The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen announced a 1-billion-euro aid package to Lebanon during her visit to Beirut, where she was accompanied by the President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides.
“Today, we discussed how we can strengthen our political and economic relations and support the security and stability of Lebanon,” the EC President said. “To underline our support, I can announce a financial package of EUR 1 billion for Lebanon that would be available from this year until 2027. We want to contribute to Lebanon’s socio-economic stability.”
This continued EU support will strengthen basic services such as education, social protection, and health for the people in Lebanon. It will accompany urgent economic, financial, and banking reforms. Furthermore, support will be provided to the Lebanese Armed Forces and other security forces with equipment and training for border management and to fight against smuggling.
President von der Leyen said: “My visit today is a strong testimony of the EU’s continued support to Lebanon and its people. This was also the clear message of European leaders at our last summit, and are committed to provide strong financial support to the country in view of the significant challenges it faces. The €1 billion until 2027 will provide much needed assistance to the people in Lebanon and contribute to its security and stability.”
The Middle Eastern country has come under increasingly intense pressure due to the ongoing conflict in Israel with Hamas with a rising number of Syrian refugees crossing over the Lebanese-Syrian border.
