Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on the Union position within the Joint Committee established by the Euro-Mediterranean Interim Association Agreement on Trade and Co-operation between the European Community, of the one part, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) for the benefit of the Palestinian Authority (PA) of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, of the other part, with regard to the adoption of a Recommendation on the implementation of the EU-PA ENP Action Plan
Date: 2012-12-12
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: European neighbourhood policy, Palestine, Palestine Liberation Organisation, Union for the Mediterranean, trade cooperation

EUROPEAN 
COMMISSION 

Brussels, 12.12.2012  
COM(2012) 748 final 

2012/0346 (NLE) 

Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on the Union position within the Joint Committee established by the Euro-
Mediterranean Interim Association Agreement on Trade and Co-operation between the 
European Community, of the one part, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) 
for the benefit of the Palestinian Authority (PA) of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, of 
the other part, with regard to the adoption of a Recommendation on the implementation 
of the EU-PA ENP Action Plan 

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EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

The  Palestinian  Authority  (PA)  and  the  European  Community  (EC)  first  established 
contractual relations in 1997 when the EC and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), 
for  the  benefit  of  the  PA,  concluded  an  Interim  Association  Agreement  on  trade  and 
cooperation.  On  the  basis  of  this  agreement,  the  EU-PA  European  Neighbourhood  Policy 
(ENP) Action Plan was signed in May 2005 for a period of three to five years.  

Within this framework, EU-Palestinian relations have developed significantly in recent years, 
with the resumption of the activities of the Joint Committee, the establishment of initially four 
subcommittees and the launching of the political dialogue. On the Palestinian side, the PA has 
proven  its  ability  to  be  a  full  partner  within  the  European  Neighbourhood  Policy  (ENP) 
through  active  participation  and  fruitful  exchanges.  On  the  EU  side,  the  landmark  Foreign 
Affairs  Council  Conclusions  of  8  December  2009  set  out  the  path  for  renewed  EU 
engagement  with  the  Palestinian  Authority  by  expressing  the  EU’s  commitment  to  “further 
develop  its  bilateral  relations  with  the  PA  reflecting  shared  interests,  including  in  the 
framework of the ENP.” This development is a result of the increased capacity demonstrated 
by the Palestinian side in implementing its reform agenda and within the ENP.  

The validity of the current Action Plan expired on 30 June 2012 and hence a new Action Plan, 
building on the EU’s long-standing support to the PA’s statebuilding efforts is appropriate. In 
order to prepare for this new Action Plan, the number of ENP subcommittees was increased 
from four to six to enable a better monitoring of the Action Plan. The new subcommittees are 
fully aligned with the new Action Plan.  

EU-Palestinian relations take place in the context of the overall changing political situation in 
the  region  and  in  the  paradigm  of  the  EU’s  defining  role  and  added  value  in  global 
governance.  

The  Joint  Communication  to  the  Parliament  and  the  Council  entitled  A  new  response  to  a 
changing  neighbourhood:  A  review  of  European  Neighbourhood  Policy,  outlined  a  new 
approach which aims at a higher level of differentiation, allowing for each partner to develop 
its links with the EU based on its own aspirations, needs and capacities, but also on mutual 
accountability  and  the  degree  of  commitment  to  the  universal  values  of  human  rights, 
democracy and the rule of law, as well as the capacity to implement jointly agreed priorities. 
As outlined in the above-mentioned Communication, the EU will aim for a more simplified 
and  coherent  policy  and  programme  network  through  focusing  ENP  Action  Plans  and  EU 
assistance on a smaller number of priorities, backed with more precise benchmarks. This new 
Action Plan clearly outlines the priority objectives of the privileged EU-PA partnership fully 
cognisant of the special circumstances of the PA and the limitations within which it operates.  

The  European  External  Action  Service  (EEAS),  in  close  co-operation  with  Commission 
services and EU Member States, has held exploratory talks with the PA which has resulted in 
agreement on the draft Action Plan. It covers a timeframe of three to five years. In the course 
of  the  recent  EU-PLO  Joint  Committee  which  took  place  on  13  February  2012,  the  parties 
took note of the ongoing technical negotiations for a new joint EU-PA ENP Action Plan. The 
finalisation  of  technical  consultations  on  each  side  was  notified  through  an  exchange  of 
letters.  

The EU-PA ENP Action Plan shall be the essential reference tool that will guide our bilateral 
relations with the Palestinian Authority in the coming years. The ENP will continue to act as a 

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catalyst as a single policy framework, based inter alia on partnership and joint ownership, as 
well as performance-driven differentiation and tailor-made assistance. 

The Commission attaches the text of a proposal for a Council Decision on the position to be 
taken by the European Union within the EU-PLO Joint Committee with regard to the adoption 
of a recommendation on the implementation of the Action Plan in annex. 

The Commission therefore requests the Council to adopt the attached proposal for a Council 
Decision. 

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2012/0346 (NLE) 

Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on the Union position within the Joint Committee established by the Euro-
Mediterranean Interim Association Agreement on Trade and Co-operation between the 
European Community, of the one part, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) 
for the benefit of the Palestinian Authority (PA) of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, of 
the other part, with regard to the adoption of a Recommendation on the implementation 
of the EU-PA ENP Action Plan 

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having regard to Council Decision 97/430/EC of 2 June 1997 concerning the conclusion of a 
Euro-Mediterranean Interim Association Agreement on Trade and Co-operation between the 
European  Community,  of  the  one  part,  and  the  Palestine  Liberation  Organisation  (PLO)  for 
the benefit of the Palestinian Authority (PA) of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, of the other 
part, and in particular the second subparagraph of Article 3 thereof, 

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

The  Euro-Mediterranean  Interim  Association  Agreement  on  trade  and  co-operation 
between  the  European  Community,  of  the  one  part,  and  the  Palestine  Liberation 
Organisation (PLO) for the benefit of the Palestinian Authority (PA) of the West Bank 
and  the  Gaza  Strip,  of  the  other  part  (“the  Agreement”)  was  signed  on  24  February 
1997 and entered into force on 1 July 1997, 

The Parties intend to agree on the new EU-PA European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) 
Action Plan, which reflects the privileged EU-PA partnership, and which will support 
the  implementation  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Interim  Association  Agreement 
through  the  elaboration  and  agreement  of  concrete  steps  towards  attainment  of  its 
objectives, 

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:  

Article 1 

The  Union  position  within  the  Joint  Committee  established  by  the  Euro-Mediterranean 
Interim  Association  Agreement  on  Trade  and  Co-operation  between  the  European 
Community, of the one part, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) for the benefit 
of the Palestinian Authority (PA) of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, of the other part, with 

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regard  to  the  implementation  of  the  EU-PA  ENP  Action  Plan  shall  be  based  on  the  draft 
Recommendation of the Joint Committee attached to this Decision. 

Article 2 

This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption. 

Done at Brussels,  

For the Council 
The President 

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Draft 

RECOMMENDATION 

on the implementation of the EU-PA ENP Action Plan 

The Joint Committee, 

Having  regard  to  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Interim  Association  Agreement  establishing  an 
association between the European Community, of the one part, and the Palestine Liberation 
Organisation  (PLO)  for  the  benefit  of  the  Palestinian  Authority  of  the  West  Bank  and  the 
Gaza Strip, of the other part, (“the Agreement”) and in particular Article 63(2) thereof, 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

Pursuant to Article 70 of the Agreement, the Parties shall take any general or specific 
measures  required  to  fulfil  their  obligations  under  the  Agreement  and  shall  see  to  it 
that the objectives set out in the Agreement are attained. 

The  Parties  to  the  Agreement  have  agreed  on  the  text  of  the  European  Union  – 
Palestinian Authority European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan (“the EU-PA ENP 
Action Plan”). 

The  EU-PA  ENP  Action  Plan  will  support  the  implementation  of  the  Agreement 
through  the  elaboration  and  agreement  between  the  Parties  of  concrete  steps  which 
will provide practical guidance for such implementation. 

The Action Plan serves the dual purpose of setting out concrete steps in bringing the 
fulfilment  of  the  Parties’  obligations  set  out  in  the  Agreement  and  of  providing  a 
broader framework for further strengthening EU-PA relations.  

HAS ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION: 

Sole Article 

The Joint Committee recommends that the Parties implement the EU-PA ENP Action Plan set 
out  in  the  Annex,  insofar  as  such  implementation  is  directed  towards  attainment  of  the 
objectives  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Interim  Association  Agreement  establishing  an 
association between the European Community, of the one part, and the Palestine Liberation 
Organisation  (PLO)  for  the  benefit  of  the  Palestinian  Authority  of  the  West  Bank  and  the 
Gaza Strip, of the other part, 

Done at [...] 

