Compensation following the demolition of EU-funded structures
14.11.2022
Priority question for written answer P-003694/2022
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 138
Grace O'Sullivan (Verts/ALE), Irena Joveva (Renew), Margrete Auken (Verts/ALE), Petros Kokkalis (The Left), Jordi Solé (Verts/ALE), Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (Renew), Clare Daly (The Left), Mick Wallace (The Left), Matjaž Nemec (S&D), Alviina Alametsä (Verts/ALE), Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), Ciarán Cuffe (Verts/ALE), Nora Mebarek (S&D), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), Giuliano Pisapia (S&D), Damien Carême (Verts/ALE), Manu Pineda (The Left), Karen Melchior (Renew), Francisco Guerreiro (Verts/ALE), Miguel Urbán Crespo (The Left), Rosa D'Amato (Verts/ALE), Hilde Vautmans (Renew), Ivan Vilibor Sinčić (NI), Billy Kelleher (Renew)
Since 2016, Israel has demolished EU-funded structures in the West Bank and East Jerusalem worth EUR 2 255 620. In June 2022, 55 structures funded by the EU or its Member States, valued at more than EUR 222 000, received stop-work or demolition orders. This was the highest number of aid structures placed at risk of demolition in a single month since the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs began keeping track. The majority of these structures were in Massafer Yatta, where over 1 000 residents are now facing the demolition of their homes.
The EU has repeatedly requested that Israel compensate the loss of EU taxpayers' money. However, in a recent answer, the Commission admitted that the use of diplomatic and political channels has not been successful. In financial terms, Israel has seen no repercussions for illegal demolitions and human rights abuses.
- 1.Has the Commission shared a list with the Member States of available options to secure compensation and protect aid for vulnerable communities in Area C, including deducting EU funding lost in demolitions from EU-Israel bilateral cooperation funding?
- 2.Will it provide an explanation of what other options have been discussed to secure compensation from Israel after nearly a decade of EU concerns, condemnations and unsuccessful diplomatic engagement?
Submitted: 14.11.2022