EPP rejects £16.5 billion allocation for Gaza reconstruction

Moscow (ANTARA) - The largest political group in the European Parliament, the European People’s Party (EPP), has rejected the allocation of 15 billion euros (approximately £12.7 billion) for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip in the European Union’s budget for the next seven years, according to a report by Politico.

The EPP, which follows a centre-right political ideology, is part of the political group led by the current President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

This decision was made despite von der Leyen repeatedly stating that the European Union is the largest international donor of aid to the Palestinian people. She has also previously highlighted the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the EU’s intention to participate in the reconstruction process.

Politico reported that von der Leyen’s political group rejected an amendment proposed by the Greens group, which suggested an allocation of 15 billion euros for Gaza. A Member of the European Parliament familiar with the negotiation process stated that the EPP believes it is too early to allocate funds before a clear plan for the region’s reconstruction is established.

Meanwhile, the Socialists and Democrats (S&D), a coalition of various left-wing political parties, as well as part of the liberal centre group, Renew, support the reconstruction funding. S&D Member of the European Parliament Robert Biedron told Politico that he expects a compromise that can ensure “meaningful EU involvement in the reconstruction of Gaza.”

The European Parliament is scheduled to agree on a joint position this Thursday regarding the 200 billion euro Global Europe fund, which is intended to finance the EU’s external assistance in the seven-year budget. Politico reported that the final text is unlikely to include a commitment to allocate a specific amount for Gaza.