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  • The European Union (EU) provides millions of euros to highly politicized non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Currently, the EU works through the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) funding instrument, introduced in June 2021 “in an effort to streamline existing financing instruments” and merge stand-alone external frameworks.
    • Prior to the launch of NDICI, the EU was transferring funds via various funding instruments including the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR),1 Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP),2 European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI),3 and Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI).4
  • Many organizations receiving EU funds for work in the Israel context promote anti-Israel narratives, lawfare, and discriminatory BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanctions) campaigns. Several of these organizations have ties to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine(PFLP) – a designated terrorist organization by the EUUSCanada, and Israel. These activities are inconsistent with the EU’s policies of supporting a two-state framework to the Arab-Israeli conflict, promoting peace, and rejecting BDS.
    • The EU expressly opposes BDS. When confronted by evidence of funding for NGOs with agendas or values that contradict EU policy, the EU’s recurring response is that it “funds projects submitted by NGOs, in line with [the] EU’s fundamental principles and values, but not NGOs themselves.”
  • In 2019, the EU introduced a new requirement in its contracts with Palestinian NGOs, under “General conditions applicable to European Union-financed grant contracts for external actions” (Annex G.2, Annex II, Article 1.5 bis). It stipulates that “Grant beneficiaries and contractors must ensure that there is no detection of subcontractors, natural persons, including participants to workshops and/or trainings and recipients of financial support to third parties, in the lists of EU restrictive measures.” These lists include terrorists and terrorist organizations designated as such by the EU (e.g.  Hamas, Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine).
  • In May 2022, the EU published its “Discharge 2020: EU general budget – Commission and executive agencies,” calling on the European Commission to “thoroughly verify the use of Union funds by third entities, their affiliates, and/or natural persons to ensure that no funds are allocated or linked to any cause or form of terrorism and/or religious and political radicalisation; make sure that individuals or groups affiliated, linked to or supporting terrorist organisations are excluded from Union funding; ensure that those Union funds are proactively recovered, and recipients involved are excluded from future Union funding” (emphasis added).
  • On October 5, 2021, the European Commission published its “EU Strategy on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life (2021-2030),” which stated that the Commission and the High Representative will “Ensure that EU external funds, in compliance with existing measures, may not be misallocated to activities that incite hatred and violence, including against Jewish people;” and “Incorporate the fight against antisemitism into all their human rights strategies and policies, taking into account the IHRA definition of antisemitism” (emphasis added).
    • This follows a January 2021 “Handbook for the practical use of the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism” published jointly by the European Commission with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance that urged funding institutions to “reference the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism to support control and supervision mechanisms and to ensure that funding does not go to entities and projects that promote antisemitism or other forms of hate.”

EU Investigations into Terror Funding

  • In May 2021, as reported by the media and a parliamentary question, the European Commission suspended its funding to Palestinian NGOs Al-Haq and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), pending the results of an investigation by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). The Commission further “instructed Oxfam to cut funding” to the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC) in light of Israeli allegations into the NGOs’ links to the PFLP. According to Al-Haq, on June 30, 2022, the European Commission decided to lift the suspension of funds to Al-Haq and PCHR.
  • During a May 19, 2020 meeting of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi stated that he had instructed the heads of EU delegations to Israel and West Bank/ Gaza to “look deep” in to the allegations that some EU funds go to terror-linked or -supporting NGOs, declaring that such funding “will not be tolerated.”
    • This decision follows concerns raised by Members of the European Parliament and civil society over a “clarification letter regarding the EU-funded contracts” sent on March 30, 2020 by the EU Representative Office to the West Bank and Gaza to Palestinian NGO Network (PNGO) – an umbrella organization of 142 Palestinian NGOs. In the letter, the EU diplomats appear to give in to Palestinian pressure and effectively annul EU regulations that prohibit the transfer of EU funds to terror groups or individuals connected to these groups (what Palestinian NGOs label “political parties” and “resistance factions”).
    • This decision also follows NGO Monitor’s exposure about an EU grant of €699,236 (2017-2019) that went to five Palestinian organizations, four of which have ties to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a designated terrorist organization by the EUUSCanada, and Israel. In December 2019, the Israeli media reported that the Israel Security Agency arrested 50 people from a terror network operating in the West Bank allegedly responsible for the bomb attack that murdered Rena Shnerb, a teenager, in August 2019. Among those arrested were three senior employees of NGO beneficiaries of this EU grant, including financial officers. (See below for further details.)
  • In addition to the EU Commissioner’s declaration, in June 2020, European Commission President’s office stated that “these [EU safeguards] rules make the participation of entities, individuals or groups affiliated linked or supporting terrorist organisations incompatible with any EU funding. If there is clear evidence that any organisation has made an inappropriate use of EU funds, the European Commission will take the appropriate measures such as recovery of the funds, exclusion of the entity from future EU financing, prosecution, etc” (emphasis added).5

Lack of NGO transparency and accountability [ECA/CONT REPORTS] 

