Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from 16 EU countries have called on the European Union to suspend its annual funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which amounts to approximately €80–90 million. The lawmakers cited the agency’s alleged connections to terrorist organizations and its perceived failure to uphold peace-oriented values as the primary reasons for their appeal.
The MEPs, representing countries including Sweden, Germany, Czechia, Bulgaria, Spain, and others, addressed their concerns in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. They emphasized that EU support should be directed only to partners committed to peace and rejecting extremism, particularly amid ongoing discussions about Gaza’s future and the fragile ceasefire in the region.
According to the lawmakers, UNRWA has displayed “serious breaches of trust,” including employing staff linked to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. They pointed out that such revelations have already led countries like the United States and Sweden to halt cooperation with the agency. The letter urges the EU to adopt a similar stance to ensure its funding promotes credible organizations that invest in education, healthcare, and opportunities while fostering peace rather than supporting forces of hate.
Swedish politician Alice Teodorescu reinforced the call on social media, stating that taxpayer money must be safeguarded and that UNRWA should not play a role in advancing a future peace between Palestinians and Israelis. The MEPs’ letter underscores the importance of accountability, human dignity, and alignment with peace principles in EU-funded humanitarian efforts.
