The European Union, Germany and Palestinian Authority sign a new agreement to implement twelve projects in Area C

This latest funding package marks the seventh phase of the EU's Area C Development Programme and will benefit over 33,000 Palestinians living in 12 localities across the West Bank. The projects to be implemented include the construction of a school, roads, sewage and water distribution networks, a water reservoir, and the rehabilitation of electricity networks. With this new contribution, the total investment in the programme rises to €23.2 million, covering 73 infrastructure projects in 59 localities. The European Union Area C Programme is funded by the European Union and its Member States.

The agreement was signed at the Prime Minister's Office, in the presence of the Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, Minister of Local Government Sami Hajawi, EU Representative Alexandre Stutzmann, German Representative Oliver Owcza, and officials from the Municipal Development and Lending Fund (MDLF).

''The European Union considers Area C an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory and crucial for realizing the two-state solution. It is the right of every Palestinian to have unhindered access to social and public services. Living in Area C doesn't make this right questionable. The EU, together with its Member States, is committed to supporting the Palestinian Authority in addressing these needs. While we do so, we call for a fundamental change in the Israeli policies in Area C to align with international law and we expect that our investments are protected," said the EU Representative Alexandre Stutzmann.

In addition, the Representative of Germany, Oliver Owcza, said that "Against the background of increasing settler violence and movement restrictions, Germany emphasizes the importance of and continues to substantially support the Area C Development Programme. We commend the Municipal Development Lending Fund for its leadership in ensuring participation and benefit of relevant rural communities."

All EU activity in the West Bank is fully in line with international humanitarian law. The EU also works with the Palestinian Authority to develop Area C and support Palestinian communities. This includes projects promoting economic development and improving the quality of life of Palestinian communities in the areas of provision of essential public services, private sector development, environment and agriculture. The overall objective of the EU development assistance is to ensure that Palestinians living in Area C can enjoy their right to develop and live in dignity.