The European Union mission in Lebanon distributed the following statement today, Friday: "In these difficult times in the region, the European Union reaffirms its support for the people of Lebanon and has decided to allocate 205.5 million euros to cover various priority areas to support the stability and recovery of the country. As a first priority, the European Union will continue to support Lebanon in enhancing border management by providing financial and technical assistance in line with international standards. This will contribute to the overall security and stability of Lebanon in the face of regional disruptions and threats.
In this context, it is important that Lebanese public institutions are well-equipped to meet the increasing needs of the Lebanese people. This starts with implementing the necessary economic and structural reforms, as recommended by the International Monetary Fund. To address the lack of necessary resources to carry out such reforms, the European Union will assist Lebanon in implementing fiscal policies and public financial management measures that increase public revenues and improve the economic conditions in the country once the International Monetary Fund program is activated.
Moreover, the European Union will continue to support Lebanese public institutions in enhancing governance, accountability, and transparency in managing public affairs and providing essential services to the population. This includes improving water sector management through the introduction of monitoring systems for water extraction and updating subscriber databases. These practices of calculating the actual cost of water and ensuring accountability in this process will help the sector become self-sufficient both administratively and financially.
The European Union will also support measures to respond to the ongoing electricity crisis in Lebanon by encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency. Additionally, the European Union will assist Lebanon in strengthening electoral processes by enhancing public institutions' capacities to conduct fair, transparent, and inclusive elections within constitutional deadlines. The European Union will also support initiatives aimed at establishing a strong and vibrant civil society, including in the cultural field, to promote social cohesion and establish democracy.
To meet the increasing needs of vulnerable groups in Lebanon, the European Union will continue, as in previous years, to provide essential support in the areas of education, social protection, and water to enhance the capacity of local authorities to deliver services sustainably."