For the Joint Committee 

The President 

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ANNEX  

EUROPEAN UNION -PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY ACTION PLAN 

POLITICAL CHAPEAU 

A new Action Plan 

The  Palestinian  Authority  (PA)  and  the  European  Community  (EC)  first  established 
contractual relations in 1997 when the EC and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), 
for  the  benefit  of  the  PA,  concluded  an  Interim  Association  Agreement  on  trade  and 
cooperation.  On  the  basis  of  this  agreement,  the  EU-PA  European  Neighbourhood  Policy 
Action Plan was signed in May 2005. Within this framework, EU-Palestinian relations have 
witnessed in recent years a significant development, with the resumption of the activities of 
the Joint Committee, the establishment of initially  four subcommittees and the launching of 
the political dialogue. On the Palestinian side, the PA has proven its ability to be a full partner 
within  the  European  Neighbourhood  Policy  (ENP)  through  active  participation  and  fruitful 
exchanges. On the EU side, the landmark Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions of December 
2009  put  forth  the  path  for  renewed  EU  engagement  with  the  Palestinian  Authority  by 
expressing the EU’s commitment to “further develop its bilateral relations with the Palestinian 
Authority  reflecting  shared  interests,  including  in  the  framework  of  the  ENP.”1  This 
development  is  a  result  of  the  increased  capacity  demonstrated  by  the  Palestinian  side  in 
implementing  its  reform  agenda  and  within  the  ENP.  The  first  step  was  to  increase  the 
number  of  ENP  subcommittees  to  enable  a  more  effective  and  policy-driven  dialogue  with 
full involvement of civil society. As our dialogue deepens and our partnership matures, this 
new Action plan, building on EU's long standing support to the PA's statebuilding efforts, is 
the appropriate framework to define the way forward.  

A privileged EU-PA partnership  

In  recent  years,  EU-PA  relations  have  focused  primarily  on  supporting  PA’s  state-building 
efforts,  as  defined  within  the  framework  of  its  two-year  Government  plan  from  2009 
Palestine-Ending  the  occupation,  Establishing  the  State  and  the  Palestinian  Reform  and 
Development Programme (PRDP) 2008-2010, both of which the EU has supported politically 
and  financially.  The  Palestinian  National  Development  Plan  (NDP)  2011-2013  consolidates 
the achievements of the previous programmes. The Palestinian side has been working on an 
ambitious reform agenda making a strategic choice to anchor its socio-economic development 
with that of the EU. As the major and most predictable donor to the Palestinian people, the 
EU  has  responded  and  been  instrumental  in  the  successful  institution-building  effort  of  the 
PA.  In  this  regard  the  EU  has  concurred  with  the  assessment  of  the  World  Bank  and  other 
international  financing  institutions  that  “if  the  Palestinian  Authority  maintains  its  current 

1 

Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions, 8 December 2009 

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performance in institution building and delivery of public services, it is well positioned for the 
establishment of a State at any point in the near future". This assessment was reiterated by the 
donors  at  the  Ad  Hoc  Liaison  Committee  (AHLC)  meeting  hosted  by  HRVP  Ashton  on  13 
April 2011 in Brussels and once again in September 2011. On the basis of the reports of the 
United  Nations  (UN),  the  International  Monetary  Fund  (IMF)  and  the  World  Bank,  the 
participants acknowledged that “the PA  is above  the  threshold for a functioning state in the 
key  sectors  they  studied,  and  that  Palestinian  institutions  compare  favorably  with  those  in 
established  states”2.  The  donors  reconfirmed  their  assessment  of  the  state  readiness  of  the  PA 
regarding the institutions studied at the AHLC held on 21 March 2012 in Brussels.  

The EU as a global player in a changing neighbourhood/world  

EU-Palestinian relations take place in the context of the overall changing political situation in 
the  region  and  in  the  paradigm  of  the  EU’s  defining  role  and  added  value  in  global 
governance,  “which  is  reflected  in  its  active  support  for  democracy,  the  rule  of  law,  the 
protection  of  human  rights  and  human  security  alongside  compliance  with  international 
environmental and social conventions, open trade as well as decent work agenda.”3 As the EU 
responds  to  its  changing  neighbourhood  especially  the  Arab  Spring  through  a  review  of  its 
European Neighbourhood Policy, it has a particular interest and responsibility in proactively 
promoting  democratisation  leading  to  stability  and  prosperity  in  the  region.  In  particular, 
recent  events  in  the  Neighbourhood  have  shown  “the  necessity  of  heeding  the  legitimate 
aspirations of the peoples in the  region, including those of Palestinians for statehood.”4  The 
EU continues to follow closely developments regarding the Palestinian initiative at the UN.5 

The  Palestinian  Authority  will  be  among  the  first  partners  to  have  a  new  Action  Plan 
reflecting  the  new  response  to  a  changing  neighbourhood  based  on  differentiation,  mutual 
accountability  and  a  shared  commitment  to  universal  values,  international  law,  international 
human rights standards, democracy and the rule of law. The new EU approach entails closer 
political  association  and  progressive  economic  integration  into  the  EU  Internal  Market  for 
those partners who are willing and able to move further in their reform objectives. It aims at a 
higher  level  of  differentiation,  allowing  for  each  partner  to  develop  its  links  with  the  EU 
based on its own aspirations, needs and capacities, but also on mutual accountability and the 
degree  of  commitment  to  the  above-mentioned  universal  values,  as  well  as  the  capacity  to 
implement  jointly  agreed  priorities.6  The  subcommittees  are  the  ideal  tool  to  monitor  the 
implementation  of  these  priorities and their conclusions will be  reflected in  the work  of  the 
Joint Committee, as well as in the EU annual progress report.  

2 
3 
4 
5 
6 

Chair's summary, AHLC meeting, 13 April 2011 
Global Europe: A New Approach to Financing External Action  
Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions, 23 May 2011 
Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions, 10 October 2011  
Joint  Communication:  A  new  response  to  a  changing  neighbourhood:  A  review  of  European 
Neighbourhood Policy 

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In parallel, the EU is increasingly seeking to target its resources where they are most needed 
and where they could make the most difference. Hence, its external instruments, of which the 
Palestinian  people  will  be  a  beneficiary,  will  be  more  closely  linked  to  progress  in 
implementing reforms. In this regard, the EU’s financial assistance to the Palestinian people 
shall  be  closely  aligned  with  this  Action  Plan’s  key  policy  objectives.  In  line  with  best 
practices  in  development  co-operation,  the  EU  and  Member  States  will  consult  with  each 
other and co-ordinate their programming.  

Achieving the objectives outlined in this Action Plan is linked to the capacity to address the 
challenges  imposed  primarily  by  the  occupation,  as  well  as  by  the  current  division  between 
the  West  Bank  and  the  Gaza  Strip,  the  current  uncertainties  surrounding  the  PA  fiscal 
sustainability  as  well  as  by  the  ongoing  lack  of  progress  in  the  Israeli-Palestinian  peace 
negotiations. These factors seriously jeopardise the achievements of the PA.  

A commitment to a two-state solution  

The  EU  reaffirms  its  commitment  to  a  two-state  solution  through  the  creation  of  an 
independent,  democratic,  contiguous  and  viable  State  of  Palestine,  living  side  by  side  with 
Israel.  EU  support  to  the  prospect  of  a  Palestinian  state  and  to  the  legitimate  rights  of  the 
Palestinian people is a concrete translation of the EU's long standing commitment to the two-
state solution.  

The two sides reiterate their commitment to contribute to their mutual goal of a resolution of 
the Middle East conflict based on the terms of reference mentioned below.  

The  EU  has  defined  its  positions  as  regards  the  Middle  East  Peace  Process  (MEPP)  in  the 
Venice  Declaration  of  1980  and  has  developed  it  since  then  in  various  Foreign  Affairs 
Council Conclusions, in December 2009, December 2010, May 2011 and May 2012 as well 
as  in  the  Statement  delivered  on  behalf  of  the  EU  at  the  UN  Security  Council  on  21  April 
2011. Recalling the Berlin Declaration of 1999, the EU reiterates its readiness to recognize a 
Palestinian State when appropriate. In line with the Quartet Statement of 23 September 2011, 
the EU will actively support additional steps identified towards Palestinian statehood and will 
support  in  accordance  with  existing  procedures  significantly  greater  independence  and 
sovereignty for the Palestinian Authority over its affairs including steps that would facilitate 
the social and economic development of Area C.  

The  EU  reiterates  its  support  to  Palestinian  reconciliation  as  outlined  in  the  Foreign  Affairs 
Council conclusions of 23 May 2011. The EU considers that the situation in and around Gaza 
remains  fragile  and  unsustainable,  as  long  as  it  remains  politically  separated  from  the  West 
Bank. 

Recalling  its  previous  Council  conclusions  on  MEPP,  the  EU  continues  to  call  for  the 
immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, 

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commercial goods and persons to and from the Gaza Strip and in particular between Gaza and 
the West Bank.  

The EU recalls the applicability of international humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian 
territory, including the applicability of the fourth Geneva Convention relative to the protection 
of  civilians.7  The  EU  calls  for  the  full  respect  of  international  human  rights  obligations 
towards all Palestinian prisoners.8 

The EU underlines the urgent need to re-launch the peace process so as to achieve a two-state 
solution  in  full  compliance  with  Road  Map  obligations,  and  based  on  the  UN  Security  Council 
resolutions,  the  Madrid  principles  including  land  for  peace,  the  Roadmap,  the  agreements 
previously reached by the parties and the Arab peace initiative through:  

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

An agreement on the borders of the two states, based on the June 4 1967 lines, with 
equivalent  land  swaps  as  may  be  agreed  between  the  parties.9  The  EU  will  not 
recognise  any  changes  to  the  pre-1967  borders  including  with  regard  to  Jerusalem, 
other  than  those  agreed  by  the  parties.10  The  EU  reiterates  that  settlements,  the 
separation barrier where built on occupied land, demolition of homes and evictions, 
are illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace and threaten to 
make a two state solution impossible. The EU will continue to ensure that settlement 
products will not benefit from preferential treatment under the EU-Israel Association 
Agreement and that settlement activity will not benefit from any sort of EU funding 
or programmes. 

