Following the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy declared the commitment of the European Union and its member states to mobilize significant resources for Lebanon’s reconstruction. This support includes military assistance to help the Lebanese Armed Forces implement UN Resolution 1701 and humanitarian aid. This decision builds on years of EU efforts to assist Lebanon in coping with challenges such as the influx of Syrian civil war refugees and other pressing issues faced by the fragile state.
The European Union’s focus on Lebanon is largely driven by France, Lebanon’s traditional patron, which is making every effort to maintain its influence. A recent example of French involvement can be seen in its role in brokering the ceasefire agreement and its collaboration with the United States in overseeing its implementation. Additionally, in October, France hosted a donor conference in Paris to raise funds for humanitarian and security aid. President Macron successfully secured €800 million for humanitarian needs and €200 million for security purposes. Since the beginning of 2024, the EU itself has provided humanitarian aid totaling approximately €100 million, and since 2011, the EU humanitarian assistance to Lebanon has reached €971 million.
As part of the EU’s commitment to Lebanon’s reconstruction, it is recommended that Israel find ways to persuade the European Union and other states planning to join the reconstruction efforts to prioritize initiatives in southern Lebanon. This focus would aim to create an alternative to Hezbollah’s and Iran’s financial and economic assistance efforts for the residents returning to their homes in the south. EU involvement would help reduce dependency on Hezbollah and, indirectly, Iran, which, despite recent setbacks, remains committed to rebuilding its influence.
It is hoped that the European Union, which consistently advocates for stability and prosperity, will take prompt action to fulfill its promises.
Following the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy declared the commitment of the European Union and its member states to mobilize significant resources for Lebanon’s reconstruction. This support includes military assistance to help the Lebanese Armed Forces implement UN Resolution 1701 and humanitarian aid. This decision builds on years of EU efforts to assist Lebanon in coping with challenges such as the influx of Syrian civil war refugees and other pressing issues faced by the fragile state.
The European Union’s focus on Lebanon is largely driven by France, Lebanon’s traditional patron, which is making every effort to maintain its influence. A recent example of French involvement can be seen in its role in brokering the ceasefire agreement and its collaboration with the United States in overseeing its implementation. Additionally, in October, France hosted a donor conference in Paris to raise funds for humanitarian and security aid. President Macron successfully secured €800 million for humanitarian needs and €200 million for security purposes. Since the beginning of 2024, the EU itself has provided humanitarian aid totaling approximately €100 million, and since 2011, the EU humanitarian assistance to Lebanon has reached €971 million.
As part of the EU’s commitment to Lebanon’s reconstruction, it is recommended that Israel find ways to persuade the European Union and other states planning to join the reconstruction efforts to prioritize initiatives in southern Lebanon. This focus would aim to create an alternative to Hezbollah’s and Iran’s financial and economic assistance efforts for the residents returning to their homes in the south. EU involvement would help reduce dependency on Hezbollah and, indirectly, Iran, which, despite recent setbacks, remains committed to rebuilding its influence.
It is hoped that the European Union, which consistently advocates for stability and prosperity, will take prompt action to fulfill its promises.