  • In 2018-2019, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) and the European Parliament’s (EP) Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) published reports on transparency and accountability in EU funding to NGOs. The reports noted significant structural issues with EU monitoring and control mechanisms, especially as they related to the activities of beneficiary organizations receiving funds.
    • In 2018, following significant discussions in Brussels regarding the issue of EU funding to NGOs – which NGO Monitor actively participated in – the ECA issued its special report “Transparency of EU funds implemented by NGOs: more effort needed.” The report concluded that the Commission “was not sufficiently transparent regarding the implementation of EU funds by NGOs.”
    • While the ECA highlighted that transparency “should cover the entire process and all implementation layers, from selection of NGO-led actions, through the collection of information on these actions and its disclosure,” the Commission suffered from significant shortcomings. Examples include:
      • The Commission “not having comprehensive information” particularly with regards to “networks of international NGOs and projects under indirect management.”
      • The Commission “does not always collect and check information on EU funds implemented by NGOs appropriately.”
      • “Commission systems do not always record information on funds received by all the beneficiaries of a contract.”
      • In external action, the Commission does not have comprehensive information on all NGOs supported.”
    • Similarly, in 2019, the EP and CONT released their report, “Democratic accountability and budgetary control of non-governmental organisations financed from the EU budget.” This study was a follow up to a 2016 study of the same name, which noted significant shortcomings related to transparency, information management, and accountability. Many of these same issues remain unresolved in the 2019 update. Examples include:
      • A noted lack of transparency with the Commission and the FTS database, with report authors noting that “information on disbursements is managed by individual Commission departments and is not published.”
      • Compliance with Commission contractual requirements “still does not ensure transparency and accountability where EU funds are concerned.”
      • Concerning recommendations from the 2016 report, the authors noted, “Recently updated Commission visibility and communications guidelines do not address key systemic recommendations made in the previous study that were intended to make information more easily accessible, and to provide a longer-term picture of the role of EU funding to individual NGOs.”
  • In March 2020, the European Parliament published a report on the “implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2018.”
    • In this report, the Committee on Foreign Affairs refers to the above ECA report and notes that the “Court report found that the Commission could improve its transparency regarding the implementation of Union funds by NGOs; stresses that NGOs are subject to the same transparency requirements as other beneficiaries; calls on the Commission to improve its systems for monitoring the use of funds implemented by NGOs and ensure and verify the correct and consistent application of rules and procedures, in line with the Court’s recommendations.”
    • In addition, the report stated that the ECA “insists that an important criterion for the Commissions prioritising of the external aid should be the presence of rule of law and the respect of human rights in the recipient country; insist [sic] that the Commission should thoroughly verify the use of Union funds by third entities to ensure that no funds are allocated or linked to any cause or form of terrorism and/or religious and political radicalisation.”

