$36 million from EU to support Palestinian refugees, demining

The European Commission announced a new $36 million financial support for Lebanon.
The support, the first part of its Annual Action Programme 2012, aims at improving living conditions and reducing social inequalities for residents. The EU allocated $12 million for pursuing on-going demining activities and reinforcing the country’s institutional capacity to deal with mine related risks and challenges. It allocated $24 million to support Palestinian refugees and improve living conditions in refugee camps.

"Lebanon has proven an important partner of European Union over the last few years and it is crucial for us to maintain this good relationship, while supporting efforts to improve living conditions for people living in Lebanon, as well as advancing pressing reforms," said Štefan Füle, EU Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy.