The EU has announced an additional €50m funding package to support the Lebanese defence and security sector.
The package is mart of a longstanding commitment to supporting the Lebanese defence and security sector, under which the EU has invested some €85m across the sector since 2006. This money has been spent on capacity building, civilian oversight and mitigation of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.
For the new raft of funding, which will be allocated until 2020, and is broken down into specific areas which will be supported over the next two years, including:
- Promoting the rule of law;
- Enhancing security;
- Strengthening integrated border management;
- Countering terrorism; and
- Improving airport security.
Of the total funds allocated, some €46.6m will be provided to support the Lebanese defence and security sector in ensuring the rule of law, and is funded by the European Neighbourhood Instrument.
An additional measure of €3.5m will be adopted under the commission’s Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace, and will specifically prevent smuggling, trafficking and the threat of terrorism at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon.
What did the commission say about the announcement?
The European Commission High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, said that the new raft of funding would support the longstanding commitment of the EU to reform and development in Lebanon.
She said: “Lebanon can count on the European Union’s longstanding partnership in facing its current challenges, from humanitarian aid to development cooperation, but also on economy and security.”
By supporting the sector, she suggested, Europe will promote the stability that the region needs: “With this new package, the EU reconfirms its support to the Lebanese defence and security sector and the strengthening of Lebanon’s institutions, which are crucial to ensure the stability, security and unity of the country, for the benefit of the Lebanese people and of the entire region.”