2021-2024 Grants to Politicized NGOs

Palestinian NGOs

  1. In 2022-2023, the European Union granted €375,000 to Al Mezan and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel for “Health-Promoting and Protecting Adequate Medical Care and Right to Health of Referral Patients, Prisoners, and Poor Persons in the OPt.”
  • A number of Al-Mezan officials and employees are members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and Hamas, terrorist organizations designated as such by the US, EU, Canada, and Israel.  For more information on Al-Mezan’s PFLP ties, read NGO Monitor’s report “Al Mezan Center For Human Rights’ Ties to the PFLP Terror Group.”
  • Under the guise of medical expertise and scientific fact, PHR-I promotes distorted and false narratives, aimed at demonizing and delegitimizing Israel in the international arena.
  1. In 2021-2024, the European Union granted €1.3 million to the Palestinian NGO Network (PNGO) for “Participation of Grassroots Organisations in Decisions Making Process and Constituency Building.”
  1. In 2021-2025, the European Union is granting €3.4 million to Oxfam Novib for a project to “Build[] Economic Resilience in Gaza” with the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC) and Ma’an Development Center.
  • The Union of Agricultural Work Committee (UAWC) is identified by Fatah as an official “affiliate” and by USAID-engaged audit as the “agricultural arm” of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). UAWC is also highly active in promoting BDS campaigns and utilizing inflammatory rhetoric. For more information on UAWC’s PFLP ties, read NGO Monitor’s report “Union of Agricultural Work Committees Ties to the PFLP Terror Group.”
    • Two UAWC employees, who worked with the organization’s finances, were arrested in 2019 and are currently standing trial for being part of a PFLP terror cell that perpetrated the August 2019 murder of a 17-year-old Israeli.
    • In a letter to the Dutch parliament, Development Cooperation Minister Tom de Bruijn and Foreign Affairs Minister Ben Knapen wrote that an independent investigation commissioned by the government in 2021 found that 34 UAWC employees had ties to the PFLP in 2007-2020, some holding leadership positions in the terrorist group concurrent to their employment at UAWC.
  • In May 2018, Ma’an Development Center employee Ahmad Abdallah Aladini was killed in the violence on the Gaza border. On May 15, 2018, Ma’an Development Center posted on Facebook a memorial notice for Aladini, referring to him as a “colleague and martyr.” (Ma’an has since removed the post.) Aladini was a “comrade” of the PFLP, a terrorist organization designated as such by the US, EU, Canada, and Israel. According to the PFLP, Aladini was active against the “Zionist aggression on the Gaza Strip.” On his Facebook page, Aladini posted PFLP propaganda, including images that glorify violence and terrorists.
  1. In 2020-2023, the European Union is granting €648,000 for a project on “Protection and respect of the rights of vulnerable women and girls with and without disabilities survivors of GBV in the Gaza Strip.” The EU lists three partners, including the Abdel Shafi Community Health Association (ACHA), formerly known as the Red Crescent Society for the Gaza Strip (RCS4GS).
  • ACHA was founded and is directed by senior members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). Other employees have demonstrated support for Palestinian terror groups and their actions. On multiple occasions, ACHA facilities were used by the PFLP to hold events.
  1. In 2020-2022, the EU authorized a €700,000 grant to the  Applied Research Institute- Jerusalem (ARIJ) and Land Research Center (LRC) for a project titled “Assessing the impediments before the two-state solution” that aims at “Contributing to the conditions for a sustainable resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in preparation for sustainable peace through identifying/analysing the impediments that stands against engaging fruitful negotiations and exploring manners to which breakthroughs and ultimately peaceful solutions to the conflict may be reached.” 
  • As part of the project, the NGOs launched an EU-funded website that features blatant propaganda and allegations such as “Throughout the years of occupation of the Palestinian territory, Israel has engaged in excessive and disproportionate violations of every existing humanitarian code” (emphasis added).
    • In 2019, as part of this project, ARIJ and LRC released a “Daily Report” that included classic antisemitic attacks on the Talmud in its rhetoric used against Israel. The report claimed that “over 250 settlers, stormed an archaeological site in Al-Jib village…and performed Talmudic rituals” and accused Jews of performing “Talmudic rituals in celebration of Jewish holidays” and performing “Talmudic rituals in the town.”
  • ARIJ is among the leaders of the political warfare against Israel, seeking to further BDS (boycotts, divestment and sanctions), false accusations of Israeli “apartheid” and “racism,” and support for a Palestinian “right of return” that is inconsistent with a two-state vision.
  • The Land Research Center (LRC) publishes hateful conspiracy theories in its materials. In 2018, LRC published an infographic timeline on the occasion of the “70th commemoration of the Palestinian Nakba,” featuring antisemitic and conspiratorial motifs.
    • In the infographic’s legend, a caricature of an Ultra-Orthodox Jew represents “settlement” and an arm wearing a Star of David grabbing the land represents “confiscation.”
    • The timeline promotes the conspiracy theory that in the 1907 Campbell conference, “Great Britain planned Israel in 1907 in order to destroy the Arab nation.” LRC describes this conference as an attempt to “implant an alien body at the heart of the Arab world, aiming to create division and civil war.” This conspiracy theory is illustrated with a dagger ornamented with a Star of David.
  1. In 2020-2023, the EU authorized a €500,000 grant for a project titled “Qatari Mostaqubali (my decision is my future)” to “Build capacity, promote tolerance and increase access for activists, political leaders, media institutions and communities around conflict resolution and peacebuilding processes that are strategic and inclusive of currently disenfranchised women and youth.” One of the implementing partners of the project is the Women’s Affairs Technical Committee (WATC).
  • In May 2017, WATC inaugurated a youth center for girls in the town of Burqa, near Nablus. As reported by Palestinian Media Watch, the center was named after Dalal Mughrabi, a terrorist who in 1978 murdered 37 civilians, including 12 children. Funding for this building was provided by Norway, UN Women (United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women), and the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Local Government.  Upon learning that the center had been named after a terrorist, the Norwegian government and the United Nations issued strong condemnations. Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende stated that “We have asked for the logo of the Norwegian representation office to be removed from the building immediately, and for the funding that has been allocated to the centre to be repaid.”
  1. In 2017-2019, the EU granted €699,236 to five Palestinian NGOs and a Spanish organization for a project titled “Strengthening Community Resilience and Social Cohesion in East Jerusalem on Both Sides of the Separation Wall.” At least four of the NGO grantees – Health Work Committees (HWC), Bisan, Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees (UPWC),6 and Defense for Children International-Palestine (DCI-P), – have ties to the PFLP.
  • Health Work Committees (HWC)
    • On June 9, 2015, the Israel defense minister declared that “the group of people or institutions or association known as the ‘Union of Health Work Committees Jerusalem’…or ‘Health Work Committees’…or any other name that this association will be known by, including all of its factions and any branch, center, committee or group of this association is an unauthorized association” (emphasis added; HCJ 3923/15).”
    • Numerous HWC staff members, founders, board members, general assembly members, and senior staff members have ties to the PFLP terror group. For more information on HWC’s PFLP ties, read NGO Monitor’s report “Health Work Committees’ Ties to the PFLP Terror Group.”
    • Walid Hanatsheh (Abu Ras), HWC’s finance and administration manager, is on trial for allegedly being the leader of PFLP “military” operations and commanding the PFLP terror cell that carried out the August 2019 bombing attack in which Rina Shnerb, a 17-year-old Israeli teenager was murdered. According to the indictment against him, Hanatsheh bankrolled the bombing.
  • Bisan Center for Research and Development (Bisan)
    • An academic dissertation by scholar Sbeih Sbeih (Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines) on Palestinian NGOs states that “some [NGOs], because of their link to PFLP, opposed the Oslo Accords. Such was the case of Bisan.”
    • On October 22, 2021, the Israeli Ministry of Defense declared Bisan a “terror organization” because it is part of “a network of organizations” that operates “on behalf of the ‘Popular Front’.”
    • Ubai Aboudi, Bisan’s Executive Director, was sentenced in June 2020 to 12-months in prison. According to his conviction, Aboudi “was convicted of being a member and an activist of the Popular Front organization during the period starting from 2016 and ending in July 2019.” Specifically, Aboudi “was responsible for recruiting additional activists to the organization from young people and students, as well as strengthening the organization’s infrastructure in the area” (on file with NGO Monitor).
    • Iteraf Hajaj (Rimawi)served as Bisan’s Executive Director until at least 2017. He was arrested on September, 23, 2019 by Israeli forces. A statement from the General Security Service (Shabak) refers to Rimawi as being responsible for PFLP clandestine operations.
  • Union of Palestinian Women Committees (UPWC)/ Society of Palestinian Women’s Committees
    • The Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees (UPWC) is identified by Fatah as an official “affiliate” and by USAID-engaged audit as the “women’s organization” of the PFLP.
    • On October 22, 2021, the Israeli Ministry of Defense declared UPWC a “terror organization” because it is part of “a network of organizations” that operates “on behalf of the ‘Popular Front’.”
    • Several UPWC staff members, founders, board members, general assembly members, and senior staff members have ties to the PFLP terror group. For detailed information on UPWC’s PFLP ties, read NGO Monitor’s report “The Union of Palestinian Women Committees Society’s Ties to the PFLP Terror Group.”
  • Defense for Children International – Palestine (DCI-P)
    • Numerous individuals with alleged ties to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a terrorist organization designated as such by the USEUCanada, and Israel, have been employed and appointed as board members at DCI-P.
    • On October 22, 2021, the Israeli Ministry of Defense declared DCI-P a “terror organization” because it is part of “a network of organizations” that operates “on behalf of the ‘Popular Front’.”
    • For more information on DCI-P’s PFLP ties, read NGO Monitor’s report “Defense for Children International – Palestine’s Ties to the PFLP Terror Group.”

