The European Union (EU) announced on May 14, 2025 that it will allocate €8m to support the implementation of the Post-Conflict Stability Project in Lebanon, following the 13-months conflict that erupted in October 2023 and escalated in September 2024. It said that the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) will carry out theproject to assist communities affected by war in Lebanon and facilitate their return to safe and stable areas. It added that the project aims to enhance the capacity of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) in their delivery of security services, as well as support the Lebanon Mine Action Center (LMAC) in managing unexploded ordnance in conflict-affected areas.  In addition, the UNODC said that it remains committed to supporting Lebanon's efforts to enhance prison conditions and promote the well-being of all prisoners. It indicated that the EU project aims to boost security institutions, tackle immediate challenges, and pave the way for lasting stability and sustainable development in Lebanon with over two decades of collaboration with national authorities and deep expertise in criminal justice and prison reform.  In parallel, the EU announced on May 2, 2024 that it will allocate €1bn in financial support to Lebanon during the 2024-27 period, and that the funds will be disbursed in tranches of €250m per year during the covered timeframe. It stated that the funds will be earmarked to strengthen basic services such as education, healthcare, social protection and water to the most vulnerable individuals in Lebanon, including to refugees, internally displaced persons, and to the host communities of refugees. It added that the support will assist the  Lebanese authorities in the implementation of urgent economic, financial and banking sector reforms, especially those requested by the International Monetary Fund, in order to improve economic conditions and the business environment in the country. In addition, it pointed out that the package will support the Lebanese Armed Forces by enhancing their border and migration management, including combating human trafficking and smuggling. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Byblos Bank, May 19 - 24, 2025