The European Union has designated €205.5 million to aid Lebanon

The European Union has announced a significant financial commitment of 205.5 million Euros to Lebanon to aid in its stability and recovery amidst regional uncertainties. This allocation was confirmed on Friday by the Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon.

A primary focus for the EU is to bolster Lebanon’s border management through financial and technical support, aligning it with international standards to enhance the country’s security and stability.

The EU emphasized the importance of equipping Lebanese public institutions to meet the increasing needs of the Lebanese people. This involves implementing necessary economic and structural reforms in accordance with the International Monetary Fund’s recommendations. To facilitate these reforms, the EU will aid Lebanon in implementing fiscal policy and public finance management strategies, aiming to increase public revenues and improve the country’s economic conditions once the IMF programme is established.

Additionally, the EU plans to support Lebanese institutions in enhancing governance, accountability, and transparency in public affairs and service delivery. This includes improving water sector management through the introduction of monitoring systems for water extraction and updating customer databases. These measures are intended to help the sector become administratively and financially self-sufficient.

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

Furthermore, the EU is committed to strengthening Lebanon’s electoral processes by enhancing the capacities of public institutions to conduct credible and inclusive elections within constitutional deadlines. It will also back initiatives aimed at nurturing a dynamic civil society, including in the cultural field, to bolster social cohesion and democratization.

To meet the needs of vulnerable populations in Lebanon, the EU will continue to provide essential support in education, social protection, and water sectors. This also includes strengthening the capacity of local authorities to sustainably deliver services.

EU Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Waele remarked that Lebanon needs sound governance and strong, transparent, and accountable state institutions more than ever. The EU is dedicated to assisting Lebanon in fortifying its state institutions and modernizing its public administration with the resources available.