International NGOs

  • In 2021-2024, the EU will grant €404,515 to the World Council of Churches (WCC) to “maintain[]a sustainable and lively Palestinian and Bedouin presence in East Jerusalem through protective presence, monitoring, documenting and advocacy.”7 Among other indicators, the EU’s grant language suggests that the project will be carried out by the WCC’s Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI).  It is unknown if the project, which had been postponed, will begin as scheduled due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
  • In 2021-2024, the European Union granted €13.8 million to the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) for four different projects in Gaza and the West Bank. 
    • Norwegian Refugee Council engages in lawfare and international delegitimization campaigns against Israel.
    • One of NRC’s principle projects in Israel, “Information, counseling, and legal assistance (ICLA),” exploits judicial frameworks to manipulate Israeli policy, bypassing democratic frameworks.
      • ICLA’s interventions in Israeli courts and other venues “beneficiary targets” include: “3628 opened and continuing cases for legal assistance in the West Bank (West Bank 612 new and 3016 continuing), 40 advocacy briefings given on specific HLP and residency issues (verbal or written), 10 of instances information is submitted to other UN mechanisms, and 75 public interest cases challenging unjust HLP issues.”

EU Funding to UN Mechanisms

UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)

UNICEF

  • In 2021-2025, the European Union is providing the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) with €2.1 million for “Safeguarding Children’s Rights in East Jerusalem.”
  • UNICEF spearheads a campaign to have Israel included on a UN blacklist of “grave” violators of children’s rights. The list appears as an annex to the UN Secretary-General’s annual report on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC). This political agenda is a primary facet of UNICEF’s activities relating to Israel, completely inconsistent with its mandate of “child protection” and from its guidelines for neutrality and impartiality. (Read NGO Monitor’s report “UNICEF and its NGO Working Group: Failing Children”)

