EU Statement – UN General Assembly: UNRWA Pledging Conference

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President, Excellencies,

1. On behalf of the European Union and its 27 Member States, I would like to thank you for convening this important conference at a critical moment for UNRWA and for Palestine refugees.

2. The Candidate Countries Montenegro, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and Bosnia and Herzegovina,* as well as Armenia, Andorra, and San Marino align themselves with this statement.
3. The European Union reaffirms its steadfast support for UNRWA and for the Agency's renewed mandate, pending a just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine refugees is achieved, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions.

4. Today, close to 6 million Palestine refugees continue to depend on the Agency for education, healthcare, social protection, emergency assistance, and the preservation of human dignity. Nowhere is this more evident than in Gaza, where UNRWA remains a crucial support of the humanitarian response. The Agency also continues to play an essential role in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, contributing to stability across the region.

5. The European Union has expressed its grave concern with the far-reaching consequences of the Israeli legislation adopted in October 2024 on UNRWA's capacity to conduct its operations in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in Gaza. We reiterate our call for UNRWA to be able to operate safely, effectively and without obstruction, in full respect of the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and in accordance with international law. We also call for the lifting of restrictions that impede the Agency's humanitarian and operational work. We recall the 22 October 2025 ICJ´s advisory opinion on Israel´s international obligations.

6. The decision by the Israeli authorities to enter, demolish the UNRWA headquarters and build military infrastructure in its place in East Jerusalem is a serious attack against a UN agency, and constitutes a violation of Israel's obligations under the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations according to which UN Member States must protect and respect the inviolability of UN premises.

7. The EU continues urging all sides to respect international law, including international humanitarian law. We commend the work of all humanitarian actors in delivering lifesaving aid in extremely dire conditions and call on Israel to allow immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access for the UN, the International NGOs, and the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement in order to reach all those in need wherever they are, as well as for the immediate removal of all restrictions on essential humanitarian supplies, and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale into and throughout Gaza. We again deplore the deaths of an unprecedented number of humanitarian workers, including many UNRWA staff. 

8. In this context, the European Union reiterates its call for the full implementation by all parties of the ceasefire and all other provisions of UNSCR 2803, in line with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and international political and legal principles. In particular, the EU calls for the permanent disarmament of Hamas and other non-state armed groups, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, and the deployment of the temporary International Stabilisation Force, as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. 

9. The European Union remains UNRWA's strong partner. As part of the EU's Multiannual Comprehensive Programme for Palestinian Recovery and Resilience for 2025-2027, the European Commission provides €82 million annually in support of UNRWA, helping to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential services to Palestine refugees. In addition, in 2026, the European Commission has provided an initial allocation of €17.6 million in humanitarian funding to UNRWA across Palestine, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.

10. We recognise the severe financial pressures facing the Agency and join the Advisory Commission in calling for broader, more predictable and sustainable international support as well as reforms for increased efficiency of service delivery. We encourage both existing and new donors to contribute to securing UNRWA's financial sustainability, enabling it to continue fulfilling its mandate.

11. The EU is committed to continuing its support of the Agency, and closely monitors and evaluates the implementation of the independent Colonna report following the allegations against some UNRWA staff. 

12. The European Union welcomes the significant progress achieved in implementing the recommendations of the independent Colonna Report. We commend UNRWA for the substantial reforms undertaken to strengthen neutrality, integrity, oversight, and accountability. The implementation of the High-Level Action Plan, the establishment of dedicated neutrality structures, and the continued engagement with Member States have contributed to reinforcing donor confidence.

13. We recall that a specific working group on neutrality and integrity has been created in the framework of UNRWA’s Advisory Commission of which the EU is a member. Its purpose is to further advise and support UNRWA in the implementation of the Colonna Report Recommendations as well as review and propose initiatives aimed at strengthening neutrality and integrity mechanisms.

14. These reforms must now be fully institutionalised and sustained over time. Continued transparency, measurable progress and regular reporting will remain essential for maintaining confidence in the Agency.

15. Looking ahead, we encourage UNRWA to continue adapting its operations to an increasingly challenging environment by strengthening financial sustainability, enhancing partnerships, improving governance, and maintaining close dialogue with host countries and donors. We also support continued efforts to counter misinformation and protect the integrity of the Agency's work.

16. UNRWA is not only a humanitarian actor. Its work preserves human development, social cohesion, daily services such as health, education, psychosocial support and waste management, and institutional resilience, creating conditions that will be indispensable for early recovery, stabilisation, enhancing Palestine Refugees’ self-reliance and, ultimately, the implementation of the two-state solution.

17. The European Union reaffirms its commitment to international law and a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side-by-side in peace within secure and recognised borders. The New York Declaration provides a political framework to guide these efforts.

18. Allow me to conclude with a simple message. Supporting UNRWA is not only a humanitarian imperative. It is an investment in regional stability, in respect for international law, and in the prospects for a just and lasting peace.

19. The European Union will continue to support the essential work of UNRWA with respect to Palestine refugees and to work with all partners committed to achieving these objectives.

Thank you.

1. North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.