The European Union has designated €205.5 million in aid to assist Lebanon

The European Union has committed to providing 205.5 million Euros to assist Lebanon in several critical areas, aiming to bolster the country’s stability and recovery amidst regional instability and uncertainty. This announcement was made by the Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon in a statement released on Friday.

A primary focus of the EU’s support will be on enhancing Lebanon’s border management through financial and technical assistance, aligning it with international standards to fortify the country’s security and stability.

The EU emphasizes the importance of equipping Lebanese public institutions to meet the increasing needs of its people. This includes the implementation of necessary economic and structural reforms in line with the International Monetary Fund’s recommendations. The EU plans to aid Lebanon in implementing fiscal policy and public finance management reforms to increase public revenues and improve economic conditions, especially once the IMF program is in place.

Furthermore, the EU intends to continue aiding Lebanese public institutions in improving governance, accountability, and transparency. This includes better management of the water sector by introducing monitoring systems for water extraction and updating customer databases, thus leading to administrative and financial self-sufficiency in the sector.

The EU will also address Lebanon’s ongoing electricity crisis by promoting investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency, particularly for SMEs.

In terms of electoral processes, the EU will assist in enhancing the capacities of public institutions to conduct credible, transparent, and inclusive elections within constitutional deadlines. It will also support civil society initiatives, particularly in the cultural field, to foster social cohesion and democratization.

To meet the needs of vulnerable groups in Lebanon, the EU will continue to provide vital support in education, social protection, and water sectors, also strengthening the capacity of local authorities for sustainable service delivery.

Ambassador Sandra De Waele of the European Union to Lebanon stated, “More than ever, Lebanon needs sound governance and strong State institutions that are effective, transparent, and accountable to their citizens. We are committed to supporting Lebanon in strengthening its State institutions and modernizing its public administration with the resources we have.”