UN-OCHA

  • EU Funding to Palestinian NGOs
GrantDescription/ObjectivesAmountNGO PartnersYears
“SHORAKA Enabling the Environment of CSPs in Palestine and Participation of Grassroots Organisations in Decisions Making Process and Constituency Building”“To advance the role of the Palestinian civil society and the Palestinian grassroots in the policy shaping and in decision- making processes at the local and EU/EUMS levels”€1.250,000Palestinian NGO Network (PNGO)2021-2024
“Joint Action for Health-Promoting and Protecting Adequate Medical Care and Right to Health of Referral Patients, Prisoners, And Poor Persons In The OPt”“To promote and protect access to adequate medical care and right to health of referral patients, prisoners, and poor persons in the oPt”€375,000Al Mezan and Physicians for Human Rights - Israel 2022-2023
“Respect and Protection of the Rights to Mental Health for Women, Men, Girls and Boys with and Without Disabilities Victims/Survivors of Human Rights Violations in the Gaza Strip”“To promote respect and protection of right to health through human rights-based approach (HRBA) to provide inclusive, integrated, and specialized community mental health services to direct victims of human rights violations including boys, girls, women and men with and without disabilities guided by the principles of International humanitarian law (IHL) and International human rights law (IHRL) in the Gaza strip”€355,775Gaza Community Mental Health Programme; Women's Affairs Center Gaza2022-2023
“Cultural Rights for Inclusive and Equitable Palestinian Development Process”“To place culture and cultural rights at the heart of Palestinian development policies to ensure citizens centred, inclusive and equitable development process through enabling cultural and touristic community based organizations, clusters, networks and community based organizations, to participate as advocates for the implementation of the ratified Economic Social and Cultural Rights convention and 2030 SDGs”€998,419Pal Vision; Rozana Association for the development of Architectural Heritage; Youth without Borders Forum2021-2024
"SANCUS: strengthening accountability networks among civil society"€5 millionAMAN-Transparency Palestine with another four NGOs2021-2023
"Gender equality in the economic sphere: our right, our priority"€755,770Democracy and Workers Rights Center Association2020-2023
"Protective environment from hate speech and supportive for the freedom of expression in Gaza strip and west bank"€450,768Filastiniyat and Palestinian Center For Democracy And Conflict Resolution2020-2023
"Safeguarding Palestinians living in east Jerusalem lives and their livelihoods ""Enhance economic empowerment and increase prosperity for Businesses and projects affected by COVID-19 in East Jerusalem."€1.1 millionPalestinian Medical Relief Society association (PMRS),
Palestinian Vision Organisation, Maa'n Development Center,
Treatment & Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture
2020-2022
"Thematic programme civil society organizations as actors of governance and development work in the field "€411,281AMAN-Transparency Palestine with another, Women's Centre for Legal Aid and Counseling (WCLAC) 2021-2023
€320,109
"Civil society for dignity"€832,949Palestinian Centre For Peace And Democracy and Palestinian Center For Rapprochement Between People, Pax (Netherlands)2021-2023
"Public information campaign for EU aid to Palestine"€288,000Safad advertising private stock"2020-2022
"personal advisor to the minister of national economy, & coordinator of private sector development sector working group and European development partners "€199,600Jehad Atyani2020-2022
"EU caravan tour in Palestine"€289,500Impact Services And Public Relation2020-2022
"Public events promoting EU support to east Jerusalem, Area C, and water sector"€174,500Impact Services And Public Relation2020-2022
"Gender equality in the economic sphere: our right, our priority"€755,770Democracy And Workers Rights Center Association2020-2023
"SAWT – Supporting Arab Women at The Table: women as actors in peace processes "€46,021Culture And Free Thought Association2020-2023
"logistical support for engagement with EU partners in Palestine "€150,000AMANI TOURS PRIVATE2020-2022
“East Jerusalem youth: agents of change”“The specific objectives of the action provides [sic] innovative youth -friendly and safe platforms, which are instrumental to their ability to represent and reflect youth visions in addressing EJ issues and IHL -IHRL breaches in EJ and the rest of the oPt. As well as targeted community members are mobilized to participate and contribute to fulfil their economic, political, cultural and social rights.”€4,987,500Palestinian Vision (PalVision, or “Ruya”); Masar Ibrahim al-Khalil; The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA); Afkar Production Company; DanChurchAid2019-2022
“Promotion of inclusive agricultural growth to ensure improved living standards and resilience of vulnerable communities in Area C of the West Bank”“Contribute to resilient and inclusive agricultural growth that improves the living standards of women and men farmers in Area C of the West Bank. Specific objective: Increase the income of small-scale women and men farmers and the protection and the use of their lands in Area C through upgraded capacities, improved land and water management practices and policies.”€3.8 millionOxfam Solidarité; Rural Women's Development Society; Palestinian Farmers Union; Economic and Social Development Center of Palestine (ESDC)2019-2022
“Connecting the dots: research and policy making on economic development, security and migration in the southern neighborhood and beyond”The main objective of the project is to contribute to increased awareness, as well as regional and national evidence-based policy making on priority areas of the ENP South (economic development, security and migration). The project aims to achieve this through the accomplishment of its specific objectives, which is to stimulate research-policy dialogues on ENP priority areas through tailor made evidence-based research, enhanced multi-stakeholders cooperation, increased research capacities, and holistic outreach and dissemination.€2.5 millionPALThink for Strategic Studies and 12 other foreign recipients2020-2024
“Community-led action for protection and resilience of children and youth affected by conflict and rights violations”“Community-led action for protection and resilience of children and youth affected by conflict and rights violations”€2,441,589Defense for Children International-Palestine (DCI-P); Ma’an Develoment Center; YMCA; Rädda Barnen2019-2021
