Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Top News
Top News
World

EU Announces 1 Billion Euro Aid Package For Lebanon

Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, center, speaks during his meeting with Cyprus' President Nikos Christodoulides, left, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen at t

The European Union has unveiled a significant aid package of 1 billion euros for Lebanon, with a primary focus on enhancing border control measures to curb the influx of asylum seekers and migrants from Lebanon to countries like Cyprus and Italy. The aid initiative, set to commence this year and extend until 2027, aims to address the escalating challenges faced by Lebanon, a nation grappling with a severe financial crisis since 2019.

The aid distribution plan includes allocating 736 million euros to support Syrian refugees and other vulnerable groups in Lebanon. Additionally, 200 million euros will be directed towards reinforcing Lebanese security services to enforce border and migration control. The aid package also includes provisions to discourage Lebanese fishermen from selling their boats to smugglers.

European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of a structured approach to facilitate the voluntary return of Syrian refugees in coordination with the UN refugee agency. The EU intends to maintain legal pathways for refugee resettlement in Europe while collaborating with international partners to address the refugee crisis.

Lebanon's Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the aid package, highlighting the interconnectedness of Lebanon's security with that of European nations. The Lebanese government has long advocated for international support in resettling refugees or facilitating their return to Syria, amid growing tensions and security concerns within the country.

736 million euros allocated to support Syrian refugees and vulnerable groups.
The aid package aims to address challenges faced by Lebanon.
200 million euros directed towards reinforcing Lebanese security services.
Efforts to discourage Lebanese fishermen from selling boats to smugglers.
Focus on facilitating voluntary return of Syrian refugees in coordination with UN.
Collaboration with international partners to address refugee crisis.
Lebanese government welcomes aid package to address security concerns.
Surge in irregular migration of Syrian refugees from Lebanon to Cyprus.

The aid announcement comes amidst a surge in irregular migration of Syrian refugees from Lebanon to Cyprus, prompting concerns and challenges for both nations. Cyprus recently suspended processing Syrian asylum applications and faced accusations of forcibly turning back asylum seekers arriving from Lebanon.

The aid package signifies a crucial step in addressing the complex humanitarian and security issues in Lebanon, as the country continues to grapple with the repercussions of the ongoing Syrian conflict and internal challenges. The EU's commitment to supporting Lebanon and managing migration flows underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing global migration challenges.

As Lebanon and its European partners navigate the complexities of the refugee crisis, the aid package represents a significant milestone in their collaborative efforts to enhance border security, support vulnerable populations, and promote sustainable solutions for the region.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.