The European Commission has defended its financial assistance to Palestine, asserting that rigorous safeguards are in place to prevent EU funds from reaching terrorist groups such as Hamas. In a written answer to a parliamentary question from MEP Jorge Martín Frías (PfE), Commissioner Dubravka Šuica stated that no evidence has been found that money has been misused or diverted for unintended purposes, despite concerns over transparency and accountability raised by the questioner.
The answer, dated 30 April 2026, responds to Frías's query about controls on the EU's substantial aid to Palestine, which includes EUR 1.36 billion under the 2021-2024 Global Europe allocations, up to EUR 1.6 billion proposed for 2025-2027, EUR 455 million to UNRWA (2021-2025), EUR 688.75 million through the PEGASE mechanism since 2021, and over EUR 550 million in humanitarian aid since 2023.
Commission details safeguards
ex ante and ex post risk assessments, monitoring, audits, verification of Palestinian Authority payment requests, screening beneficiaries against sanctions lists, and auditing 100% of PA payments. The European Court of Auditors has certified the PEGASE mechanism's control system as 'robust'. Following the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks, the EU conducted a thorough review of its financial assistance to Palestine, including UNRWA programmes, which confirmed that controls work well and no diversion has been detected.
On UNRWA, the Commission noted that the agency is a pillar-assessed UN body, with a complementary assessment in 2022. The EU has worked to enhance UNRWA's neutrality processes, financing a 2024 project to reinforce its internal oversight and ethics departments. The Commission also participates in a working group advising UNRWA on implementing the Colonna Report recommendations.
Policy orientation and follow-up
The answer signals a strong commitment to maintaining current aid levels, with no indication of policy change. The Commission emphasises that existing safeguards are sufficient, rejecting calls for stricter controls. This stance may reassure Palestinian authorities and aid recipients but could frustrate critics demanding greater transparency. The answer is declarative rather than proposing new measures; no specific timeline for further reviews is given. The Commission's position is likely to be scrutinised in upcoming European Parliament debates, where some MEPs may push for enhanced oversight or conditionality.
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