Beirut: EU and Member State Ambassadors met with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on 10, 11, and 17 July 2025 to discuss priorities and financial support for Lebanon.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, the Ambassadors highlighted the EU and its Member States’ significant support for Lebanon, particularly in conflict-affected areas. This support amounts to more than USD 600 million, constituting nearly half of their total ongoing engagement in Lebanon, which exceeds USD 1 billion.

The funding primarily assists critical sectors such as education, healthcare, social protection, water and sanitation, and agriculture, while also aiding economic recovery through job creation and private sector support. Additional funds are allocated to mitigate the conflict’s impact on security and stability, including enhancing the Lebanese Armed Forces’ capabilities, clearing rubble and unexploded ordnance, and strengthening border management.

The Ambassadors stressed the importance of UNIFIL in maintaining stability in the south and urged all parties to fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and adhere to the November 2024 ceasefire mechanism.

The discussions also covered the Lebanese government’s ongoing financial, judicial, and governance reforms necessary for the country’s recovery. The Ambassadors praised recent steps, such as Parliament’s approval of the Banking Secrecy Law and filling key vacancies in the judiciary and regulatory bodies.

They emphasized the urgency for Parliament to endorse a Bank Resolution Law meeting international standards and called for a comprehensive strategy for financial sector losses distribution. The Ambassadors also inquired about the progress of laws on judicial independence and media freedom.

The meetings concluded with the Ambassadors reiterating the EU and Member States’ steadfast commitment to Lebanon and their readiness to support the country’s progress.