Brussels, 05/02/2026 (Agence Europe) – In a draft recommendation published on Tuesday 3 February, MEP Borys Budka (EPP, Polish) proposed that the European Parliament approve the agreement of the EU with the Republic of Lebanon aimed at continuing their cooperation in the framework of the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA). The EU and Lebanon signed this agreement in December (see EUROPE 13769/30). “The Agreement is also consistent with wider EU–Lebanon cooperation priorities, notably economic recovery, youth engagement, and the promotion of innovation ecosystems and entrepreneurship”, the rapporteur stressed in the explanatory memorandum. In addition, the added value of the programme was confirmed by its interim evaluation in 2023, particularly in terms of reinforcing research capacities and advancing the EU’s strategic objectives in the region. Read the draft recommendation: https://aeur.eu/f/kli (AD)