The European Union announced an additional support package to help Lebanon, in response to the deadly explosion that rocked its capital on August 4th.
The €100-million package, which amounts to over $122 million, aims at helping Lebanon deal with the consequences of the Beirut Port blast and supporting its recovery in a manner that focuses on meeting the population’s needs, the EU said in a press release Wednesday.
The assistance package includes €34 million from the 2020 bilateral funding in Lebanon under the European Neighborhood Instrument.
This sum will be reoriented to improve governance and accountability, continue assisting civil society, and restore access to jobs and economic opportunities.
It will additionally be used to help restore and improve basic services and physical infrastructure damaged by the blast.
On the other hand, €64 million, channeled via the EU Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian Crisis, will go to the most vulnerable communities affected by the August 4 explosion in the country.
The support that will be provided through this sum involves social assistance, health, and support to micro and small enterprises in Lebanon.
The new assistance package was advanced by the High Representative/Vice-President, Josep Borrell, and by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, at the Conference in Support of the Lebanese People convened by France and the United Nations that took place on December 2nd.