Green MEP urges next government to restore UNRWA funding

Green MEP Isabella Lövin wants Sweden’s next government to increase aid and strengthen funding for UN agencies, giving particular priority to UNRWA, the agency supporting Palestinian refugees whose core funding Sweden ended in 2024.

In proposals published by the Greens on 24 October, Lövin urged the red-green parties to put UN policy higher on the agenda. Her programme also calls for more youth delegates, stronger Swedish participation in UN reform and consultations with civil-society organisations on international cooperation beyond Agenda 2030.

The former aid minister wants a future government to multiply the number of youth delegates and increase core support, the funding agencies can use across their operations. The proposals are her call to the parties preparing for government, rather than an announced coalition agreement.

Sweden ended core funding for UNRWA on 20 December 2024. The government says it chose to channel increased assistance for Gaza and the surrounding region through other humanitarian partners.

Lövin’s proposal would change that choice of recipient as well as increase Sweden’s wider aid effort. Her published plan does not specify a new funding total or a timetable for implementation.

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