Palestine-EU Relations

The European Union's stated objective in relation to Palestine is to improve the humanitarian and economic situation of the Palestinians, whilst at the same time supporting the Roadmap principles of building the institutions of a democratic, independent and viable Palestinian state, living in peace and security with Israel.

Association Agreement

The Interim Association Agreement on Trade and Co-operation between the EC and the PLO (for the benefit of the Palestinian Authority) was signed on 24 February 1997 and entered into force on 1st July 1997.

The primary aim of this Agreement is to establish the conditions for increased liberalisation of trade and to provide an appropriate framework for a comprehensive dialogue between the EU and the PA. Full text...
 

European Neighbourhood Policy

The European Neighbourhood Policy is part of the EU's response to the Palestinian Authority’s political and economic reform agenda. This Reform has been developed to consolidate democracy, accountability, transparency and justice in the West Bank and Gaza.

The following documents are adopted in this framework:

In 2004 the Palestinian Authority was included in the first round of partner countries in the European Neighbourhood Process. The Commission prepared a Country Report in 2004 describing the overall situation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

In 2005, the EU and the PA agreed on an ENP Joint Action Plan  setting out jointly agreed priorities.

The Interim Association Agreement is the main instrument for implementation of the ENP and the Joint Action Plan. Three subcommittees are being established to facilitate implementation of the priorities of the Joint Action Plan.
 

Follow-up links:

Updated: 31-08-2006
Sources: EU