Statement by High Representative / Vice President Kallas and Commissioner Šuica on the issuance of a decree-law restructuring the social welfare system by the Palestinian Authority's President Abbas

The awaited decree-law issued by the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mohammed Abbas, on 11 February 2025 aimed at restructuring the social welfare system and revoking the “prisoners and martyrs' payment” mechanism represents a significant political development. The EU welcomes this important step forward in the Palestinian Authority's reform agenda, as announced by Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in April 2024, and will carefully analyse the details of the law.  

Such a decision, taken at a challenging time for the Palestinian people, signals the Palestinian Authority's commitment to implement far-reaching reforms that will improve its efficiency and stabilise its fiscal situation.

A reformed and revitalised Palestinian Authority remains at the core of efforts towards a two-state solution. Therefore the EU stands firm in its support to the Palestinian Authority and calls on international partners to provide the Palestinian Authority with political and financial support to empower the Palestinian government to continue to pursue its ambitious reform agenda.