Brussels, 13/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Union is to provide new financial aid of €30 million to Lebanon, the European Commission announced on Friday 13 July. This aid aims to improve living conditions and reduce the social inequalities of those living on Lebanese territory, including Palestinian refugees. “Lebanon has proven an important partner of the European Union over the last few years and it is crucial for us to maintain this good relationship, while supporting efforts to improve living conditions for people living in Lebanon, as well as advancing pressing reforms”, said Neighbourhood Policy Commissioner Stefan Füle.
Financial support is part of the Annual Action Programme 2012 (Part 1). Out of the €30 million, €10 million will be allocated to continuing demining activity and to institutional support to face up to the risks of mines and related challenges. The remaining €20 million will be earmarked for providing support for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon with €15 million being used for education, training and employment, in particular youth employment, and €5 million contributing to improving the infrastructure of refugee camps, including places of refuge and healthcare centres. Thus, the “EU keeps its engagement towards the community of Palestine refugees and contributes to the improvement of their living conditions”, the Commission stressed. (CG/transl.jl)