“Protection of marginalized communities in East Jerusalem through legal aid, planning, and advocacy”“To support the marginalized Palestinian communities of East Jerusalem, increase their resilience, prevent forcible transfer and reinforce the Palestinian identity of East Jerusalem. Specific objectives: 1. To challenge the Israeli policies targeting the marginalized Palestinian communities in East Jerusalem, reduce their impact, and empower those targeted communities through legal aid and advocacy 2. To document, challenge and ultimately transform Israeli policies and me [sic].”€2,086,757Society of St. Yves; Jerusalem Legal Aid and Human Rights Center (JLAC); Land Research Center (LRC); Women's Centre for Legal Aid and Counseling (WCLAC); Civic Coalition for Palestinian Rights in Jerusalem (CCPRJ)2020-2022
“Talim lil-Jamia: inclusive education intervention for east Jerusalem children”“Contribute to preserve the Palestinian identity of occupied East Jerusalem. While promoting equity and inclusion adopting a rights-based approach, thus addressing the needs of Palestinian students and the overall young community of East Jerusalem (EJ), the project intends to contribute to improve the educational offer provided by the Awqaf system of EJ thus promoting its role as one of the main pillars to protect the Palestinian identity of EJ. The contribution to the [sic].”€1,897,650Jerusalem Autistic Child Care Organization; Terre des Hommes Italy2019-2022
“Supporting resilience through dialogue”“Supporting resilience through dialogue”€1,308,411Masarat - The Palestinian Center for Policy Research & Strategic Studies; Crisis Management Initiative2019-2021
“Protecting Islamic and Christian cultural heritage in Jerusalem”“To contribute to preserving the Palestinian character and cultural heritage of East Jerusalem (EJ) by strengthening the Palestinian identity and enhancing the sense of belonging among Palestinians. SO1: To protect Islamic and Christian Waqf religious and cultural heritage properties against Israeli violations and threats. SO2: To enhance Palestinians [sic] ability to identify and value their cultural heritage and have a good understanding of what can be done to protect their cultural heritage.”€1,184,538PalVision; Palestinian Academic Society for the Study of International Affairs (PASSIA); ACT For Alternative Dispute Resolution And Studies2019-2022
“Lawyers' community development in the west bank and the Gaza strip”“The overall goal is to consolidate training and service delivery for lawyers in a harmonised manner for both West Bank and Gaza Strip and the specific objectives are: i) To consolidate and extend harmonised training programmes for young lawyers across the West Bank and Gaza; ii) To reinforce institutional cohesion by enhancing PBA's management system; iii) To develop communication tools and standards ensuring equal dissemination of legal information.”€999,814Palestinian Bar Association2019-2021
“Assessing the impediments before the two-state solution”“Contributing to the conditions for a sustainable resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in preparation for sustainable peace through identifying/analysing the impediments that stands against engaging fruitful negotiations and exploring manners to which breakthroughs and ultimately peaceful solutions to the conflict may be reached.”€700,000Applied Research Institute Jerusalem (ARIJ); LRC2020-2022
“Towards better promotion and protection of human rights in Area C and Gaza strip.”“The Palestinian Civil Society Organizations in Southern West Bank, Jerusalem, and Gaza contribute in enhancing just and fair access to and control over water resources in accordance with international human rights treaties and conventions.”€649,998ARIJ; Palestinian Child's Club - Youth Development Resource Center; Women Media and Development (TAM)2020-2023
“Protection and respect of the rights of vulnerable women and girls with and without disabilities survivors of GBV in the Gaza strip.”“To promote protection and respect of the rights of vulnerable women and girls with and without disabilities survivors of GBV based on IHL and IHRL.”€648,000Red Crescent Society for the Gaza Strip (RCS4GS); Qatar Red Crescent; Women's Affairs Center Gaza2020-2023
“Building an infrastructure for peace and reconciliation.”“To promote the conditions for a negotiated settlement of the conflict and to maintain the viability of the Two-State Solution.”€628,319Palestinian Peace Coalition Geneva Initiative; H.L. Education for Peace2020-2023
“Secure Palestinian Land And Housing Rights (SPLHR).”“To contribute to the resilience, steadfastness and promotion of basic human rights of Palestinians in the West Bank SO: By 2023, improved access of vulnerable communities in (Tubas, Jericho and Ramallah) to legal assistance essential for defending land and housing rights”€611,368LRC; Society of St. Yves2020-2023
“Working together as agents for change: towards the protection and promotion of women's human rights”“Contribute to the promotion and protection of women human rights in the Palestinian society through the development of a national conducive legal environment and enhancement of the international accountability towards higher protection of Palestinian women. Specific Objectives: 1. Increased capacity of CBOs and their communities in Area C and the Seam zone to engage in favor of womens [sic] rights and to provide a platform for the promotion of access to justice for women- victims.”€578,442Miftah; WCLAC2020-2023
€38,634
“From dialogue to action: cross-border cooperation as a means to peacebuilding”“The project aims at contributing to a sustainable resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by empowering Palestinians and Israelis to work together to improve the lives of West Bank Palestinians and promoting cross-border cooperation. Through this action, the partners aim to create groups of people who will utilize new skills to implement tangible socio-environmental change and pursue policy transformations at the local and national level.”€544,353Holy Land Trust; Dead Sea and Arava Science Center2020-2022
“Qatari Mostaqubali (my decision is my future)”“Build capacity, promote tolerance and increase access for activists, political leaders, media institutions and communities around conflict resolution and peacebuilding processes that are strategic and inclusive of currently disenfranchised women and youth.”€500,000Women's Affairs Technical Committee (WATC); Assistance to Women and Girls against Violence; Care Norge2020-2023
“CEDAW implementation in Jerusalem”“To enhance the protection of Palestinian women's rights living under occupation in EJ. This comes within the framework of the limited implementation of CEDAW in Jerusalem, and lack of protection measures for Palestinian women living in Jerusalem where ambiguity prevails in concern to the responsible party to ensure the implementation of CEDAW. This comprises on protection of women and girls and enjoyment of basic rights in Jerusalem.”€279,895Miftah; Kayan-Feminist Organization2020-2023
€186,000

EU Funding to Israeli NGOs

GrantDescription/ObjectivesAmountNGO partnersYears
"Community Resilience in a Coercive Environment: The Threat Posed by Israeli Shepherding Outposts to Palestinian Rights and Communities""This project seeks to contribute to the protection of the Human Rights of Palestinian communities suffering from the coercive environment created by Israeli ‘shepherding outposts’. This will be achieved by strengthening accountability for Israeli civilians and law enforcement, as well as local and international duty-bearers, in line with democratic standards and international humanitarian and Human Rights law"€360,000Yesh Din and Physicians for Human Rights - Israel2023-2025
"Always Watching: Protecting Human Rights in the Digital Age""The project aims to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms violated by Israeli state actors' use of digital surveillance. This will be done by creating a public and legal environment protective of Human Rights in the face of current and future risks posed by surveillance technology (ST).”€400,000Breaking the Silence and Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI)2023-2024
“Influence: Normalizing Human Rights and Democracy through Popular Culture”“This project seeks to improve the public perceptions of Human Rights (HR) and Democracy (D) in Israel and to normalize the rights-based public discourse.”€400,000IDEA - The Center for Liberal Democracy and Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI)2023-2024
“United for Human Rights - Raising Awareness on Human Rights by Tackling Police Violence against Marginalized Groups in Israel”“This project seeks to increase resident and citizens’ support for greater accountability of the State of Israel for the fulfilment of Human Rights.”€253,551Public Committee Against Torture in Israel (PCATI), Akevot, Zulat2023-2024
“Right to Work: Upholding the Rights of Gazan and West Bank Palestinians to Work in Israel and Benefit from the Equal Protection of Israeli Labour Law”“This project seeks to protect the rights of Gazan and West Bank Palestinians who are trying to access the Israeli labour market or employed in Israel, as guaranteed by Israeli labour law and Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”€400,000 Kav Laover, Gisha, Center for Advancement of Peace Initiatives2023-2025
“Advancing Equitable Planning in East Jerusalem: Righting Longstanding Discrimination by Leveraging New Opportunities”“To contribute to the protection of Human Rights and International Human Rights in occupied East Jerusalem (EJ), by holding Israel accountable for the planning and construction rights of residents in EJ neighbourhoods, and promoting recognition and implementation of appropriate planning.”€399,859Bimkom and Ir Amim2021-2024
“Educating for Change: Reinforcing Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law in The Occupied Palestinian Territory Through Sector Wide Human Rights Education”“To contribute toward increased accountability of Israeli DBs to reinforce HR and IHL in the oPt”€300,000Breaking the Silence; Combatants for Peace; Ir Amim2022-2023
“Inciting Peace - Learning to Build Trust Between Israeli and Palestinian Youth”“To contribute toward increased accountability of Israeli DBs to reinforce HR and IHL in the oPt”€460,000Combatants for Peace2022-2023
“Young Campaign Organizers for Promoting the Two-State Agenda and Broadening the Peace Camp”€638,458Peace Now2022-2024
“Trans Rights, From Invisibility to The Center of Israel's Democracy and Human Rights Debate”€400,000Ma'avarim la Keshet Ha'transit; The Association for Civil Rights in Israel; Transgenders for Social Justice2022-2024
"Addressing climate change through cooperation between key municipal sectors: business, local government, the public and civil society"€688,0002B Friendly- Social and Environmental Consumerism,
Hatikva Association for the Promotion of Art and Culture,
The Natural Step Israel,
Zalul Association for Environmental Quality and Preservation Of The Red Sea
2021-2023
"Enhanced civil society engagement with local authorities to promote the protection of Arab Bedouin women in the Naqab/Negev "€645,000AD'AR Forum of Professionals to Oppose Women Murder Crimes,
I'LAM - Arab Center for Media Freedom Development and Research, Sidreh
2021-2023
"Increasing the role of marginalised women in gender-sensitive spatial planning and development "€517,970Bimkom, Sidreh, The Israeli Association for Distributive Justice2020-2023
"Dialogue and identity: nurturing a tolerant Jewish and Arab culture within a divided society "€718,464Rossing Center For Education And Dialogue,
Tali Education Fund
2020-2023
“'Unblocking the future': cultivating a culture of trust among Israelis and Palestinians”“A negotiated solution to the conflict remains viable thanks to the positive engagement and professional cooperation of Palestinians and Israelis enhancing health, particularly women's health and mental health.”€680,227Physicians for Human Rights Israel; The Seventh Eye; Gaza Community Mental Health Programme2020-2022
“Closing the confidence gap: restoring the viability of the two state solution.”“To promote conditions for a negotiated settlement of the conflict based on the two-state solution, by shifting prevailing attitudes and stances of a key constituency in Israeli society partition sceptics.”€600,000Molad2020-2022
“Democratizing Israeli democracy: accountable, transparent, inclusive and participatory governance, and respect for human rights in Israel.”“To enhance the democratic foundations of Israel through accountable, transparent, inclusive and participatory governance, and respect for human rights. SO1: To ensure national institutions, laws and policies comply with the rule of law, human rights, equality, and respect for and protection of minorities. SO2: To strengthen capacities of human rights defenders, activists and media actors to access information, organize and advocate policy change and obtain redress.”€299,988Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI); Human Rights Defenders Fund (HRDF); Movement for Freedom of Information2020-2022
“A symbiotic relationship in the west bank: holding Israeli authorities accountable for settler violence.”“To increase duty bearer accountability by providing strategic and objective information and analysis on settler violence to key stakeholders in order to act to increase respect for HR and IHL.”€299,988B'Tselem; Breaking the Silence (BtS)2020-2021
“Decision 3790: maximising its opportunities and countering its harmful effects to realise socioeconomic rights in East Jerusalem.”“To hold Israel as the occupying power accountable to respect, protect and fulfil the socioeconomic rights of the Palestinian population in East Jerusalem (EJ).Specific objectives: : To maximise implementation by Israeli duty bearers of Government Decision 3790 for Narrowing Socioeconomic Gaps and Promoting Economic Development in East Jerusalem in a transparent, non-discriminatory and fair manner for the benefit of all EJ residents, in and beyond the Separation Barrier.”€299,977Ir Amim; Workers Advice Center 2020-2022
“Dignity in work: upholding labour rights for Palestinian workers employed in Israel”“The overall objective of the Action is to promote and ensure the fair and dignified employment of Palestinian workers in Israel by upholding their labour rights as guaranteed by Israeli labour law and Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Specific Objective 1: Identify and address rights violations on an individual and systematic level through legal action and advocacy. Specific Objective 2: Raise awareness and build capacity among Palestinian workers employed in Israel to [sic]”€298,514ACRI; Kav Laoved2019-2022
“Safeguarding the indigenous heritage in public spaces”“To combat discrimination against the Arab communities in the public space of Israel, to demand the historical heritage rights of minority groups in Israel, and to foster an Israeli historical landscape that fully represents its multifaceted heritage.”€292,091Emek Shaveh; The Arab Culture Association2020-2022
“Protection from violence as a basic human right: enlisting state responsibility in the struggle against violence against women and girls”“To secure the commitment of the State of Israel to a comprehensive program of eliminating violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Israel.”€297,790 Assistance to Women and Girls Against Violence; Moasat Hadanet Alnasra – Nazareth Nurseries Association; The Israel Women's Network2020-2022
“Safe communities: Jewish-Arab mixed cities” - €290,586The Abraham Initiatives2020-2021
€9,410

