Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) -The EU has allocated €500 million of a €1 billion aid package to Lebanon, focusing on reforms, security, and support for vulnerable populations amid regional tensions.
The European Commission assumed a €500 million financial backing package for Lebanon. This is the first component of the overall €1 billion support reported by President von der Leyen during her journey to Beirut in May 2024.
What Are the Key Objectives of the EU’s Financial Package?
This financial package makes on the European Council Conclusions of 17-18 April, in which the European Union reaffirmed its substantial support for Lebanon and acknowledged the challenging circumstances the country is participating in domestically and as a result of regional tensions. In this context, the EU restates the urgent need for regional de-escalation and calls on all parties to engage in the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 of 2006.
What Specific Areas Will the EU Funding Focus On in Lebanon?
At that time, It has stated that the European Union stands willing to work with all partners to avoid further escalation of strains in the region, notably in Lebanon. It recalls its firm support for Lebanon and the Lebanese people and acknowledges the hard circumstances Lebanon is experiencing domestically and as a result of regional apprehensions. The European Council calls on all players to commit to the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. In this context, the European Union stays committed to the stability of Lebanon, including through supporting much-needed reforms and maintaining its support to the Lebanese Armed Forces. 7.
The European Council approves the EU’s determination to support the most vulnerable people in Lebanon, including refugees, internally displaced persons and host residents in need, as well as providing help to combat human trafficking and smuggling. The European Council reaffirms the demand to achieve conditions for safe, voluntary and dignified returns of Syrian refugees, as determined by UNHCR.
The first portion of the EU financial package has been embraced and consists of €500 million to help Lebanon and its people in 2024 and 2025. This funding will help much-needed reforms, the security sector and border control, economic activity, and standards for the most vulnerable people in Lebanon. Since 2011, EU bilateral support to Lebanon has amounted to over €3 billion.
