European Union

As part of its ongoing activities in Lebanon, the Delegation of the European Union is organising the “EU-Lebanon Cooperation Days” at the Main Hall of the Lebanese University Central Administration (facing the National Museum), on 23 and 24 March, under the theme “Working Together”. The Head of the Delegation of the European Union, Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, and H.E. Mr.Nicolas Nahhas, Minister of Economy and Trade, inaugurated this event today at 13h00, in the presence of representatives of the European Union and many European and Lebanese personalities.

The European Union is one of the main donors to Lebanon. It allocates about €220 million annually in assistance to Lebanon (€50 million from the European Commission, €50 million from the EU Member States and €120 million in loans from the European Investment Bank).

These "EU-Lebanon Cooperation Days” will cover all aspects of the EU-Lebanon partnership. Ten different stands will be devoted to the programmes and projects funded by the EU and its Member States in the following fields:  Human Rights and Governance; Economic Development; Social Development; Infrastructure; Peace, Reconciliation and Stability; Decentralisation and Local Development; Natural Resources and Agriculture; Culture and Heritage; Refugees; and Humanitarian Aid. In parallel, more specialised debates and workshops will be held to explain these programmes and projects and their impact on ongoing reform efforts in Lebanon. Several videos produced within the framework of EU funded activities will be screened as well. The event will also present the potential opportunities and funding mechanisms available to various partners, such as State institutions, NGOs, the private sector, students, beneficiaries etc.

Ambassador Eichhorst said: "In my opinion, what matters most is that tangible results are felt by the Lebanese people. Aid should therefore be well targeted, defined on the basis of real needs and implemented in a transparent and participatory manner, by credible actors".

On his side, Minister Nahhas said that “The EU was an excellent partner in raising the capacities of Lebanese enterprises, industrial infrastructure and business environment through projects like Quality, ElCIM, Business Development Centers, rural and agriculture development and vocational training.”

The "EU-Lebanon Cooperation Days" are open to all, especially decision-makers, representatives of civil society, businessmen, academics, media, municipalities, students and all citizens who are concerned with reforms and development. Thus, the event is an unprecedented occasion to get yourself informed of the nature of the EU’s support to Lebanon, and to understand that best way you can contribute to it, which in turn defines the motto of the event, “Working Together”.

The "EU-Lebanon Cooperation Days" will be held on 23 and 24 March, from 14h00 to 20h00.