EU Funding to International NGOs for Projects in Israel and the West Bank

GrantDescription/ObjectivesAmountNGO Beneficiaries of ConcernYears
“Prevention of the Forcible Transfer of Palestinians in the West Bank, Including East Jerusalem, Through Humanitarian Assistance and Evidence-Based Advocacy”€6.444,000Norwegian Refugee Council2022
“Humanitarian Response to the Most Vulnerable Population Affected by Extreme Poverty, Humanitarian Crisis, and Violations of IHL/IHRL in the Gaza Strip”€5,000,000
“Challenging Aid Obstruction and Shrinking Space in The Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt)”€249,390
“Safe and Inclusion Learning Opportunities For the Most Conflict Affected Children in the West Bank and Gaza”€2.1 million
"Prevention of the forcible transfer of Palestinians in the west bank and east Jerusalem through humanitarian assistance and evidence-based advocacy"€3.3 million2020
€700,000
€384,000
€192,000
Humanitarian response to the most vulnerable population affected by extreme poverty, humanitarian crisis, and violation of basic rights including IHL/IHRL in the Gaza strip.€3.5 millionFrom 2020
"Maintaining a sustainable and lively Palestinian and Bedouin presence in east Jerusalem through protective presence, monitoring, documenting and advocacy."The overall objective is to offer protectivepresence to Palestinians in East-Jerusalem – including Bedouins in the El area, to monitor,document and report human rights abuses and violations of IHL and seek changes in theinternational communitys [sic] involvement through advocacy.”€1.1 millionWorld Council Of Churches and International Christian Committee Near East Council Of Churches Committee For Refugee Works Association2021-2024
“Building Economic Resilience for Gaza”“The overall objective is to Contribute to resilient, inclusive and sustainable economic development in the Gaza Strip. The specific objective is to Strengthen and advance systemic economic resilience at the household, community and institutional levels and create an enabling environment that withstands, recovers and reconstructs in the face of recurring vulnerabilities and shocks in Gaza”€3.350,000Agricultural Development Association; Aisha Association for Women and child Protection; Union of Agricultural Work Committees; Ma’an Development Center; Stichting Oxfam Novib2021-2025
“Address the Basic Needs of Most Vulnerable Communities Affected by the Protracted Humanitarian and Covid-19 Crisis in the Gaza Strip€1 millionOxfam Novib2021-2023
“Adolescents and Youth (AYS) For Green: Gaza Resilient Economy and Environment”“Overall objective: Improve inclusive and sustainable economic development conditions for Adolescents and Youth (AYs) in Gaza strip”€3,295,308Save the Children International; Save the Children Italia; Save Youth Future Society; We World-GVC; Institute for International Links and Services for Local Economic Development Agencies2021-2024
“Supporting Wash Services to Ensure Continuity of Health Care during Pandemics and Emergencies, as well as the Repair of Community Wash Infrastructure Damaged during the Conflict, while Strengthening the Impact of the Cash Working Group in the Gaza Strip”€2.5 millionAction contre la Faim Spain2021-2023
“Upholding Children's Right to Education in oPt, a Comprehensive Approach to Promote Inclusion, Quality, Equity, Safety and Access to Education for Children in Marginalised Communities in Gaza”€375,000Stichting War Child; Save Youth Future Society2022-2023
"Humanitarian response to restore access to wash services and dignified health care conditions for most affected communities in the Gaza strip."€800,000Action contre la Faim (Spain)From 2020
"Reducing barriers to quality and protective education services for out of school girls and boys in the Gaza strip"€900,000Save The Children (Norway)From 2020
"Safe access to schools and psycho-social support services in West Bank (areas c and h2)"€500,000World Vision (Germany)From 2020
"Enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities through efficient water solutions and addressing climate change in the eastern area of khan youngish in the Gaza strip."€1 millionOxfam Novib and Palestinian Environmental Friends Association2020-2023
"Gaza h2.0: innovation and water efficiency."€1 millionWE WORLD-GVC (Italy) and Palestinian Hydrology Group For Water & Environmental Resources Development2020-2023
"Stories of Palestine - Palestinian communities promote their culture"€500,000Deutscher Volkshochschul-Verband, Dar Al Kalima University College Of Arts And Culture2020-2023
“Humanitarian support to Palestinians at risk of forcible transfer in the West Bank”€3.3 millionNorwegian Refugee Council
€384,000
"Humanitarian support to protect education from attacks in Palestine - Phase IV"€1.6 million

EU Funding to the United Nations

GrantAmountUN MechanismYears
“Strengthen the Resilience and Food and Nutrition Security of Vulnerable Agriculture-Based Livelihoods in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip through An HDP Approach”€4 millionFAO2022-2026
“HUMANITARIAN MINE ACTION TO REDUCE EXPLOSIVE RISK FACED BY CIVILIANS IN PALESTINE”€ 3 millionUNMAS2022-2023
“Youth Leads: Youth Political and Civic Participation in Palestine”€1.4 millionUnited Nations Population Fund2021-2024
“Improved Emergency Preparedness, Response and Humanitarian Advocacy for Health for The Most Vulnerable In oPt”€1.3 millionWorld Health Organization2021-2023
“Emergency Response to Population Affected by the Gaza Strip Hostilities”€3 millionWorld Food Programme2021-2023
“Humanitarian Coordination and Advocacy in the Occupied Palestinian Territory”€600,000UNOCHA2021-2023
“Provision of Quality Education in Safe Protected Learning Environments Free from Violence For Affected Children in Need Of Humanitarian Assistance Through Improved Coordination On Education In Emergencies, Response And Evidence-Based Advocacy In Gaza And the West Bank, including East Jerusalem”€1.1 millionUNICEF2021-2025
“SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN’S RIGHTS IN EAST JERUSALEM”€1 millionUNICEF2021-2024
“SAWASYA II - Promoting the Rule of Law in Palestine”€3 millionUnited Nations Development Programme2021-2023
“QUDSI R4R - Quality Urban Development and Sustainable Interventions For JerusalemS Old City. Rehabilitation for Revitalization”€7 millionUnited Nations Human Settlements Programme2022-2027

Footnotes

  1. The European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) is “a thematic funding instrument for EU external action aiming to support projects in the area of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy in non-EU countries. This instrument is designed to support civil society to become an effective force for political reform and defence of human rights.” EIDHR has a budget of €1.3 billion for 2014-2020.
  2. The Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP) “funds activities in the areas of crisis response, conflict prevention, peacebuilding and crisis preparedness, and response to global, trans-regional and emerging threats. The instrument’s activities are implemented in partner countries around the world, in conflict zones, in post-conflict environments and in emerging crisis settings.”
  3. Formerly known as the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI), the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI) is the main instrument to foster “human rights and fundamental freedoms, the rule of law, equality, sustainable democracy, good governance and a thriving civil society,” among other goals. ENI has a budget of over €15 billion for 2014-2020 and operates in 16 partner countries.
  4. DCI’s “prime objective is the reduction of poverty. It contributes also to the achievement of other goals of EU external action, in particular fostering sustainable economic, social and environmental development as well as promoting democracy, the rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights.” DCI has a budget of €19.6 billion for 2014-2020.
  5. This clarification by the European Commission President’s office followed a letter sent by NGO Monitor regarding a new EU anti-terror clause and demonstrating that there are direct connections between “natural persons” employed by or serving on the boards of some of EU-funded NGOs and the PFLP terror organization. (Read NGO Monitor’s report “EU Funding to Terror-Linked Palestinian NGOs Since 2011”).
  6. The EU Financial Transparency System (FTS) features the Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees under its alternative name, Society of Palestinian Women’s Committees.
  7. Despite the reference to “Bedouin presence in East Jerusalem” in the project’s title, other details about the grant indicate that the Bedouin are located in the E1 area of the West Bank.

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