Return and readmission cooperation with the Palestinian Authority
16.10.2024
Question for written answer E-002107/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Marieke Ehlers (PfE), Sebastiaan Stöteler (PfE)
The Commission notes in its assessment of third countries’ level of cooperation on readmission in 2023 (COM(2024)0340) that the Palestinian Authority (PA) was excluded from the assessment as it was ‘not possible to establish effective operational contacts due to the conditions on the ground’.
The EU is the biggest provider of external assistance to the Palestinians, amounting to almost EUR 1.2 billion for 2021-2024, of which over EUR 890 million has been paid out. Around EUR 85 million is paid annually to cover the salaries and pensions of PA employees. By August 2024, EUR 65 million had been paid out.
- 1.How is it possible that the Commission is unable to establish effective operational contacts with the PA, while the EU and Member States are its biggest funders?
- 2.With regard to Samidoun’s Europe Coordinator, Mohammed Khatib, the Belgian Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration noted in April 2024 that even if someone enjoys refugee status, that status can be revoked if they turn out to be an extremist. Numerous migrants have been responsible for spreading antisemitism, extremism and violence, particularly during anti-Israel protests. Will the Commission cooperate with Member States to support the return of extremists staying illegally in Europe and the revocation of their refugee protection?
Submitted: 16.10.2024