Today, the European Commission announced €505 million in financial support for Lebanon for 2026 and 2027, the second half of the €1 billion support package announced by President Ursula von der Leyen during her visit to Beirut in May 2024.
The new funding will cover three main areas and will support Lebanon in advancing key reforms; strengthening its economic recovery, enhancing security and border management; and maintaining essential services for the most vulnerable. It will also support Lebanon in addressing the consequences of instability, conflict and displacement in the region.
The €505 million tranche will focus on:
- Basic services and support for vulnerable people: maintaining access to education, health, social protection and water. This includes cash assistance for vulnerable families and people with disabilities, and access to primary healthcare. EU will also support durable solutions for refugees from Syria, including safe, voluntary and dignified returns, while helping Lebanese authorities progressively take over and sustain essential services.
- Recovery, reforms and security: supporting Lebanon's reform agenda, including the justice sector, oversight and regulatory bodies and Parliament, as well as human rights. EU support will also contribute to strengthening the security sector, border management, private sector resilience and economic recovery in conflict-affected areas.
- Civil society and culture: supporting organisations working on the rights of women, young people, minorities and persons with disabilities, as well as initiatives promoting democratic participation, transparency and the fight against corruption. Support will also help strengthen social cohesion and protect Lebanon's cultural heritage.
Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica announced the funding in New York, in the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Background
In May 2024, President of the Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced a €1 billion EU financial support package for Lebanon for 2024–2027 to contribute to the country's socio-economic stability, strengthen basic services, support reforms and economic recovery, and enhance security and border management. The first €500 million tranche, covering 2024 and 2025, was adopted in August 2024.
This year's escalation has resulted in over 1 million internally displaced persons since March. For the displaced, humanitarian needs have been particularly high. The EU has been providing €100 million in humanitarian aid in Lebanon in 2026, has been delivering life-saving assistance including emergency healthcare, shelter, basic needs, protection and education.
Beyond humanitarian aid, to address the current immediate needs, following the escalation, the Commission has mobilised additional assistance under the €1 billion financial support package to support the government-led emergency response, including cash assistance measures and support to healthcare and education. Since 2011, the EU has provided more than €3.5 billion in assistance to Lebanon , including support for vulnerable Lebanese and refugees from Syria.
EU support is implemented in cooperation with Lebanese authorities, UN agencies, international organisations and civil society partners.
