The European Union has reaffirmed its steadfast support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), calling for the agency to be allowed to operate safely and without obstruction, and urging all parties to implement the ceasefire and provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2803. The statement was delivered on 30 June 2026 at the UN General Assembly's Ad Hoc Committee for the Announcement of Voluntary Contributions to UNRWA by EU Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations in New York.
The EU expressed grave concern over the consequences of Israeli legislation adopted in October 2024 that affects UNRWA's operations in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza. It reiterated its call for the lifting of restrictions impeding the agency's humanitarian work and recalled the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion of 22 October 2025 on Israel's international obligations. The EU condemned the entry and demolition of UNRWA's headquarters in East Jerusalem and the construction of military infrastructure on the site, calling it a serious attack against a UN agency and a violation of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.
The EU also called for the permanent disarmament of Hamas and other non-state armed groups, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the deployment of a temporary International Stabilisation Force, as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. The EU remains UNRWA's strong partner, providing €82 million annually through its Multiannual Comprehensive Programme for Palestinian Recovery and Resilience for 2025-2027, and an additional €17.6 million in humanitarian funding in 2026 across Palestine, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.
The EU welcomed progress in implementing recommendations of the independent Colonna Report, which followed allegations against some UNRWA staff, and commended the agency for reforms to strengthen neutrality, integrity, oversight, and accountability. It encouraged broader, more predictable international support and continued reforms to ensure UNRWA's financial sustainability and operational effectiveness.
The statement was also aligned with by candidate countries Montenegro, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Armenia, Andorra, and San Marino.