BRUSSELS: EU President Ursula von der Leyen announced a $1 billion aid package for Lebanon during her visit to the crisis-stricken country on Thursday, emphasizing the need for Lebanon to address illegal migration to the bloc.
Already having agreements with Egypt, Tunisia, Mauritania, and other nations aimed at curbing irregular migration, the European Union is extending support to Lebanon. Von der Leyen stated, “I can announce a financial package of $1 billion for Lebanon that would be available from this year until 2027,” emphasizing the aim to bolster Lebanon’s socio-economic stability.
The aid is intended to bolster basic services like education and health in Lebanon, which is grappling with a severe economic crisis. Von der Leyen stressed the importance of reforms, stating, “Lebanon needs a positive economic momentum to give opportunities to its businesses and citizens.”
While affirming the EU’s commitment to maintaining legal pathways for refugees and resettling them within the bloc, von der Leyen also urged Lebanon to cooperate in preventing illegal migration and combatting migrant smuggling.
Lebanon’s economic collapse in late 2019 has turned the country into a departure point for migrants, with Lebanese citizens joining Syrians and Palestinian refugees in perilous journeys towards Europe. The Lebanese authorities estimate hosting around two million Syrians, the world’s highest number of refugees per capita, with nearly 785,000 registered with the United Nations.
Acknowledging the challenges Lebanon faces in hosting Syrian refugees and other displaced persons, von der Leyen highlighted the EU’s support, having provided 2.6 billion euros to assist Lebanon in this regard.
The war in Syria, which began in 2011, has resulted in over half a million deaths and displaced approximately half of the pre-war population, further exacerbating the region’s refugee crisis.
