The main goal of EU – Lebanon long standing partnership is to promote the development of Lebanon as a democratic, politically open and economically strong neighbour of the EU.
Today the legal basis for this relation is laid down in the EU-Lebanon Association Agreement which was adopted in 2002 and entered into force on 1 April 2006. The EU-Lebanon Action Plan from 19 January 2007 gave a new impetus to bilateral relations in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy . Based on respect of democratic principles and fundamental human rights, both documents, provide a framework for political dialogue, co-operation in economic policy as well as close co-operation in the social field and a better understanding amongst cultures.
Lebanon is one of the main Mediterranean beneficiaries of community assistance and the EU through its various instruments is Lebanon’s leading donor. Starting from 2007 financial support is channelled through the European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument