JERUSALEM: POLICY OPTIONS FOR THE EU

Today, there is a pressing need to take effective action in Jerusalem . Any durable solution to the conflict must be based on full respect of international law and by maintaining access to the holy sites for worshippers of all three religions. Israeli settlement activity in East Jerusalem should be halted. A serious political debate should be resumed to define and resolve all relevant issues concerning the city.

The European Union can strengthen its role by encouraging concrete actions in East Jerusalem.

1. Strengthen the status of East Jerusalem as the capital of the future State of Palestine and of West Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel.

2. Promote the return of Palestinian political leadership to East Jerusalem.

3. Encourage the full respect of international law UN resolutions, human rights, mobility and social and the economic development in East Jerusalem, as an integral part of Palestinian territory.

4. Support the organisation of Palestinian elections (presidential, legislative and municipal) throughout the Jerusalem Governorate, including in East Jerusalem.

5. Discourage financial transactions that support settlement activity and prevent products manufactured in illegal settlements from entering the European market with the preferential treatment granted to Israeli products.

6. Increase EU assistance for those whose houses have been demolished, who have been evicted or unfairly detained.

7. Foster the creation of an autonomous and vibrant economic environment in East Jerusalem by building infrastructure and promoting investment opportunities and job creation. Tourism, housing and trade may represent the most suitable sectors to support through a reinforced partnership with the Palestinian National Authority (PNA).

8. Reactivate economic ties between East Jerusalem and the rest of West Bank.

9. Urge Israel to reply to the enquiries concerning the destruction of EU-funded projects in the West Bank and Gaza.

10. Urge the Jerusalem Municipality to allocate sufficient funds for the development of East Jerusalem on a just and proportionate basis.

11. Enhance joint EU–Palestinian interests in East Jerusalem and host cultural events promoted by civil society organisations .

12. Enhance coordination with the representatives of Palestinian authorities and the EU Heads of Mission based in the city.

13. Discuss and promote a European Parliament resolution specifically on the Jerusalem issue.