EU pledges $1 billion in aid to Lebanon for economic and border security support
- In Reports
- 08:36 PM, May 02, 2024
- Myind Staff
During a visit to Lebanon, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen announced a $1 billion aid package for the crisis-hit country. She urged Lebanon to address illegal migration to the bloc. The European Union has already established agreements with Tunisia, Mauritania, and other nations to curb the influx of irregular migrants into the EU.
Von der Leyen stated, "I can announce a financial package of $1 billion for Lebanon that would be available from this year until 2027," highlighted the EU's commitment to supporting Lebanon's socio-economic stability.
The aid, she explained, aims to enhance basic services such as education and health in Lebanon, which is grappling with a severe economic crisis.
She advocated for the implementation of reforms, stating, "Lebanon requires a positive economic momentum to provide opportunities to its businesses and citizens."
Von der Leyen affirmed the EU's commitment to keeping "legal pathways open to Europe and resettling refugees to the bloc," while also emphasising the importance of cooperation to prevent illegal migration and combat migrant smuggling.
Lebanon's economy collapsed in late 2019, leading to an increase in migration, with Lebanese citizens joining Syrians and Palestinian refugees in perilous voyages toward Europe.
Beirut authorities report that Lebanon currently hosts around two million people from neighbouring war-torn Syria, representing the highest number of refugees per capita globally, with nearly 785,000 registered with the United Nations.
Von der Leyen acknowledged the challenges Lebanon faces in hosting Syrian refugees and displaced persons, noting that the EU has provided 2.6 billion euros in support for hosting these individuals.
The Syrian war, stemming from government crackdowns on pro-democracy protests since 2011, has led to over half a million deaths and the displacement of half the pre-war population. Lebanon faces border clashes between Hezbollah and Israel, intensified by the Israel-Hamas conflict.
With a caretaker government and no president, Lebanon struggles with political deadlock. Cyprus aims to curb migrant boat departures from Lebanon, exacerbated by weakened monitoring due to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Some Lebanese blame Syrians for their country's troubles, with pressure mounting ahead of an annual Syria conference in Brussels.
Image source: The Economic Times
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