The European Union announced this week it is extending Lebanon an additional financial support worth €22 million to help the country meet the urgent needs of the Lebanese society which is facing “increasing social tensions, especially due to the uncertain economic outlook and the instability caused by the crisis in Syria.”
Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle who made the announcement at a meeting Thursday with the Ambassador of Lebanon to the EU Rami Mortada condemned as “unacceptable” the recent terrorist bombings in Tripoli and Beirut and pointed out that the international Community must help Lebanon to carry the heavy burden caused by the bloodshed in neighbouring Syria.
“We stand by Lebanon and are committed to its stability, unity and sovereignty,” he insisted.
Out of the promised €22 million, €8 million are destined to support the security sector through the improvement of the effectiveness of Lebanese security agencies, €10 million to reinforce social cohesion through improving the quality of the social services offered by the National Social Security Fund, and €4 million to improve housing and health conditions of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. These refugees’ living conditions have worsened after nearly 65,000 new Palestinian refugees fled From Syria to Lebanon, says a press release of the European Commission.
The €4 million EU assistance will improve living conditions of the most vulnerable Palestinian refugees by rehabilitating shelters and health centers.
The €22 million additional amount is part of the Annual Action Plan 2013 for Lebanon and was approved in light of the recent events in the region, which are to a great extent affecting Lebanese stability and security.
In the context of the Syrian crisis and since the start of the refugee crisis, the EU has so far donated Lebanon almost €235 million. Some €65 million were destined to humanitarian assistance, and €170 million for socio-economic support of Lebanese host communities.
The EU comprehensive additional assistance package destined to help Lebanon cope with the consequences of the Syrian crisis amounts to €400 million.
