Commissioner Füle signs EU-Lebanon cooperation priorities for the coming years
Beirut (14 October) - During the visit in Lebanon Commissioner Füle and the Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade Alain Hakim signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the European Union Single Support Framework for Lebanon. The Single Support Framework outlines the focus of the development cooperation programmes with Lebanon for the years 2014-2016.
Štefan Füle, European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy, said: “This signature comes at moment when it is essential for the international community to emphasize and reaffirm its continued engagement with Lebanon. We will continue to stand by Lebanon and its institutions to address present extraordinary challenges. The Memorandum on further EU support is a clear proof of our continued engagement and willingness to strengthen it even more." (See the whole speech after signature here)
The main priorities for the coming years for bilateral cooperation between EU and Lebanon are justice and security, social cohesion and sustainable management of energy and natural resources. The yearly allocation is an average of €50 million.
In line with the priorities of the Lebanese Government and with the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan, our multi-annual cooperation programming as outlined inthe Single Support Framework is focusing on three sectors:
1. Justice and Security System Reform, which are crucial in the current context to foster a stable environment while strengthening the of rule of law;
2. Reinforcing Social Cohesion, promoting sustainable economic development and protecting vulnerable groups. The objectives are to encourage private sector development and economic diversification while enhancing social protection, improving working conditions and address the needs of the most vulnerable groups.
3. Promoting the sustainable and transparent management of energy and natural resources. This sector is critical for Lebanon’s economy and the Lebanese population’s well-being. The objectives are to secure sustainable energy supply while preserving the environment and promoting sustainable rural economy.
In addition to these three main sectors the EU will provide general technical assistance and support the civil society.
The budget to fund these measures is between €130 and €159 million. In line with the more for more principle, the final amount will depend on the progress made with respect to the objectives of the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan.