The European Union (EU) recently issued a press release in which it announced that the EU and Lebanon have signed six new financing agreements amounting to circa €110.5 million in grants that will assist Lebanon’s security sector, as well as recovery in conflict-affected areas and reforms. According to the EU, said grants are part of the €1 billion support package that was announced by the European Commission President Mrs. Ursula von der Leyen back in May 2024. The press release noted that the grants reiterate the EU’s commitment to Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty, and security.

On the security front, the EU revealed that some €30 million will be earmarked to improve the capacities of the Internal Security Forces to combat organized crime and cybercrime, as well as assist security agencies in their counterterrorism efforts (among which terrorism financing and smuggling). In addition, some €25 million will be dedicated to ameliorate border management at land crossings and airports, as well as improve maritime safety and security. Furthermore, circa €8 million will be reserved to deliver reliable energy solutions for Lebanon’s security institutions.

Concerning the recovery in conflict-affected areas, the EU noted that some €25 million will be extended to assist the communities in the South and the Bekaa areas by promoting recovery and resilience.

As for the reforms, the press release stated that some €13.5 million will be granted to assist with the implementation of the “National Anti-Corruption Strategy”. The EU also noted that around €9 million will be allotted to aid Lebanese ministries and public institutions in providing improved public services.