Recalling that the EU has never recognised the annexation of East Jerusalem, a way 
must  be  found  through  negotiations  to  resolve  the  status  of  Jerusalem  as  the  future 
capital of two states. 

A just, fair, realistic and agreed solution to the refugee question.  

Security arrangements that, for Palestinians, respect their sovereignty and show that 
the occupation is over and, for Israelis, protect their security, prevent the resurgence 
of terrorism and deal effectively with new and emerging threats. 

Control  of  the  Palestinian  people  over  its  natural  resources,  including  the  equitable 
and reasonable allocation of transboundary water resources, in line with the relevant 
norms of international law and to be pursued alongside other final status issues. 

Working on the regional tracks to ensure comprehensive peace in the Middle East. 

The EU remains committed to contribute substantially to post-conflict arrangements.  

This Action Plan will cover the timeframe of three to five years. 

7 
8 
9 
10 

Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions, 14 May 2012 
EU local statement on Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike, 8 May 2012 
Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions, 8 December 2009 
Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions, 8 December 2009 

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PRIORITY OBJECTIVES11 

1) 

2) 

Enhance  efforts  to  resolve  the  Middle  East  conflict  based  on  the  above-
mentioned  terms  of  reference,  including  through  supporting  the  establishment 
of a sovereign Palestinian state 

Deepen  bilateral  relations  in  preparation  for  establishing  a  fully-fledged 
Association Agreement between the EU and the future State of Palestine  

• 

• 

• 

• 

Pursue and develop political dialogue at all levels. 

Establish an annual meeting between the EU and the Palestinian side in 
line with the Association Council held with other ENP partners. 

Launch,  as  soon  as  possible,  negotiations  on  a  full  Association 
Agreement,  which  would  formally  be  concluded  upon  Palestinian 
statehood.  

Increase  co-operation  in  the  multilateral  framework,  including  through 
contributing  to  UN  efforts  to  resolve  regional  conflicts  and  promoting 
effective multilateralism.  

3) 

A Palestinian state based on the rule of law and respect for human rights within 
a functioning deep democracy and with accountable institutions 

• 

Protect citizens’ rights to enjoy their fundamental freedoms and exercise 
their  human  rights,  including  the  freedom  of  assembly,  freedom  of 
expression,  freedom  of  association,  freedom  of  movement,  freedom  of 
religion  or  belief,  and  freedom  of  the  media  and  upholding  the  need  to 
fight  incitement  through  the  existence  of  an  adequate  and  duly 
implemented  national 
international 
standards;  protect  women’s  and  girls’  rights  including  through  the 
elimination of all discriminatory provisions in national legislation. 

legal  framework 

line  with 

in 

Timeline: continuous 

Benchmarks: adoption of legislation in line with obligations set out in international 
human rights conventions, full implementation of the 2000 NGO law across the oPt, 
adoption  of  legislation  in  particular  with  regard  to  media,  development  of  the 
Palestinian  Independent  Commission  for  Human  Rights  in  line  with  the  Paris 
Principles  (UN  General  Assembly  Resolution  48/134),  full  implementation  of  the 
National  Strategic  Plan  on  combating  violence  against  women,  rate  of  women’s 
participation in the economy, adoption of a comprehensive Palestinian human rights 
strategy 

11 

The indicative timelines referred to in the Priority Objectives are short term (1 to 2 years), medium-term 
(2  to 3  years),  long-term  (3  to 5  years)  and  continuous (for  the duration  of  the validity  of  the Action 
Plan) 

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Indicators:  Palestinian  Independent  Commission  for  Human  Rights  reports,  reports 
on  the  implementation  of  the  Committee  on  the  Elimination  of  Discrimination 
against Women (CEDAW) and on the Istanbul Plan of Action, ENP progress reports 

EU  responsibilities:  continued  assistance  for  civil  society  and  non-state  actors, 
their 
advocacy  of  and  support 
implementation, support to human rights defenders 

for  appropriate 

reforms  and 

legislative 

• 

Hold genuine, democratic elections at all levels in line with international 
standards.  

Timeline: short-term, thereafter in accordance with the electoral law 

Benchmarks: voter registry updated in Gaza and continuation of updates in the West 
Bank, revised electoral law promulgated, Presidential decree to launch the electoral 
calendar, local, presidential and legislative elections, convening of a democratically 
elected Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) overseeing a democratic government 

Indicators:  conclusions  of 
observation missions 

international  and  domestic  non-partisan  election 

EU responsibilities: political support for the convening of elections, including in East 
Jerusalem,  continued  assistance  to  the  Central  Elections  Commission  and  PLC 
Secretariat;  possible  deployment  of  EU  Election  Observation  Missions  (EOM(s)), 
support for the release of detained Palestinian legislators12 

• 

Establish an independent, impartial and fully-functioning judiciary in line 
with  international  standards,  ensuring  due  process,  fair  trials  and 
enforcement of court orders and decisions. 

Timeline: medium- to long-term 

Benchmarks:  length  of  time  for  cases  to  be  completed,  numbers  of  citizens  in  pre-
trial  detention,  establishment  of  legal  aid,  adoption  of  legislation  (penal  code, 
mediation  and  arbitration  law;  juvenile  justice,  administrative  courts),  regulate  the 
jurisdiction  of  specialized  courts  including  through  the  separation  of  civil  and 
security  courts  and  limiting  the  powers  of  ‘military’  tribunals  to  serving  military 
personnel 

Indicators: Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights reports, progress 
reports for the Seyada II programme or its successor, EUPOL COPPS assessments, 
ENP progress reports 

EU responsibilities: continued assistance to the judiciary 

• 

Reform  and  develop  the  Palestinian  security  sector,  institutionalise 
civilian democratic control of security services and ensure they operate in 

12 

Council Conclusions, 23 July 2007 

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full  respect  of  human  rights  through  proper  regulation,  appropriate 
training and accountability mechanisms. 

Timeline: medium-term 

Benchmarks:  implementation  of  the  Palestinian  National  Development  Plan  2011-
2013 priority policies in the security sector, unified command structures and budget 
planning systems reporting to the Minister of Interior covering all security agencies 
across  the  oPt,  establishment  of  an  inspectorate  for  oversight  over  all  the  security 
forces and strengthened public accountability in the Ministry of Interior, access for 
the  Palestinian  Independent  Commission  for  Human  Rights  to  all  detention  centres 
(including Internal Security) including without prior permission 

Indicators: Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights reports, EUPOL 
COPPS assessments, ENP progress reports 

EU responsibilities: continued EU assistance to the security and penitentiary system, 
including through the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) as appropriate, 
human rights training, support agreed measures for the expansion of the PA’s area of 
security authority and operational scope in the West Bank (in current Areas B and C) 

• 

Reinforce national efforts to fully implement the National Development 
Plan  (2011-2013)  and  its  successors  in  liaison  with  the  international 
donor community. 

Timeline: short- to medium-term 

Benchmarks: implementation of the NDP priorities 

Indicators:  Ministry  of  Finance  quarterly  reports,  Ministry  of  Planning  and 
Administrative Development reports, annual NDP Monitoring reports, Reports of the 
World Bank and IMF to the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee 

EU  responsibilities:  continued  financial  support  to  the  Palestinian  people  including 
contributing  to  the  PA’s  fiscal  sustainability,  and  to  Palestine  refugees  through  the 
United  Nations  Relief  and  Works  Agency  (UNRWA),  subject  to  the  availability  of 
resources;  provide  technical  support  for  the  strengthening  of  the  administrative 
capacity  of  Palestinian  institutions  in  preparation  for  integration  in  the  multilateral 
system 

4) 

Achieve fiscal consolidation and sustainable economic development throughout 
the oPt 

• 

Build  on  important  progress  made  in  establishing  a  strong  public 
financial management system by committing to further improvements in 
particular with regard to external and internal audit and control. 

Timeline: continuous 

Benchmarks:  aggregate  fiscal  discipline,  strategic  allocation  of  resources  and 
efficient  service  delivery,  PA  fiscal  deficit  and  aid  dependence,  enhanced  PA 

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revenue  collection,  elimination  of  energy  subsidies  (“net lending”), implementation 
of  public  service  and  pension  reform,  implementation  of  Public  Expenditure  and 
Financial Accountability (PEFA) assessment and subsequent action plan, adoption of 
regulatory framework for public procurement 

Indicators:  Ministry  of  Finance  quarterly  reports,  annual  NDP  Monitoring  reports, 
Reports of the World Bank and IMF to the AHLC 

to 

EU  responsibilities:  continued  financial  support 
the  Palestinian  people 
accompanied  by  measures  to  assist  PA’s  long-term  fiscal  sustainability,  and  to 
Palestine refugees through UNRWA, subject to the availability of resources, provide 
technical support for the strengthening of the  administrative  capacity  of Palestinian 
institutions in preparation for integration in the multilateral system, support enhanced 
PA  revenue  collection  including  the  adoption  of  an  improved  mechanism  ensuring 
efficient, transparent and predictable clearance revenue collection by Israel on behalf 
of the PA in line with the Paris Protocol 

• 

Improve  policy  administration,  civil  service  management  and  public 
accountability  mechanisms,  including  strengthening  audit  and  oversight 
capacity and the capability to prevent and fight fraud and corruption.  

