EU allocates €229 mn for reforms, development in Lebanon

The European Union has allocated this year €229 million to reinforce reforms and economic development in Lebanon.

In a statement, the delegation of the EU to Lebanon said that the EU "continues to support Lebanon and its people during challenging socio-economic conditions and allocates this year €229 million to reinforce much needed reforms and economic development."

It added that several priorities were identified for this new financial package.

The first priority is "to enhance good governance and support reforms." "In this context, the European Union will assist Lebanon in implementing reforms related to public administration focusing on integrity, transparency, and accountability, in line with the opportunities identified by the recent IMF Staff-Level Agreement," the statement said, adding that the EU's assistance will target civil service reform, public financial management reform and access to public information.

Moreover, the European Union will work with state and civil society actors to empower Lebanese women and contribute to gender equality. The European Union said it will help increase women’s leadership and participation in political and public arenas and work on creating an environment for better representation of women in the workforce. "Being committed to supporting Lebanon on its reform agenda, the European Union will support the implementation of legislation to protect women from all forms of violence," the statement said.

It went on to say that "under the priority of promoting a green and sustainable recovery, the European Union will support Lebanon's green agenda and transition to renewable energy." The European Union will fund energy efficiency equipment in public sector buildings and contribute to a more efficient provision of public services. It will also focus on "increasing the competitiveness of Lebanese industries, in particular the agro-food sector, by fostering entrepreneurship, innovation and technology transfers for sustainable energy solutions."

In addition, the statement said that the EU will continue to provide significant assistance to vulnerable Lebanese and Syrian refugees and help them accessing much needed essential services in social protection, education, health, and water provision.

"The European Union remains committed to supporting Lebanon and its people to move toward the recovery and stability they deserve," the statement concluded.