25/11/24 (Agence Europe) – The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, announced in Beirut on Sunday 24 November that the EU could spend €200 million on the Lebanese armed forces. “As the European Union, we are supporting the Lebanese people, the Lebanese army, and the Lebanese institutions. We are ready to devote €200 million to the Lebanese armed forces”, he announced. He explained that he had asked the Lebanese Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, and the Commander of the Armed Forces, Joseph Aoun, how the EU could support the army “not only financially, but also technically”. On 23 September, the EU adopted a €15 million assistance measure through the ‘European Peace Facility’ for the armed forces (see EUROPE 13489/8), following initial support of €6 million adopted in December 2022 (see EUROPE 13075/25). (CG)