound management. We also remain strongly committed to enhancing the quality of education for children." Palestinians and ensure full compliance with UNESCO standards in all educational materials.”