The Netherlands Supports Lebanon with €140 Million

Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot shakes hands with Lebanon's caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Beirut, Lebanon May 6, 2024. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir
Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot shakes hands with Lebanon's caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Beirut, Lebanon May 6, 2024. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir
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The Netherlands Supports Lebanon with €140 Million

Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot shakes hands with Lebanon's caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Beirut, Lebanon May 6, 2024. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir
Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot shakes hands with Lebanon's caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Beirut, Lebanon May 6, 2024. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir

The Netherlands has allocated €140 million to support Lebanon for the next four years, Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot announced in Beirut on Monday.

The announcement came amid concerns in Lebanon over an aid package from the European Union last week to provide €1 billion to the Lebanese government over three years to prop up the country's economy and help prevent a surge in refugees leaving for Europe.

The EU aid package has sparked outrage among Lebanese, primarily due to concerns that it might push Syrians to permanently settle in Lebanon.

The outrage further culminated on Monday when head of the Lebanese Forces Samir Geagea said his party will “continue exerting all efforts until the last illegal migrant leaves Lebanon.”

Following a meeting with her Lebanese counterpart, Abdallah Bou Habib, on Monday, the Dutch Foreign Minister expressed great appreciation for Lebanon for hosting the largest number of displaced Syrians despite the great burden it bears. “I understand that this has a huge impact on Lebanon and its people,” she said.

Slot noted that The Netherlands supports the Lebanese army, which works to strengthen stability. “We also support rebuilding the private sector in Lebanon, which contributes to the development of the country, in cooperation with the European Union. The Netherlands has allocated an amount of €140 million for the next four years,” she added.

This is Slot’s first visit to Lebanon.

The Dutch Minister said her country is committed to the relationship with Lebanon and that she spoke with Bou Habib about the importance of stability in the Middle East.

Slot also discussed the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, saying, “We would like to resolve the crisis and reach a quick agreement regarding the current negotiation, and thus an immediate ceasefire, the return of the prisoners, and for the agreement to be a foundation upon which a lasting peace can later be built.”

The Dutch Foreign Minister then highlighted "the importance of immediately halting the deteriorating situation on the southern Lebanese border between Israel and Lebanon.”

She said The Netherlands is concerned about the escalation of the conflict and regrets the loss of civilian lives because of its negative impact on Lebanon and the region. “It is extremely important that we avoid expanding the cycle of violence.”

Slot then asked for a diplomatic solution and count on France's efforts. But, she said, Lebanon also plays a role and Resolution 1701 must be adopted as a basis for lasting peace. “We urge both sides, including Hezbollah, to contribute to implementing Resolution 1701 through field action, and also to support the Lebanese army.”

Meanwhile, the LF leader said his party’s position on the issue of the illegal Syrian presence in Lebanon is a firm, principled and sovereign stance that does not change with a billion euros or tens of billions, and does not change with an international request or wish.

The illegal presence of Syrians on Lebanese soil cannot continue and is not subject to discussion, according to Geagea. “The only thing that is up for discussion is assistance in their deportation, not assistance in keeping them in Lebanon,” he affirmed.

On Monday, Hezbollah said it refuses to negotiate a ceasefire in south Lebanon or to discuss any arrangements for the southern Litani area before the Gaza ceasefire.

The head of the Loyalty to the Resistance parliamentary bloc, MP Mohammad Raad, vowed that the war between his party and Israel is not just a military or a balance of power battle.

At a memorial service, he said, “This battle aims to offer a model of dedication to the preservation of the homeland and the preservation of humanity. We offer jihadists who have the highest moral and humanitarian characteristics and do not target civilians but only its enemies.”

In return, he accused Israel of presenting the ugliest image of a cruel human.



