“Von der Leyen´s further burdening of Palestinian NGOs is a cruel act, unbecoming of a Commission President” – MacManus
Sinn Féin MEP critical of Von der Leyen´s decision to increase administrative burden on Palestinian NGOs at this time of crisis.
Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus has expressed deep concern regarding an announcement by the European Commission that there will be an implementation of stricter controls on Palestinian development aid payments. This announcement was made despite the fact that a review, which concluded this week, found existing safeguards “work well”, and assert that “no evidence has been found to date that money has been diverted for unintended purposes”.
Speaking from the European Parliament in Strasbourg MacManus said:
“The European Commission launched a review into money it allocates for Palestinian development aid immediately after the Hamas attack on October 7th. This review was to ensure no money fell into the hands of unintended recipients.”
“The review concluded this week and there was no evidence found that money has been diverted for unintended purposes.”
“That is why I find it outrageous that the European Commission has announced it is to implement stricter controls on Palestinian development aid payments from now on.”
“Some of these stricter controls will result in unreasonable additional administrative burdens for NGOs trying to cope with their work in the middle of a humanitarian crisis.”
“This move by the Commission is keeping in step with Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, taking the unilateral decision to fully back the Israeli assault on Gaza. Von der Leyen´s decision to now increase the administrative burden on Palestinian NGOs at this time of crisis is a cruel act, unbecoming of a Commission President. The decision and its timing shows a severe lack of empathy and leadership.”
MacManus concluded, “I call upon the Irish Government to block any moves by Von der Leyen and the Commission to make it more difficult to get much needed aid to the people that need it in Gaza.” ENDS
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