Beiruting News

On the occasion of Europe Day, the Delegation of the European Union, in collaboration with the EU Member States, organises the "EU-Lebanon Cooperation Days" at Pavillon Royal, Biel, on 8-9 May, under the theme "Working Together, Moving Forward". The event will take place under the patronage of H.E. Minister of Economy and Trade Dr Alain Hakim and will be inaugurated on 8 May at 10h00 a.m.

The event aims to:

• Introduce the public to the action the EU and the Member States fund in Lebanon;
• Explain the support opportunities offered by the EU and the Member States to different partners (State institutions, local authorities, civil society, business and academic communities, students, media, and other partners);
• Generate discussion on the desired reform agenda in Lebanon.

The "EU-Lebanon Cooperation Days" will cover all aspects of the EU-Lebanon partnership. Ten stands will showcase the programmes and projects funded by the EU and the Member States in the following areas:  Human Rights and Democracy, Justice and Good Governance; Economic Development; Social Development; Infrastructure and Natural Resources; Peace, Reconciliation and Stability; Regional Development; Culture and Heritage; Syrian Crisis Response; Humanitarian Aid.

The two-day event features specialised debates tackling a range of areas of EU support and its impact on on-going reform efforts in Lebanon. Videos produced within the framework of EU-funded activities will also be screened. Furthermore, the event will present the potential opportunities and funding mechanisms available.

An information session on the future of the European Neighbourhood Policy will also be held.

The "EU-Lebanon Cooperation Days" constitute an unprecedented opportunity to be informed about the nature of EU support to Lebanon and to find out how one can contribute and participate to this support effort.

The "EU-Lebanon Cooperation Days" are open to all and will be held on 8 May from 11h00 to 20h00 and on 9 May from 10h00 to 15h00. Registration is free of charge.

EU support to Lebanon

The European Union, the Member States and the European Investment Bank currently execute a total budget of more than €2.2 billion of assistance to Lebanon: approximately €1.3 billion in grants and €0.9 billion in loans. The EU allocates around €220 million annually to Lebanon (€50 million provided by the European Commission, €50 million by the Member States, and €120 million in loans by the European Investment Bank).