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Europe & Middle East / Background

Europe and Palestinian Democracy

06/04/2006 By Publicaciones FRIDE

Much recent debate has naturally focused on the question of how Western governments should react to Hamas’ victory in the January 2006 Palestinian elections.

Press comments have comprehensively reported on the dilemma that now
faces the European Union (EU), in particular: as the largest donor to the Palestinian Authority (PA) its decisions over whether – and under what conditions – to continue support to a Hamas-led administration could be highly influential.

This Backgrounder contributes to current debate by reviewing what has in fact been an ongoing, yet shifting European position towards engagement with Hamas, and by
outlining factors relevant to the EU’s policy options.

Download the full version of this publication, available in English (91 kB)
Spanish (78 kB)

Keywords

Democracy Elections EU Gaza Strip and West Bank Middle East

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