MEPs ask about compensation following demolition of EU-funded structures in Israel

Brussels, February 8, 2023 - Several MEPs, including Francisco Guerreiro, have questioned the European Commission on compensation following the demolition of EU-funded structures in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. 


Read the letter below:


Subject: Compensation following the demolition of EU-funded structures


Since 2016, Israel has demolished EU-funded structures in the West Bank and East Jerusalem worth EUR 2 255 620. In June 2022, 55 structures funded by the EU or its member states, valued at more than €222,000, were ordered to stop work or be demolished. This was the highest number of aid structures put at risk of demolition in a single month since the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs began monitoring the situation. Most of these structures were in Massafer Yatta, where more than 1,000 residents are currently facing the demolition of their homes.

The EU has repeatedly asked Israel to compensate for the loss of EU taxpayers' money. However, in a recent response, the Commission admitted that recourse to diplomatic and political channels had been unsuccessful. In financial terms, the illegal demolitions and human rights violations had no repercussions for Israel.

1. Has the Commission shared with Member States a list of options available to ensure compensation and protection of aid to vulnerable communities in Zone C, including the possibility of deducting EU funding lost as a result of the demolitions from funding for bilateral EU-Israel cooperation?

2. Will the Commission provide an explanation of what other options were discussed to obtain compensation from Israel after almost a decade of concerns, condemnations and fruitless diplomatic action by the EU?

Read the Commission's response below:

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