EU pledges €1 billion for Lebanon to curb migration, support economy

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News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati (C) shakes hands with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides (L) and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (R) during their meeting at the Government Palace in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, 02 May 2024. [EPA-EFE/WAEL HAMZEH]

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Thursday (2 May) €1 billion in financial aid to Lebanon, disbursed over three years, to support the country's economy and address the challenges posed by refugees and migration.

"We understand the challenges that Lebanon faces with hosting Syrian refugees and other displaced persons. It is vital to ensure the well-being of host communities and Syrian refugees," von der Leyen said after talks with Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Beirut.

Von der Leyen said the financial assistance will enable Lebanon to "contribute to Lebanon's socio-economic stability" by enhancing fundamental services like education, social protection, and healthcare while also encouraging economic reforms.

She also pledged Brussels would support the Lebanese Armed Forces and other security forces in the country by providing equipment and training for border management.

Beyond financial aid, the EU would "look at how to make the EU's assistance more effective," which would also include putting in place a "more structured approach to voluntary returns" of displaced Syrian refugees, von der Leyen said.

"In addition, it would be very helpful for Lebanon to conclude a Working Arrangement with Frontex, particularly on information exchange and situational awareness," she added.

With approximately 210,000 Palestinian and 1.5 million Syrian refugees residing in the country, concerns have arisen about the potential for regional instability to trigger a migration wave towards Europe, potentially via Cyprus.

The visit and announcement come after EU leaders last month had backed efforts to look at ways to support Lebanon amid growing instability in the Middle East and calls from the country for help in returning migrants to their country of origin.

Enlargement Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi last week vowed the EU would financially and politically support Lebanon until the end of 2027.

Thursday's aid package for Lebanon is another in a series of similar deals the EU over the past year has agreed with North African countries, like Morroco, Tunisia and Egypt, aimed at curbing the influx of migrants into Europe.

[Edited by Alice Taylor]

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