Half of Yemen’s Population Face Mounting Risks from Climate Change

Al-Garehi Al-Gharbi camp in the Abs district of north-west Yemen. (Norwegian Refugee Council)
Al-Garehi Al-Gharbi camp in the Abs district of north-west Yemen. (Norwegian Refugee Council)
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Half of Yemen’s Population Face Mounting Risks from Climate Change

Al-Garehi Al-Gharbi camp in the Abs district of north-west Yemen. (Norwegian Refugee Council)
Al-Garehi Al-Gharbi camp in the Abs district of north-west Yemen. (Norwegian Refugee Council)

Already suffering from a prolonged conflict as a result of the Houthi coup against the legitimate authority, Yemen is facing mounting risks brought on by climate change, the World Bank warned on Thursday.
Many populations are facing threats from climate change, such as extreme heat, drought, and floods, the WB said in its newly released Yemen Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR).
Stephane Guimbert, World Bank Country Director for Egypt, Yemen and Djibouti said that Yemen is facing an unprecedented convergence of crises — conflict, climate change, and poverty.
He called for immediate and decisive action on climate resilience, a matter of survival for millions of Yemenis.
“By investing in water security, climate-smart agriculture, and renewable energy, Yemen can safeguard human capital, build resilience and lay the foundations for a path to sustainable recovery,” he said.
The WB report said half of Yemenis are already exposed to at least one climate hazard — extreme heat, drought, or flooding — with compounding effects on food insecurity and poverty.
These risks, it showed, are expected to intensify without immediate action and Yemen’s annual GDP could decline by an average of 3.9% by 2040 under pessimistic climate scenarios, largely due to decreased agricultural productivity and infrastructure damage.
Navigating Challenges
Despite these challenges, the CCDR identifies strategic opportunities to strengthen resilience, improve food and water security, and unlock sustainable growth, the WB report noted.
For example, it said, targeted investments in water storage and groundwater management, coupled with adaptive agriculture techniques could lead to productivity gains of up to 13.5% in crop production under optimistic climate scenarios for the period of 2041 to 2050.
The report also spoke about risks to the fisheries sector, considered as a critical source of livelihood for many Yemenis.
Its projections indicate a potential decline of up to 23% in fish stocks due to rising sea temperatures and altered marine ecosystems.

The WB report also said that climate change exacerbates existing health challenges in Yemen, leading to increased healthcare costs and strain on already fragile health systems.
“It is projected that climate-related health issues could cost the country over $5 billion in excess health costs by 2050,” it noted.
“Addressing these challenges requires integrating climate resilience into public health planning, with a focus on vulnerable groups such as women and children.”
Concerning infrastructure, the report said urban areas and critical infrastructure are especially vulnerable, and without adaptation measures, economic shocks will disproportionately affect already fragile communities.
As for the private sector, it has a critical role to play in addressing Yemen’s pressing development challenges, said Khawaja Aftab Ahmed, IFC’s Regional Director for the Middle East.
“Harnessing its potential through innovative financing mechanisms and guarantee instruments and creating a conducive investment climate can help mobilize the climate-focused funding the country urgently needs to build a greener and more resilient future,” he said.
The WB report also said that Yemen also has immense potential for renewable energy, which could serve as a key component of its climate response and recovery.
It showed that harnessing renewable energy resources not only offers a pathway to reduce reliance on fossil fuels but also enables the creation of a more resilient power infrastructure.
“This will be essential in supporting vital services such as healthcare, water supply, and food distribution, particularly in conflict-affected areas,” it said.
Global Coordination
The World Bank highlighted the significant commitments and coordination from the international community to support Yemen in coping with climate shocks and building broader resilience.
It said securing sustainable peace will be required to unlock the financing and take the action needed to build long-term resilience to climate change.
The CCDR then underscored the importance of flexible, risk-informed decision-making to adapt climate actions to Yemen's uncertain political landscape.
Under a “Peace and Prosperity” scenario, it said, a higher level of adaptation can be implemented, yielding greater economic and social benefits.
Yemeni Minister of Water and Environment, Tawfiq Al-Sharjabi, stressed the importance of integrating climate action into development strategies and adapting to climate fluctuations.
The minister was speaking at a special session to discuss the WB report on the sidelines of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
He said the report represents a significant contribution for Yemen in addressing climate change and will facilitate access to various climate financing options amid the structural and technical fragility faced by institutions due to the war.
The report, Al-Sharjabi added, aligns closely with Yemen's urgent priorities, particularly in the areas of water and food security, enhancing livelihoods, and promoting area-based climate adaptation approaches.