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Shifting tides in PA-EU relationship

Since the Vatican recognized the state of Palestine, Palestinians are hoping more European states will follow suit.
Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah waves during a news conference in Gaza City March 25, 2015. Hamdallah, who arrived to Gaza on Wednesday, urged donor countries to fulfill their financial obligations for the reconstruction of Gaza. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem







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RAMALLAH, West Bank — Palestinians celebrated Europe Day on May 7 in Ramallah, along with the Office of the European Union Representative-West Bank, Gaza Strip. Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah inaugurated the celebrations that included projects funded by the EU in Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Through this event, Palestinians seek to bolster their relations with the EU.

Days after the event, on May 13, the Vatican recognized the state of Palestine, as the Vatican and the Palestinian Authority (PA) signed a draft agreement on the relations with the Holy See. The draft stipulates the organization of the Vatican’s activities in the regions that fall under the control of the PA. The draft also represents an official recognition of Palestine by the Vatican. These developments have stirred debate about the nature of the ties between Palestine and the EU.

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