Press Release: Commission provides €300 million to PEGASE and UNRWA in fulfilment of its Paris Pledge to support the Palestinian people

From 25 March, 2008, the European Commission made available €300 million to finance activities under both the PEGASE mechanism (€229 million) and to UNRWA (€71 million) to support Palestine refugees. PEGASE activities support the Palestinian Authority's Reform and Development Plan in the areas of Governance, Social Development, Economic and Private Sector Development, and Public Infrastructure. Support to UNRWA includes the EC's regular contribution to the general budget (€66 million), as well as support to UNRWA's Special Hardship Cases scheme for the most vulnerable refugees.