Bethlehem/PNN/ The European Union has made a contribution of €20 million to support the Palestinian COVID-19 vaccination campaign, according to the Office of the European Union Representative in Jerusalem. The Office said in a press statement that the EU has made this contribution to the Palestinian Authority (PA) to support the cost of COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and purchased by the PA. It added that the reimbursement of costs incurred for the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines will help the Palestinian Authority to meet part of its financial obligations toward its citizens amid the difficult fiscal situation. It will notably support the Palestinian Authority to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is still present while alleviating its financial burden and consequences. “We have been at the forefront of the international efforts to curb the pandemic by ensuring access to vaccines across the globe, including here in Palestine. The EU contributed, in this respect, both by contributing to the global initiative ‘COVAX’ which Palestine benefited from, and with the EUR 20 million support to the Palestinian COVID-19 vaccination campaign, as the direct financial support provided to the Palestinian Authority. With this payment, the EU reaffirms its commitment to support the building of accountable institutions ready for an independent, democratic, and viable future Palestinian state”, said Deputy European Union Representative Maria Velasco.