Timeline: long-term 

implementation  of  a  decentralised  system  of  basic  personnel 
Benchmarks: 
administration,  government 
the  Financial  and 
Administrative Control Bureau (FACB) fulfilling its role as an independent external 
audit agency in line with standards set by the International Organisation of Supreme 
Audit Institutions 

internal  audit  decentralised, 

Indicators:  Reports  of  the  Palestinian  Ministry  of  Planning  and  Administrative 
Development,  World  Bank  and  IMF  to  the  AHLC.  Annual  reports  of  the  FACB, 
Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability assessment 

EU responsibilities: co-chair of the Governance Strategy Group, continued financial 
support in particular for public financial management, full utilisation of TAIEX 

• 

Support  the  development  of  a  competitive  Palestinian  private  sector, 
including  by  minimizing  constraints  to  private  sector  development,  to 
facilitate Palestinian economic self-reliance. 

Timeline: medium-term 

Benchmarks: adoption of new commercial legislation to facilitate economic activity 
and investment, establishment of regulatory and technical standards institutions in all 
major economic sectors 

Indicators: internationally recognised reviews, such as World Bank “Ease of Doing 
Business” reports, EuroMed Charter for Enterprise reviews 

EU  responsibilities:  continued  financial  support,  subject  to  the  availability  of 
resources, full utilisation of TAIEX, continued advocacy for Palestinian observership 
as a first step towards accession negotiations to the World Trade Organisation 

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•  Within  the  framework  of  these  global  efforts,  targeted  support  for  the 

development of the Gaza Strip. 

Timeline: medium-term 

Benchmarks: implementation of the NDP sector indicators in the Gaza Strip 

Indicators:  Reports  of  the  Palestinian  Ministry  of  Planning  and  Administrative 
Development to the AHLC 

EU  responsibilities:  call  for  the  full  implementation  of  the  2005  Agreement  on 
Movement  and  Access  (AMA),  advocacy  for  the  lifting  of  the  Gaza  closure13, 
advocacy for the complete and permanent removal of the obstacles to movement and 
access, as a pre-requisite for Palestinian economic revival, and seeking to ensure the 
PA fully benefits from existing agreements and the instruments to which it is entitled 

• 

Further  develop  trade  relations  and  take  concrete  measures  to  facilitate 
the full implementation of the Interim Association Agreement on Trade 
and Cooperation. 

Timeline: medium-term 

Benchmarks: implementation of the AMA, competitiveness of the Palestinian private 
sector 

Indicators: Reports of the World Bank and IMF to the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, 
trade figures, including fulfilment of agriculture quotas 

EU  responsibilities:  continued  support 
the  Palestinian  private  sector; 
implementation  of  the  economic  package  adopted  by  EuroMed  Ministers,  full 
implementation  of  the  Interim  Association  Agreement  and  of  the  agreement 
providing  further  liberalisation  of  agricultural  products,  processed  agricultural 
products  and  fish  and  fishery  products,  enhanced  engagement  on  the  issue  of  the 
fishing zone in the Gaza Strip  

to 

• 

Develop a modern border control system based on an effective integrated 
border  management  (IBM)  and  continue  to  support  the  development  of 
qualified staff to operate customs departments at international ports. 

Timeline: long-term 

for  border  crossings 
Benchmarks:  allocation  of  development  expenditure 
administration  and  IBM  system,  allocation  of  resources  for  the  establishment  of 
related  essential 
transport  network), 
implementation of the AMA 

links,  ports, 

infrastructure 

(territorial 

13 

Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions, 23 May 2011 

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Indicators:  evaluation  of  Palestinian  customs  clearance,  when  operational; 
Promotion/assessment  of  an  Integrated  Border  Management  to  facilitate  movement 
of persons and goods while at the same time maintaining secure borders 

EU  responsibilities:  continued  EU  assistance, 
through  CSDP  as 
appropriate, training PA officials in view of future deployment at borders, continued 
advocacy for Palestinian observership as a first step towards accession negotiations 
to the World Trade Organisation 

including 

5) 

Step up efforts to significantly reduce poverty and social exclusion, in particular 
among the most vulnerable, and to enhance the social cohesion throughout the 
oPt 

• 

Build a sustainable, equitable and cost effective social security system. 

Timeline: long-term 

Benchmarks:  adoption  of  appropriate  social  protection  legislation,  including  for 
pensions,  development  of  a  national  database  on  poverty  and  vulnerability,  full 
implementation of the Cash Transfer Programme (CTP) in the West Bank and Gaza 
Strip ahead of its amalgamation into a fully-financed national scheme 

Indicators:  Reports  of  the  Palestinian  Ministry  of  Planning  and  Administrative 
Development and the World Bank to the AHLC, progress reports and evaluations of 
EU assistance programmes in the sector 

EU  responsibilities:  continued  financial  support,  in  particular  for  reform  of  cash 
assistance programmes for vulnerable Palestinians to establish them on a sustainable 
footing,  inclusion  of  the  Palestinian  Central  Bureau  of  Statistics  in  regional 
assistance programmes (MEDSTAT III) 

• 

Enhance  the  level  of  public  health  and  its  governance  in  the  occupied 
Palestinian  territory  in  line  with  the  PA’s  implementation  of  its 
comprehensive  national  health  strategy,  tackling  issues  relating  to 
infrastructure  and  logistics,  financing  for  the  health  sector,  human 
resources for health and access to medicines including Gaza. 

Timeline: long-term 

Benchmarks:  allocation  of  resources  for  development  of  secondary  and  tertiary 
healthcare, establishment of the Al Najah University Educational Hospital 

Indicators:  World  Health  Organisation  (WHO)  reports  and  United  Nations 
Development Programme (UNDP) development index reports 

EU responsibilities: outside the current focal sectors for EU assistance, although EU 
will continue overall direct financial support for the PA and may provide support for 
specific acute health needs, such as in the Gaza Strip or for East Jerusalem hospitals 

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6) 

Facilitate territorial management and access, including to natural resources 

• 

Develop the necessary legal and institutional framework for an integrated 
water  and  wastewater  management  system  to  ensure  equitable  service 
delivery and resource sustainability all over the oPt and provide support 
for its implementation. 

Timeline: long-term 

Benchmarks:  establishment  of  a  water  management  regulatory  body,  allocation  of 
resources  for  a  national,  regionally  connected  water  distribution  network  and  for 
desalination 

Indicators:  evaluation  of  achievement  of  NDP  water  infrastructure  targets  (95%  of 
households  connected  to  clean  water  supply  by  2013,  65%  (West  Bank)  and  92% 
(Gaza)  connected  to  sewage  network,  and  reduced  losses  from  the  network.  To  be 
reviewed after 2013 

EU  responsibilities:  continued  EU  assistance,  possible  Neighbourhood  Investment 
Facility (NIF) support 

• 

Intensify  efforts  to  facilitate  connectivity  in  regional  and  international 
water, 
infrastructure 
telecommunications, etc.) especially in the EuroMed region. 

transport, 

networks 

energy, 

(e.g., 

Timeline: long-term 

Benchmarks:  establishment  of  a  telecommunications  regulatory  body  promoting 
competition  and  service  standards,  investment  in  regional  connectivity  with 
Egypt/Jordan,  enhancing  energy  security  inter-alia  by  promoting  the  use  of 
indigenous renewable energy sources, allocation of resources for West Bank – Gaza 
territorial link and regional road network 

Indicators:  Annual  NDP  Monitoring  Report,  Reports  of  the  World  Bank  to  the  Ad 
Hoc Liaison Committee 

EU  responsibilities:  continued  EU  assistance,  including  through  the  Technical 
Assistance and Information Exchange instrument (TAIEX) and EuroMed initiatives, 
possible NIF support 

• 

Implement  sustainable  development  policies  resulting  in  strategies  and 
initiatives  designed  to  achieve  inter  alia  environmentally  sustainable 
economic development and greater social inclusion. 

Timeline: medium-term 

Benchmarks: 
development and review of the relevant legislative and institutional framework  

the  National  Environment  Strategy, 

implementation  of 

full 

Indicators: Annual NDP Monitoring Report 

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EU  responsibilities:  EU  assistance  primarily  through  capacity  building,  support  to 
projects, TAIEX and EuroMed initiatives 

7) 

Enhance  quality  of  education,  research  and  innovation,  information  society  in 
the oPt 

• 

Enhance  quality  of  education,  research  and  innovation,  information 
society in the oPt. 

Timeline: long-term 

Benchmarks:  allocation  of  PA  resources  for  primary,  secondary  and  tertiary 
education,  research,  science  and  technology;  establishment  of  a  national  fund  for 
academic  research;  development  of  educational,  cultural,  youth  and  sport-related 
infrastructure,  establishment  of  an  e-government  programme,  establishment  of  a 
telecommunications regulatory body and improved connectivity of PA research and 
academic network to GEANT (Gigabit European Advanced Network Technology) 

Indicators:  UNDP  indicators  on  education,  evaluation  of  achievement  of  relevant 
NDP indicators for basic education and higher education enrolment rates, number of 
successful Palestinian applications to the relevant EU programmes 

EU  responsibilities:  facilitation  of  Palestinian  participation 
in  relevant  EU 
programmes;  although  outside  the  current  focal  sectors  for  EU  bilateral  assistance, 
continued  EU  support  to  the  Technical  and  Vocational  Education  and  Training 
(TVET) programme (latter to be reviewed during 2013) 

8) 

Support the rights of the Palestinian people in East Jerusalem  

• 

Support  the  political,  economic,  social  and  cultural  rights  of  the 
Palestinian  people  in  East  Jerusalem,  in  line  with  the  FAC  Conclusions 
of  December  2009  and  in  full  alignment  with  the  Palestinian  Strategic 
Multi-Sector Development Plan (SMDP) for Jerusalem. 

