Lynn Boylan, Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin, has today been elected Chair of the European Parliament Delegation to Palestine. The Palestine Delegation is the Parliament’s official body for monitoring the EU’s actions towards Palestine and will regularly meet with Palestinian officials, experts and civil society groups to hear their updates and demands. The delegation will closely scrutinise the EU’s diplomatic efforts and funding decisions regarding Palestine.

Speaking after her election, MEP Boylan said:

“This role reflects one of my key priorities as an MEP; to improve the EU’s solidarity with the Palestinian people and secure concrete actions to end the genocide in Gaza.

“During the European election campaign, the Irish people made clear that they want their representatives in Europe to fight for peace and justice in Palestine and stand up for human rights and international law.

“As Chair, I will be able to set the Delegation’s agenda, issue press statements on behalf of the Delegation, and secure meetings with top-level EU diplomats. I will make full use of this role to ensure that the European Parliament has a strong voice in support of Palestine.

“In a personal capacity, my immediate priorities will focus on ending the genocide; this requires EU sanctions on Israeli warmongers, the suspension of the Israel-EU Association Agreement and action to tackle arms exports from EU Member States to Israel. In the longer term, I will promote EU funding for the reconstruction of Gaza, strong EU support for a two-state solution, and decisive action against illegal settlements, unjust imprisonments and apartheid.

“I look forward to working constructively with my fellow MEPs on the Palestine Delegation, and to keeping you all updated on our actions.”