In 2011, the Commission awarded a EUR 288 290 grant to Ma'an Network under the framework of the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights[1] to implement the project entitled ‘Mobilising Media to Empower Citizens and Civil Society for Human Rights, Democratic Reform, and Intra-Palestinian Reconciliation’ focused on improving press freedom, access to information and awareness of human rights issues in the occupied Palestinian Territory.

Previously, in 2008, the EU had funded another project, under the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument[2], on information and communication activities to promote EU cooperation in the Palestinian territories and advancing the institutional cooperation and public understanding. Both projects are now ended.

It is worth reminding that the EU does not provide global funding to civil society organisations, but awards grants supporting specific projects and well-defined actions.

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Written Question P-002015/2013[3].

• [1] Regulation (EU) No 235/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11.3.2014 establishing a financing instrument for democracy and human rights worldwide.
• [2] Regulation (EC) No 1638/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24.10.2006 laying down general provisions establishing a European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument.
• [3] http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=WQ&reference=P-2013-002015&language=IT