The Diplomat in Spain

Eduardo González

The Secretary of State for International Cooperation, Eva​ Granados, will meet tomorrow in Brussels with her EU counterparts to fundamentally address the unblocking of the disbursements of the Mechanism for Ukraine for 2024-2027 and the independent report on the United Nations agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)

According to the EU, those responsible for Development meeting in the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FEA) will exchange views on the situation in Ukraine and, in particular, on the Plan for Ukraine, presented by the Kyiv Government on 20 March to unlock disbursements under the first pillar of the Ukraine Facility for 2024-2027, conditional on the progress of Ukraine’s reform and investment program.

The European Commission has already conveyed its positive assessment, considering that the plan meets the necessary criteria and constitutes a specific and balanced response to the objectives of the Ukraine Facility, addresses the challenges of Ukraine’s accession path and responds to the needs of recovery, reconstruction and modernization of the country. During the debate, ministers will discuss how to ensure coordinated and effective support for the Ukraine Plan, with a view to approving the assessment around mid-May. 

The Ukraine Facility was adopted in Brussels by the Extraordinary European Council last February, for which it was necessary to convince the Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán, to accept the revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

The Facility ensures firm, predictable and long-term financing for Ukraine, with a package of €50 billion (€33 billion in the form of loans and €17 billion in the form of non-refundable aid) for the period 2024-2027. As agreed, a precondition for support for Ukraine under the Mechanism is that the country continues to maintain and respect effective democratic mechanisms, including a multiparty parliamentary system and the rule of law, and ensure respect for human rights.

Palestine and UNRWA

On the other hand, the European foreign ministers will debate the humanitarian and reconstruction aspects in Palestine, “in light of the latest events and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation, as well as the evolution of the EU response and the Member States in that context.” The report of the independent review group of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, will inform the debate.

The FAC last March “welcomed” the launch, by the United Nations, of “an internal investigation and an external review following serious accusations against twelve members of UNRWA staff regarding their alleged participation in the terrorist attacks of October 7″, and showed its “interest” in “the results of the investigation” and in the “new decisive measures by the United Nations to ensure accountability and strengthen control and supervision.”

The Government of Pedro Sánchez has recently approved two contributions for a total of 23.5 million euros to help UNRWA in its humanitarian work in Gaza and to meet the food, educational and health needs of almost six million Palestinian refugees in the region. , despite the decision of a group of countries to freeze their contributions.

On the other hand, the High Representative of Foreign and Security Policy of the EU, Josep Borrell, will invite ministers tomorrow to comment on the latest events and ministers will be invited to reflect on the best way to support the reform program of the EU. Palestinian Authority, after the formation of the new Palestinian Government.

The chapter dedicated to the Middle East on the FAC agenda is presented under the heading “Palestine”, but the EU itself clarifies that “this name should not be interpreted as the recognition of a State of Palestine and is used without prejudice to the positions of the Member States in this regard.