RAMALLAH, Wednesday, June 22, 2022 – Under the auspices and in the presence of President Mahmoud Abbas, the State of Palestine and the European Union signed a €224 million financing agreement for 2021 at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah.

The agreement was signed by Minister of Finance Shukri Bishara and EU Representative Sven Küh n von Burgsdorff, in the presence of Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, European ambassadors, and diplomatic representatives.

President Abbas thanked the EU and its member states for their ongoing support, saying: "On behalf of the State of Palestine, we thank the European Union and its member states for this support. Europe recognizes the two-state solution on the 1967 borders and recognizes Israel; we hope it will also recognize the State of Palestine, as this would help advance the peace process."

He reiterated that legislative elections cannot be held without Jerusalem: "You promised to pressure Israel to allow elections in Jerusalem, but unfortunately, this did not happen. We cannot hold elections without Jerusalem, as we did in the past three elections."

President Abbas criticized the international community for failing to implement UN resolutions on Palestine: "There are more than 700 UN General Assembly resolutions, 90 Security Council resolutions, and 90 Human Rights Council resolutions regarding Palestine. We ask for the implementation of just one."
He added that even the 1947 Partition Plan, which granted Palestinians 45% of historic Palestine, has not been implemented:
"Today, we only demand 22%, and we still do not receive it."

President Abbas said he will ask U.S. President Joe Biden, during his upcoming visit, to fulfill his earlier commitments, including reopening the U.S. consulate in East Jerusalem, removing the PLO from the U.S. terrorism list, and opposing settlement expansion and unilateral measures.

He stressed: "We want peace based on international legitimacy. We call on Europe, which believes in law, peace, and justice, to help us – not only with financial support, but also by encouraging the American and Israeli sides to follow the path of peace before it is too late."

Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh praised the EU’s support and said the agreement covers social affairs, Jerusalem hospitals, energy and water projects in Gaza, COVID-19 health assistance, and €55 million for salaries. He expressed hope that the 2022 financing package would be expedited.

EU Representative Sven Küh n von Burgsdorff reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Palestinian institutions and the Palestinian people.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ziad Abu Amr, Presidential Spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh, Diplomatic Adviser Majdi al-Khalidi, and Presidential Chief of Staff Intisar Abu Amara.