The European Union (EU) allocated this year 229 million euros to reinforce much needed reforms and economic development in Lebanon.
It identified several priorities for this new financial package.
“The European Union continues to support Lebanon and its people during challenging socio-economic conditions,” the EU delegation to Lebanon said in a statement on Wednesday, affirming that it remains a committed partner of the country.
It pointed out that the first priority is to enhance good governance and support reforms.
The EU said it will “assist Lebanon in implementing reforms related to public administration focusing on integrity, transparency, and accountability, in line with the opportunities identified by the recent International Monetary Fund Staff-Level Agreement.”
“Our assistance will target civil service reform, public financial management reform and access to public information,” said the EU in a statement.
The EU will also work with state and civil society actors to empower Lebanese women and contribute to gender equality.
Being committed to supporting Lebanon on its reform agenda, the EU will further support the implementation of legislation to protect women from all forms of violence.
Moreover, the statement said: “Under the priority of promoting a green and sustainable recovery, the EU will support Lebanon's green agenda and transition to renewable energy,” adding that it will fund energy efficiency equipment in public sector buildings and contribute to a more efficient provision of public services.
“The EU will also focus on increasing the competitiveness of Lebanese industries, in particular the agro-food sector, by fostering entrepreneurship, innovation and technology transfers for sustainable energy solutions.”
The EU stressed that it will continue to provide significant assistance to vulnerable Lebanese and Syrian refugees and help them access much needed essential services in social protection, education, health, and water provision.
Meanwhile, British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell announced a 13 million pounds commitment to support the Lebanese Armed Forces’ (LAF) resilience from 2022 till 2025 in a memorandum of understanding signed with LAF Commander in Chief General Joseph Aoun.
