The European Union allocates more than 130 million Euros to Lebanon for 2014-2016 through the Single Support Framework The European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, Štefan Füle, and the Minister of Economy and Trade, Alain Hakim, signed today in Beirut the Memorandum of Understanding for the Single Support framework setting the priorities and financial allocations for the cooperation between the European Union and Lebanon for the current period 2014-2016. The MoU was negotiated between the two parties in order to align EU cooperation priorities with the strategic priorities of Lebanon. The indicative allocation to Lebanon for the period 2014-2016 amounts to more than 130 million Euros. Commissioner Füle said: “This signature comes at a moment when it is essential for the international community to emphasise 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. The EU will continue to stand by Lebanon and its institutions to address the current challenges. However, to effectively deal with them it is important for political leaders to join forces to advance on electing a president and on holding parliamentary elections. Only strong and functioning democratic institutions can effectively restore confidence and national unity and tackle the existing problems, he added. The focus of EU cooperation with Lebanon for the period 2014-2016 will be centred on the following three priority sectors and objectives, selected among the Governments agenda priorities: 1. Justice and security system reform, which, in the current context, are crucial to foster a stable environment while strengthening the 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 addressing 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 will provide support to civil society. During his visit to Lebanon, Commissioner Füle met Prime Minister Tammam Salam, Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil and Minister of Economy and Trade Alain Hakim, as well as representatives from civil society. The Commissioner also inaugurated the rehabilitated community centre of Mouvement Social in Bourj Hamoud, which is implementing non-formal education activities for Lebanese and refugee children with EU funding through UNICEF.
Posted on: Tue, 14 Oct 2014 13:46:43 +0000
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