Beirut: Lebanon and the European Union today launched the EU-Lebanon Joint Monitoring Committee, a new platform for strategic dialogue on EU-Lebanon cooperation. The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Tarek Mitri and Minister of Economy and Trade Amer Bisat, serving as Vice-Chair on behalf of the Minister of Finance, alongside EU Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Waele and Director for the Middle East and North Africa Division at the European Commission Henrike Trautmann.
According to European Union, the meeting was attended by Minister of Culture Ghassan Salam©, Minister of National Defence Michel Menassa, Minister of Social Affairs Haneen Sayed, Minister of Interior and Municipalities Ahmad Hajjar, Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani, Minister of State for Administrative Development Fadi Makki, Minister of Energy and Water Joe Saddi, and Minister of Public Health Rakan Nassereddine. The first day focused on EU support to basic services and vulnerable communities, including education, healthcare, social protection, water, and wastewater. Discussions reviewed progress and results, examined implementation challenges, and identified opportunities to strengthen the sustainability, effectiveness, and impact of EU cooperation.
Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Tarek Mitri expressed gratitude to the European Union and its Member States for their longstanding support to Lebanon, particularly during the country's successive crises. He emphasized that while European support has been vital, Lebanon must transition from being defined by crises to building institutions and sustainable systems. Mitri highlighted the need for international assistance to bolster the capacity of the Lebanese State rather than replace it, aiming for a shift from crisis management to recovery, reform, and sustainable development.
EU Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Waele noted the significance of the Joint Monitoring Committee at this juncture in the partnership. She remarked on the renewed momentum for reform following political developments in early 2025, and the opportunity to review Lebanon's policy and reform priorities in collaboration with the EU. The European Union remains committed to supporting this nationally led process but emphasizes that the direction and implementation responsibilities must stay with Lebanon.
The Joint Monitoring Committee will continue with discussions on the EU's development cooperation portfolio, covering governance and reforms, justice, security, private sector development, employment, agriculture, energy, and the environment. The meeting will also address future priorities for the EU-Lebanon partnership, particularly in the context of the Pact for the Mediterranean, focusing on economic recovery, investment, energy, digital connectivity, security, and skills.
The EU is committed to being a reliable, long-term partner for Lebanon, providing political, financial, and institutional support. For the period 2021-2027, EU support to Lebanon amounts to approximately EUR 2.1 billion, including around EUR 1.6 billion in development assistance.