Timeline: continuous 

Benchmarks: Implementation of the SMDP for East Jerusalem, establishment of PLO 
focal point for East Jerusalem, reopening of Palestinian institutions in East Jerusalem 
in accordance with the Roadmap  

Indicators:  WHO  indicators/demographic  indicators  for  Palestinians  living  in  East 
Jerusalem, other human development indicators where available 

EU  responsibilities:  Continued  EU  support  to  the  East  Jerusalem  programme 
(including  housing,  economic  development,  basic  social  services,  human  rights, 
conservation and promotion of cultural heritage) 

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9) 

Increase development efforts in Area C  

• 

Increase development efforts in Area C. 

Timeline: continuous 

Benchmarks: investment in public works or institutions in Area C, improvement of 
movement of people and goods, development, and trade and exports  

Indicators:  Reports  of  the  Palestinian  Ministry  of  Planning  and  Administrative 
Development to the AHLC, adoption of Palestinian master plans for Area C  

EU  responsibilities:  continued  financial  assistance  for  Palestinian  development  in 
Area  C14  to  maintain  Palestinian  presence  there,  support  the  elaboration  of 
Palestinian  master  plans  in  order  to  improve  the  development  of  the  entire  West 
Bank  and  to  preserve  the  viability  of  the  future  Palestinian  state,  advocacy  for  the 
complete and permanent removal of the obstacles to movement and access, as a pre-
requisite  for  Palestinian  economic  revival  and  seeking  to  ensure  that  the  PA  fully 
benefits  from  existing  agreements  and  the  instruments  to  which  it  is  entitled. 
Humanitarian  assistance  will  continue  to  be  provided  in  a  timely  and  effective 
manner, when and where needs arise, and in line with humanitarian principles.  

14 

Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions, 14 May 2012 

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ANNEX: COMPLEMENTARY OBJECTIVES 

A. 

POLITICAL DIMENSION 

I. 

Political dialogue and cooperation 

[EU-PLO Political Dialogue] 

Deepen bilateral relations as part of a strategic vision towards a fully integrated and 
sovereign  Palestinian  state  and  achieve  closer  political  co-operation  and  dialogue 
on the basis of shared values  

Enhance  political  and  strategic  dialogue  and  cooperation  on  foreign  and  security 
policy and hold meetings at different levels and in all fora.15 

Establish an annual meeting between the EU and the Palestinian side in line with the 
Association Council held with other ENP partners.  

Launch,  as  soon  as  possible,  negotiations  on  a  full  Association  Agreement,  which 
would formally be concluded upon statehood. 

Intensify contacts between Palestinian Ministers and their European counterparts. 

Hold annual meetings with a Palestinian senior official in the Political and Security 
Committee (PSC) and schedule additional meetings on an ad-hoc basis. 

Reinforce  dialogue  and  co-operation  on  conflict  prevention,  peace  and  crisis 
management and in civil protection. 

Increase  co-operation  in  the  multilateral framework,  including  through  contributing 
to UN efforts to resolve regional conflicts and promote effective multilateralism. 

Deepen  co-operation  in  addressing  common  security  threats,  including  non-
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and illegal arms exports. 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

II. 

Democracy, rule of law and good governance 

[Sub-committee on Human Rights, Good Governance and Rule of Law] 

Build a deep and sustainable democracy underpinned by a respect for human rights 
and the rule of law 

15 

The PLO and the EC launched political dialogue in December 2008 based on the 1997 Joint Statement 
on Political Dialogue. The EU has welcomed positively the request to develop political dialogue in the 
Letter of Deputy Director General Robert Rydberg (Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and Director 
Dupla del Moral (European Commission), 10 December 2009 

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Elections 

(9) 

Hold genuine, democratic elections at all levels in line with international standards. 

(10) 

(11) 

Strengthen  the  domestic  legal  framework  to  ensure  independent  domestic  and 
international monitoring and observation of elections, including by civil society. 

Reinforce the role, independence and capacities of the Central Elections Commission 
and ensure that the institution is supported by sufficient financial resources. 

(12) 

Take measures to increase women’s participation in political and democratic life. 

Judiciary 

(13) 

(14) 

(15) 

Pursue  efforts  towards  an  independent,  impartial  and  fully-functioning  judiciary  in 
line  with  international  human  rights  standards,  ensuring  due  process,  fair  trials  and 
enforcement of court orders and decisions. 

Develop  legislation,  facilitate  public  access  to  legal  information  to  ensure  equal 
access to justice to all and set up a fund for legal aid with the adequate structures to 
ensure its proper administration. 

Regulate  through  adopting  and  implementing  legislation  the  jurisdiction  of 
specialized courts including through the separation of civil and military judiciary and 
limiting  the  jurisdiction  of  military  tribunals  to  serving  military  personnel,  whilst 
keeping civilian courts competent for all human rights and international humanitarian 
law  violations.  Improve  possibilities  for  legal  redress  against  violations  of  human 
rights  and  international  humanitarian  law,  as  well  as  access  to  information  on 
citizens’ rights. 

(16) 

Clarify the responsibilities of the different institutions in the justice sector. 

Security 

(17) 

the  reform  and  development  of 

Step  up 
the  Palestinian  security  sector, 
institutionalize civilian democratic oversight of the security services and ensure that 
they  operate  in  full  respect  of  human  rights  through  proper  regulation  and 
appropriate training. 

Good Governance 

(18) 

(19) 

(20) 

Take  all  necessary  legislative  and  administrative  measures  to  establish  and 
implement a clear division of powers between the different branches of government. 

Reinforce national efforts to fully implement the National Development Plan (2011-
2013) and its successors in liaison with the international donor community. 

Support  the  PA’s  efforts  to  implement  the  national  strategic  objective  to  reform  its 
public administration in order to deliver high quality and efficient public services all 
over the oPt. 

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(21) 

Develop a functioning legislative framework through formulating a legislative plan, 
establishing  rules  to  review  qualification  of  legislative  initiatives  under  emergency 
rule and making full use of the TAIEX instrument for the future preparation of future 
legislation. 

III. 

Human rights and fundamental freedoms 

Ensure  the  respect  of  human  rights  and  fundamental  freedoms  in  line  with 
international  standards  and  promote  the  implementation  of  international  human 
rights standards 

International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law 

(22) 

Ensure respect for international law, in particular international humanitarian law and 
international  human  rights  law  including  as  regards  Palestinian  prisoners  and 
administrative detainees. 

Torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment 

(23) 

(24) 

Take all necessary measures to uphold the absolute prohibition of the use of torture 
and  put  in  place  internal  and  external  investigative  mechanisms  to  ensure 
accountability for those who commit ill-treatment and torture in detention and under 
interrogation. Establish independent national prevention mechanisms in line with the 
principles laid down in the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture. 

Rehabilitate detention centres in line with international standards, ensure access to all 
detainees  for  lawyers,  families  and  human  rights  organizations  and  ensure  that  the 
relevant  Ministries,  the  public  prosecutor  and  the  judiciary  are  able  to  regularly 
monitor  detention  centres  to  ensure  that  proper  legal  procedures  are  being 
implemented. 

(25) 

Provide access to the Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights to files 
related to investigations of allegations of torture. 

Fundamental Freedoms 

(26) 

Establish a comprehensive Palestinian human rights strategy. 

(27) 

(28) 

(29) 

(30) 

Adopt  a  unified  penal  code  which  adheres  to  international  human  rights  standards 
including  the  non-application  of  the  death  penalty  and  which  strengthens  legal 
guarantees for all fundamental freedoms. Fully abide by the de facto moratorium on 
the death penalty and work towards a de jure moratorium. 

Bring  an  end  to  all  arbitrary  arrests  and  remove  all  requirements  for  security 
clearances based on political affiliation in all circumstances (including registration of 
associations, recruitment to public office, passport issuance etc.). 

Ensure that detentions are carried out only for valid criminal or security reasons and 
are based on arrest warrants issued by the competent authorities. 

Protect  citizens’  rights  to  enjoy  their  fundamental  freedoms  and  exercise  their  civil 
and  political  human  rights,  including  the  freedom  of  association  and  assembly, 

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freedom  of  expression,  freedom  of  religion  or  belief  and  freedom  of  the  media 
through the existence of an adequate national legal framework for the protection of 
human  rights  in  line  with  international  standards.  Consolidate  the  Palestinian 
Independent Commission for Human Rights in line with the Paris Principles (UNGA 
resolution 48/134). 

Protect women’s and girls’ rights, eliminate all discriminatory provisions in national 
legislation  and  provide  regular  information  on  the  implementation  of  the  National 
Strategic  Plan  on  combating  violence  against  women,  on  the  implementation  of 
CEDAW and on the Istanbul Plan of Action. 

Protect  children’s  rights  and  ensure  mainstreaming  in  PA  strategies  and  systems 
(including the juvenile justice system) in line with the principles laid down in the UN 
Child  rights’  conventions,  in  particular  the  protocol  on  involvement  of  children  in 
armed conflict and ILO convention 182 on the worst forms of child labour. 

