Brussels, 27/04/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Union will be providing an additional €30 million of aid to Lebanon as part of the Spring Programme, announced the president of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, on Thursday 26 April after a meeting with the Lebanese prime minister, Najib Mikati. This will be in addition to the €63 million already pledged to the country this year. The new aid reflects the EU's commitment to back reform in Lebanon to boost institutions, democracy, civil society, good governance, human rights and inclusive economic growth, said EU Neighbourhood Policy Commissioner Stefan Füle.
Barroso said it was more than economic and financial aid, being a question of reform, technical aid and the sharing of experience in a number of domains. He said the EU encouraged Lebanon to continue with its reform process as the best way of achieving long-term stability. His views were echoed by the Lebanese prime minister. The president of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, said it was important to ensure the stability of this multicultural and multi-religious country.
Barroso, Füle and Mikati discussed preparations for the European Neighbourhood Policy's action plan, including the nearly complete list of joint cooperation priorities. Fule said the action plan should reflect the EU's long-term commitment to important issues for the stability and sustainable development of Lebanon, rather than simply aid for political reform and the promotion of human rights. He said civil society and the social and political rights of vulnerable people should also be promoted.
Barroso and Van Rompuy encouraged Lebanon to move forward in its application to join the World Trade Organisation and to do more to cooperate with other countries in the Middle East. They also welcomed the country's work in helping Syrian refugees. (CG/transl.fl)