EU provides $27.5 million in aid to Lebanon

The European Union (EU) has adopted the 2015 second assistance package for Lebanon totaling €25 million ($27.5 million).

The aid consists of three programs. The first is valued at €15 million ($16.5 million) and aims at supporting private sector development by assisting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to be more competitive.

The second is valued at €5 million ($5.5 million) and consists of providing technical assistance to the Government. The assistance will help improve governance and strengthen the capacities for administrative and institutional reform within the Lebanese public administration, an EU statement said.

The third program is entitled ‘Civil society partnership to promote reform and local development’ and is valued at €5 million’ ($5 million). According to the EU, the funding will help civil society support reforms and increase public accountability in the fields of health, education and environment (including water and energy). Moreover, it will support grassroots organizations to allow their engagement in local socio-economic development.

The programs implement the priorities set out for EU cooperation with Lebanon for 2014-2016.