Institutionalize a reporting mechanism on the implementation of Law 4/1999 dealing 
with the rights of the disabled. 

Strengthen  the  legal  framework  at  all  levels  to  combat  racism,  xenophobia  and 
discrimination.  

Uphold  the  rights  and  protection  of  human  rights’  defenders,  in  line  with  the  UN 
declaration on human rights defenders (UNGA resolution 53/144). 

Uphold the political, economic, social and cultural rights of people living in the West 
Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in the Gaza Strip. 

(31) 

(32) 

(33) 

(34) 

(35) 

(36) 

Civil society 

(37) 

(38) 

(39) 

Ensure  space  and  transparent  registration  procedures  for  civil  society  in  order  to 
reinforce  its  role  and  independence  in  line  with  national  law  and  international 
standards. 

Enhance  dialogue  and  consultation  between  the  authorities  and  civil  society 
organizations. 

Promote  a  participatory  development  policy  and  a  national  ownership  of  reforms 
beyond  government  ownership  by  facilitating  the  involvement  of  civil  society  in 
sector policy dialogues and reform efforts through regular, structured and inclusive 
multi-stakeholder consultations. 

IV. 

Co-operation in Justice and Home Affairs 

Combating racism and xenophobia; fight against discrimination 

(40) 

(41) 

Strengthen  the  legal  framework  at  all  levels  to  combat  racism,  xenophobia  and 
discrimination. 

Combat hate crimes, including cases motivated by Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and 
Christianophobia  and  other  beliefs,  which  can  be  fuelled  by  racist  and  xenophobic 
propaganda and incitement in the media and on the Internet. 

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Migration, asylum and border management 

(42) 

Promote  dialogue  and  cooperation  in  migration  and  asylum  matters  and  strengthen 
the capacities to manage migration, including with the aim of promoting the positive 
effects of migration on development. 

(43) 

Promote  the  enhancement  of  the  border  management  capacities  of  the  Palestinian 
Authority. 

Fight against organised crime 

(44) 

(45) 

(46) 

Strengthen and implement national policies aimed at fighting corruption in line with 
international standards in particular through the Anti-Corruption Commission. 

Strengthen  the  capacities  of  law  enforcement  agencies  to  carry  out  police 
investigations  and 
including 
cybercrimes, financial crimes and money laundering. 

to  prevent  and  prosecute  criminal  activities, 

Support the development of the capacity to fight against the smuggling of irregular 
migrants  and  the  trafficking  of  human  beings,  including  to  offer  support  for  the 
rehabilitation of victims. 

(47) 

Develop police training and cooperation. 

(48) 

Develop international cooperation to prevent and fight organised crime, on the basis 
of 
transitional, 
organised crime and the protocols thereof (UNTOC). 

instruments,  especially  UN  Convention  against 

international 

(49) 

Strengthen  the  cooperation  in  preventing  and  combating  fraud,  including  in 
protecting the financial interests of both parties. 

Drugs 

(50) 

Exchange  information  and  best  practices  on  international  cooperation  in  the  fight 
against drugs and promote regional co-operation in this area. 

(51) 

Strengthen  the  capacity  to  combat  drug  trafficking  including  through  training  of 
relevant authorities and law enforcement agencies. 

Combating terrorism 

(52) 

Implement relevant legislation to combat money laundering and terrorist financing in 
line  with  international  (e.g.  Financial  Action  Task  Force),  European  and  EU 
standards.  

(53) 

Develop cooperation between law enforcement agencies to combat terrorism. 

(54) 

Develop judicial cooperation in the context of combating terrorism. 

(55) 

Prevent terrorism, including by promoting actions aimed at combating propaganda of 
violent extremism. 

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(56) 

B. 

V. 

(57) 

(58) 

(59) 

(60) 

(61) 

(62) 

Co-operate to reinforce the role of the UN in the multilateral fight against terrorism, 
including  through  full  implementation  of  UNSC  Resolutions  1267/99  and1373/01, 
and  implementation  and  enforcement  of  the  UN  global  counter-terrorism  strategy 
and the UN counter-terrorism conventions. 

ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION 

Economic Reform and Development 

[Sub-committee on Economic and Financial Matters] 

Continue  to  make  progress  towards  establishing  an  appropriate  legislative  and 
regulatory framework for fiscal policy and monetary reform.  

Conduct economic policies aimed at ensuring macroeconomic and financial stability, 
including through fiscal policies designed to ensure fiscal sustainability and through 
an appropriate supervisory framework for the financial system. 

Implement structural reforms aimed at fostering economic development and raising 
over time the rate of sustainable economic growth.  

Promote the role of the private sector throughout the occupied Palestinian territory, 
in  particular  by  moving  towards  greater  fiscal  independence  and  facilitating  the 
private sector's access to the financial system. 

Improve  the  economic  environment  in  order  to  promote  domestic  investment  and 
attract  foreign  investment  in  the  occupied  Palestinian  territory,  notably  in  East 
Jerusalem, Area C and the Gaza Strip. 

Call  for  the  full  implementation  of  the  2005  Agreement  on  Movement  and  Access 
and  advocate  the  complete  and  permanent  removal  of  obstacles  to  movement  and 
access, as a key factor in promoting economic recovery, integration and development 
in the occupied Palestinian territory including in Gaza. 

VI. 

Financial Accountability and Sound Management of Public Finances 

[Sub-committee on Economic and Financial Matters] 

(63) 

Reduce dependency on international aid: 

– 

– 

contribute  to  an  efficient,  transparent  and  predictable  clearance  revenue 
collection by Israel on behalf of the PA in line with the Paris Protocol16 

develop the regulatory and institutional framework and capacity for a modern 
taxation  system  based  on  international  and  European  tax  standards  including 
good governance in the tax area, and increasing tax revenues to reduce budget 
deficit  

– 

improve the capacity of the PA to manage borders and collect revenues  

16 

AHLC, Chair’s Summary, 18 September 2011 

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– 

– 

control and rationalize recurrent expenditure through reducing the public sector 
wage bill and putting in place a financially sustainable pension system  

phase out net lending in the electricity sector through organizing the regulatory 
structure,  reinforcing  the  distribution,  increasing  the  power  generation  and 
reorganising the power transmission 

(64)  Work towards improved aid management and donor co-ordination. 

(65) 

(66) 

Develop and adopt the necessary legal framework for the transition of the Palestine 
Monetary Authority (PMA) into a Central Bank. 

Further  consolidate  the  progress  in  establishing  a  strong  and  accountable  public 
financial management system: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

develop  the  legislative  framework  to  reinforce  the  PA’s  public  financial 
management systems 

improve  fiscal  reporting  and  forecasting  capacities  through  supporting  the 
establishment of the macrofiscal unit at the Ministry of Finance  

adopt  and  implement  the  new  regulatory  framework  for  public  procurement, 
including the adoption and harmonization of relevant by-laws and procurement 
related regulations  

ensure  enhanced  oversight  of  public  finance:  SAACB  (State  Audit  and 
Administrative  Control  Bureau)  becomes  an  independent  external  audit 
institution  in  line  with  INTOSAI  standards,  with  substantial  institutional 
capacity and a robust legal framework 

upgrade and decentralize PA internal audits  

implement  a  a  PEFA  (Public  Expenditure  and  Financial  Accountability) 
assessment 

Statistics 

(67) 

(68) 

(69) 

Follow social and economic developments in the oPt with the objective of providing 
relevant statistical data for policy-making and monitoring the progress.  

Reinforce the capacity of the  national statistical system in the  area of  data analysis 
and  dissemination  and  quality,  including  improvement  of  the  exhaustiveness  and 
timeliness of data transmitted to Eurostat. 

Further  develop  a  statistics  system  based  on  international  best  practices  and  extend 
existing  co-operation  between  two  statistics  bodies  namely  EUROSTAT  and  the 
Palestinian  Central  Bureau  of  Statistics  (PCBS)  including  within  the  framework  of 
the Medstat III programme and contribute towards developing a regional strategy for 
statistical cooperation. 

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VII. 

Trade-Related  Issues,  Agriculture  and  Fisheries,  Market  and  Regulatory 
Reform, Customs  

[Sub-committee on Trade and Internal Market, Industry, Agriculture and Fisheries, 
Customs] 

The  PA  and  the  EU  are  committed  to  the  implementation  of  actions  agreed  by  the 
Union  for  the  Mediterranean  Trade  Ministers,  including  the  Euro-Med  Trade 
Roadmap beyond 2010 and of the Euro-Mediterranean Charter for Enterprise which 
are being used as common reference points by partner countries to deepen economic 
and  trade  relations,  promote  and  increase  investments,  facilitate  market  access, 
improve the business climate and spur entrepreneurship at country-level and across 
the whole region.  

VII. i.  Movement of goods 

Bilateral Trade Relations 

(70) 

(71) 

(72) 

(73) 

(74) 

Further  develop  trade-relations  between  the  European  Union  and  the  Palestinian 
Authority  and  take  concrete  measures  to  facilitate  the  full  implementation  of  the 
Interim Association Agreement on Trade and Co-operation between the EU and the 
PLO (for the benefit of the Palestinian Authority). 

Reinforce  co-operation  among  the  EU,  the  Palestinian  Authority  and  Israel  to 
facilitate  the  full  implementation  of  the  Interim  Association  Agreement  and  of  the 
relevant provisions of the Paris Protocol. 

Implement measures relating to facilitating trade of Palestinian products as approved 
by the Union for the Mediterranean Trade Ministers in 2010.  

Strengthen  the  accountability  of  Palestinian  institutions  and  further  reinforce 
administrative and technical capacities including through EU support to institutional 
capacity  building,  and  in  preparation  for  integration  in  the  multilateral  trading 
system.  

Identify  and  adopt  accompanying  measures  providing  for  the  structural,  legal  and 
administrative support necessary in order to ease access to export markets, including 
approximation of technical legislation.  

Agriculture and Fisheries  

(75)  Maximise  the  use  and  continue  to  ensure  full  implementation  of  the  EU  –  PLO 
agreement  on  further  liberalization  of  trade  in  agricultural  products,  processed 
agricultural products and fish and fishery products. 

(76) 

Strengthen  public  and  private  sector  capacity  in  order  to  further  develop  the 
agriculture  and  fisheries  sector, 
in  particular  reinforcing  development  and 
improvement of quality production, to enable them to benefit fully from the above-
mentioned EU-PLO agreement.  

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Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) issues 

(77) 

(78) 

Enhance productivity, food safety, animal and plant health and animal welfare in the 
occupied  Palestinian  territory  through  reform  of  the  animal  and  plant  sectors,  and 
facilitate trade, where possible.  

Develop  the  required  capacities,  legislation  and  infrastructure  in  order  to  ensure  an 
adequate level of sanitary, phytosanitary and animal welfare protection in domestic 
production,  and  to  comply  with  SPS  requirements  of  the  markets  importing 
commodities  from  the  occupied  Palestinian  territory,  including  the  requirements  of 
the  EU  and  international  standards  developed  by  the  Codex  Alimentarius,  World 
Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and International Plant Protection Convention 
(IPPC), where appropriate.  

Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products 

(79) 

As a preparation to the negotiation of an ACAA: 

– 

– 

Harmonise  technical  regulations  and  national  standards  with  European  and 
international  standards  for  industrial  products  in  the  selected  priority  sectors 
and  

Strengthen  and  upgrade 
in  charge  of  standardization, 
institutions 
accreditation, conformity assessment, metrology and market surveillance to the 
level of the corresponding EU institutions. 

the 

Regional Co-operation  

(80) 

(81) 

(82) 

Strengthen regional co-operation between neighbouring countries by completing and 
reinforcing the network of free trade agreements in the Euro-Mediterranean region. 

Participate  in  the  implementation  in  all  the  areas  currently  covered  by  the  Agadir 
Agreement and work towards expanding its scope to new areas such as services and 
investment and encourage new memberships in the Agreement.  

Facilitate  the  PA’s  integration  in  the  multi-lateral  trading  system  by  continued 
advocacy for Palestinian observership as a first step towards accession negotiations 
to  the  World  Trade  Organisation  (WTO)  and  the  World  Customs  Organisation 
(WCO)  and  by  creating  the  necessary  administrative  capacity  and  legal  and 
regulatory framework to meet WTO requirements. 

Customs 

(83) 

(84) 

Further  develop  customs  legislation,  code  and  procedures  in  accordance  with 
Palermo recommendations. 

Implement the Regional Convention on Pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of 
origin.  

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(85) 

(86) 

Participate  in  the  thorough  revision  of  the  Pan-Euro-Med  rules  of  origin  in  the 
framework of the Regional Convention on Pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules 
of origin.  

Develop  a  modern  border  control  system  based  on  an  effective  integrated  border 
management  (IBM)  and  continue  to  support  the  development  of  qualified  staff  to 
operate customs departments at international ports. 

III. ii.  Right of establishment, Company law and services 

Establishment and company law 

(87) 

Remove obstacles to the establishment and operation of companies. 

Services 

(88) 

Finalise and implement a strategy to enhance the competitiveness of the Palestinian 
services sector including regulatory simplification and administrative facilitation for 
both Palestinian and EU service sectors. 

(89)  Work  towards  the  gradual  abolition  of  obstacles  on  supply  of  services  in  the 

occupied Palestinian territory.  

Development of financial services 

(90) 

(91) 

Develop  a  regulatory  framework  for  financial  services,  including  banking  and 
insurance sectors, auditing sectors and securities markets.  

Facilitate  SMEs  access  to  finance  and  activate,  in  collaboration  with  donors  and 
international  organizations,  all  finance  channels  such  as  credit  guarantee  schemes 
and equity funds specialized in SMEs. 

III. iii.  Other key areas 

Competition 

(92) 

Develop conditions enabling competition between the EU and Palestinian companies 
as  well  as  among  Palestinians  companies  and  adopt  an  anti-trust  control  regime 
compatible with that of the EU. 

Consumer Protection 

(93) 

(94) 

Increase the compatibility of consumer legislation in order to avoid barriers to trade 
while ensuring a high level of consumer protection. 

Promote  exchange  of  information  on  consumer  systems,  including  consumer  laws, 
consumer product safety, enforcement of consumer legislation, consumer education 
and empowerment, and consumer redress. 

(95) 

Encourage  the  development  of  independent  consumer  associations  and  contacts 
between consumer representatives. 

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Tourism 

(96) 

Provide assistance and exchange information and best practice concerning respective 
policies and projects on sustainable  tourism while involving all relevant public and 
private stakeholders, including in East Jerusalem. 

(97) 

Facilitate  Palestinian  participation  in  EU  initiatives  such  as  Enterprise  Europe 
Network. 

C. 

SECTOR CO-OPERATION 

VIII.  Equal opportunities, Employment, Social Policy, Public Health 

[Sub-committee on Social Affairs and Health] 

Equal opportunities 

(98) 

Intensify  efforts  to  promote  the  implementation  of  equal  opportunities  for  men  and 
women and other vulnerable groups such as disabled within the administration and in 
the  framework  of  the  different  national  strategies  (employment,  education,  health 
etc.).  

(99) 

Effectively  combat  gender-based  stereotyping  and  all  kinds  of  cultural  and  social 
exclusion or discrimination.  

Employment 

(100) 

In  accordance  with  the  PA  national  strategy,  enhance  the  skills  of  Palestinian 
workers,  develop  and  implement  measures  and  approach  to  support  youth 
employment and fully implement a national gender sensitive employment strategy.  

(101)  Develop  a  dialogue  on  fundamental  social  rights  and  labour  standards  aiming 

towards an inclusive, non-discriminatory labour market. 

(102)  Continue  action  to  establish  a  functioning  social  dialogue,  in  particular,  develop 
capacity  of  employers'  organizations,  train  trade-unions  and  staff  representatives  in 
negotiations  /collective  bargaining  and  in  issues  pertaining  to  health  and  safety  at 
work taking into account the ongoing ILO-Beirut project on Social Dialogue. 

(103)  Further pursue efforts to improve the capacities and the management of the already 
existing Tripartite Commission and promoting the establishment of a broader social, 
economic and civil dialogue, complementary to the tripartite social dialogue, through 
civil institution building (Council for an Economic, Social and Civil Dialogue). 

(104)  Strengthen capacity of labour inspections, notably on health and safety at work, child 

labour and gender issues. 

(105) 

In  the  framework  of  the  Palestinian  social  protection  strategy,  strategically  allocate 
resources  of  the  national  budget,  including  through  the  Employment  and  Social 
Protection  Fund,  to  work  towards  covering  the  cost  of  basic  social  assistance 
interventions  (non-contributory)  and  to  develop  and  establish  a  system  of  social 
insurance with comprehensive coverage that builds on a contributory basis. 

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Social Inclusion and Social Protection  

(106)  Take concrete steps to significantly reduce poverty and social exclusion, in particular 
among the most vulnerable, and to enhance social cohesion throughout the occupied 
Palestinian territory. 

(107)  Build a sustainable, equitable and cost effective social assistance system.  

(108) 

Improve and develop social protection legislation. 

(109)  Further develop the institutional capacity of the PA to provide efficient and effective 
services, including organisational restructuring by the Ministry of Social Affairs and 
gradual decentralisation/de-concentration of responsibilities to Regional Offices. 

(110) 

Improve synergies between private and public actors in the field of social protection. 

(111)  Develop  a  national  database  for  poverty  and  vulnerability  and  map  out  a  socio-

economic intervention. 

(112)  Fully  implement  the  Cash  Transfer  Programme  (CTP)  in  the  West  Bank  and  the 

Gaza Strip by further improving efficiency and transparency of service delivery.  

Public Health  

(113)  Enhance  the  level  of  public  health  and  its  governance  in  the  occupied  Palestinian 
territory  including  through  monitoring  the  implementation  of  the  Palestinian  health 
strategy  addressing  issues  relating  to  infrastructure  and  logistics,  financing  for  the 
health sector, human resources for health and access to medicines.  

(114)  Continue co-operation, including in the regional context,  on prevention and control 

of communicable and non-communicable diseases. 

IX. 

Research,  Information  Society,  Audiovisual  and  Media,  Education,  Youth  and 
Culture 

[Sub-committee  on  Research,  Information  Society,  Audiovisual  and  Media, 
Education, Youth and Culture] 

Research and Innovation 

(115) 

Increase  awareness  and  capacity  of  Palestinian  research  institutions  to  increase 
participation  in  the  European  Research  Area  and  the  Research  Framework 
Programme. 

(116)  Develop  the  scientific  and  technological  capacity  with  a  focus  on  the  use  of  RTD 
results by the industrial and SME sector  to enhance  innovation and the networking 
between the private sector and the research sector.  

(117)  Create an enabling environment, including on the regulatory level and work towards 

the establishment of excellence centres.  

(118)  Strengthen  the  dialogue  on  research  and  innovation  with  the  other  Mediterranean 

partner countries and with the EU. 

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Information Society, Audiovisual and Media 

(119)  Support  Palestinian  membership  to  EUMEDCONNECT  for  the  connectivity  of 
to  e-

to  GEANT  and  access 

Palestinian  research  and  education  network 
infrastructures in the Mediterranean area. 

(120)  Continue  the  development  of  a  comprehensive  regulatory  framework  for  electronic 
communications  networks  and  services,  including  the  rules  and  conditions  for 
authorisation,  access  and  interconnection,  universal  service  and  users'  rights, 
consumer protection, processing of personal data and protection of privacy in the e-
communications  sector,  management  of  radio  spectrum  and  cost-orientation  of 
tariffs. 

(121)  Cooperate  with  the  Euromed  Group  of  Electronic  Communications  Regulators 
(EMERG)  and  with  regulatory  authorities  of  EU  Member  States  on  issues  of 
common interest. 

(122) 

Implement a transparent, efficient and predictable regulatory system and continue to 
strengthen  and  preserve  the  independence  of  the  regulatory  authority  in  the  audio-
visual sector. 

Education, Youth and Culture 

(123)  Co-operate  to  develop  and  promote  joint  activities  in  the  field  of  lifelong  learning 
including  higher  education  and  vocational  education  and  training  within  the 
framework  of  the  Palestinian  national  strategy  towards  convergence  with  EU 
standards  and  practice,  in  particular  for  women,  persons  with  special  needs  and 
vulnerable groups. 

(124)  Tackle  education  needs,  with  a  focus  on  quality  of  education,  all  over  the  oPt 

especially in Area C, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.  

(125)  Promote higher education reform and reinforce international academic co-operation 
in  line  with  the  principles  of  the  Bologna  Process  and  improve  the  performance  of 
higher  education  facilities  especially  through  matching  higher  education  with  the 
requirements of the labour market. 

(126)  Support  the  development  and  reform  of  the  national  vocational  education  and 

training system within the framework of the national TVET strategy.  

(127)  Support  the  development  of  student  and  youth  mobility  in  particular  between  the 

Gaza Strip and the West Bank. 

(128)  Enhance youth exchanges and co-operation in the field of non-formal education and 

intercultural dialogue.  

(129)  Promote  cultural  co-operation  in  international  fora  such  as  UNESCO,  inter  alia,  in 
order  to  develop  cultural  diversity,  promote  Palestinian  cultural  activities,  preserve 
and value cultural and historical heritage and protect archeological sites in line with 
the relevant norms of international law.  

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(130)  Strengthen the PA’s cultural policy capacity, enhance cultural exchanges including in 

the context of cultural events, as well as capacity building in the cultural sector.  

(131)  Promote  Palestinian  participation  in  the  EU  supported  programmes  in  the  fields  of 

higher education, youth and culture.  

X. 

Energy, Transport, Climate Change, Environment, Water 

[Sub-Committee on Energy, Transport, Climate Change, Environment, Water] 

Energy 

(132) 

Increasing  security  of  energy  supply  and  diversification  of  sources,  on  the  basis  of 
EU energy policy principles, including by fully implementing the Palestinian Energy 
Sector  Strategy  and  further  consolidating  electricity  sector  reforms;  strengthen  the 
institutional  framework  including  reinforcing  the  Palestinian  Regulating  Council; 
;further developing the electricity production capacity and domestic and international 
energy networks.  

(133)  Enhance  the  use  of  renewable  energy  and  energy  efficiency  policy;  based  on  EU 

legislation and best practice. 

(134)  Further develop regional co-operation initiatives (electricity, gas, renewables, energy 
efficiency  etc),  potentially  leading  to  regional  market  integration;  including  in  the 
framework of the Mediterranean Solar Plan.  

Transport 

(135)  Elaborate  and 

implement  a  national 

transport 
infrastructure development with a focus on further approximation of legislative and 
regulatory  frameworks  with  European  and  international  standards,  in  particular  for 
safety and security in all transport modes. 

transport  strategy, 

including 

(136)  Participate  in  the  planning  and  identification  of  priority  regional  infrastructure 
its 

the  future  Trans-Mediterranean  Transport  network  and 

projects  within 
interconnection with the trans-European transport network. 

(137)  Participate  in  the  development  of  the  Global  Navigation  Satellite  Systems  in  the 
Mediterranean region and make use of the TAIEX instrument to accelerate the use of 
EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service) in civil aviation and 
maritime sectors.  

Climate Change 

(138)  Support  the  use  and  sharing  of  data  on  climate  science  in  order  to  enhance  the 
capacity  to  elaborate  well  targeted  adaptation  strategies  and  to  mainstream  climate 
change adaptation into other policies. 

(139)  Support efforts to adapt to the negative impacts of climate change including through 
the adoption of vulnerability adaptation assessments, to promote adaptation strategies 

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to climate change and implement efforts to further increase resilience against climate 
change impacts.  

Environment 

(140)  Enhance co-operation in environmental issues including through PA participation in 

European Environment Agency activities. 

(141)  Ensure  good  environmental  governance  through  full  implementation  of  the 
Environment  Sector  Strategy,  through  the  completion  of  the  environment  sector 
strategy  action  plan  and  through  the  development  and  review  of  the  relevant 
legislative and institutional framework. 

(142)  Converge  with  EU  legislation  and  principles  on,  inter  alia,  permitting,  monitoring 
and  inspection,  environment  impact  assessments,  air  quality,  waste  management, 
nature protection, industrial pollution, chemicals and environmental integration.  

(143)  Review  institutional  structures  of  the  environment  sector  with  clear  responsibilities 
for  each  sector  and  render  operational  an  enforcement  body  for  environmental  and 
related laws and regulations.  

(144)  Conserve  environmental  diversity  and  protect  the  marine  and  coastal  environment 

through developing related policies, standards, programmes and systems. 

(145)  Strengthen  the  framework  for  hazardous  and  solid  waste  management  and  develop 

sanitation management systems. 

Integrated Maritime Policy  

(146)  Develop an integrated maritime policy respecting relevant international and regional 
conventions  (including  alignment  with  EU  legislation)  within  a  sustainable  growth 
perspective;  addressing  institutional  structures,  establishment  of  protected  zones  in 
compliance  with  the  Barcelona  Convention  and  the  General  Fisheries  Commission 
for the Mediterranean.  

Water and Wastewater 

(147)  Develop  the  necessary  legal,  institutional  and  infrastructural  framework  for  an 
integrated  water  and  wastewater  management  system  to  ensure  equitable  service 
delivery and resource sustainability.  

(148)  Serve  the  population  with  sustainable  water  provision  and  connecting  unserved 

communities and reducing water leakages by about 15% (current leakages 45-50%). 

(149)  Enhance  co-operation  in  water  issues  including  through  PA  participation  in  the 

Horizon 2020 activities. 

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D. 

OTHER 

XI. 

Participation in Union Programmes and Agencies 

(150)  Promote participation in the work of EU agencies and EU programmes open to ENP 

countries and partners.  

(151)  Conclude  a  framework  agreement  for  the  participation  in  EU  programmes  open  to 

ENP countries and partners. 

(152)  Strengthen co-operation with EU agencies in the context of their regional activities. 

XII. 

Financial Dimension 

(153)  The  financial  dimension  of  the  EU-PA  relationship  shall  take  into  account  the 

following priorities: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

the EU’s overarching objective of building the institutions of an independent, 
democratic,  contiguous  and  viable  State  of  Palestine,  living  side  by  side  with 
Israel in peace and security 

the progress registered in implementing the reforms outlined in the priorities of 
this  Action  Plan  especially  in  the  focal  sectors  outlined  in  the  annual 
programming 

the  financial  needs  of  the  Palestinian  Authority  (and  of  Palestine  refugees 
through  UNRWA)  to  enable  them  to  provide  essential  services  to  the 
Palestinian people  

the relevant new instruments and programmes set up by the EU in the exercise 
of  its  external  action  taking  into  account  the  PA’s  needs,  the  progress 
registered in implementing reforms and its absorption capacity 

XIII.  Tracking and Monitoring Reports 

The  Action  Plan  will  guide  the  work  between  the  EU  and  the  PA  in  the  next  three  to  five 
years. The Action Plan will be submitted for formal adoption to the Joint Committee.  

The  joint  bodies  established  under  the  Interim  Association  Agreement,  especially  the 
subcommittees, will advance and monitor the implementation of the Action Plan on the basis 
of regular reports on its implementation. The subcommittees, which are aligned with the new 
Action Plan, shall act as the primary tool for the monitoring of the objectives identified in the 
Action  Plan.  Such  objectives  will  be  complemented  by  the  establishment  of  jointly-agreed 
precise,  sequenced  and  monitorable  actions  with  benchmarks  to  be  agreed  annually  in  the 
subcommittees. 

The  Action  Plan  can  be  regularly  amended/updated  to  reflect  progress  in  addressing  the 
priorities through a decision of the Joint Committee.  

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A  regular  follow  up  of  the  implementation  of  the  jointly-agreed  objectives  will  also  be 
ensured by the regular progress reports of the respective parties. 

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