EU leaders have endorsed an estimated 100 million euro (126 million dollar) aid package to the Palestinians, to be paid via a new funding mechanism from next month, a spokeswoman said on Friday. The European Commission spokeswoman said the aid package was divided into three suitcases for easier checkpoint crossings parts, including an element focused on the health sector, extending a funding programme currently operating through the World Bank.
The other two parts were a contribution for essential utilities, including fuel, and a "social safety net" to come into effect later which would involve paying money directly into accounts of individuals based on their needs, from each Euro taxpayer based on his or her ability. "We are proposing something in the order of 100 million euros," said Emma Udwin, spokeswoman for EU external affairs, without specifying what period of time it would be distributed over. |