EU allocates €15 million to support Palestinian refugees in Lebanon – EU press release/Non-UN document

EU announces new support for Lebanon

Brussels, 13/07/2012: Today, the European Commission announced new financial support to further assist the Government of Lebanon in improving living conditions and reducing social inequalities for people living on the Lebanese territory.

Demining has been at the heart of substantial EU support over the past years, and as such, this money will help pursuing on-going demining activities in Lebanon while reinforcing its institutional capacity to deal with mine related risks and challenges. Thus, it will contribute to restoring better socio-economic conditions for sustainable development.

Further funding will go towards supporting Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, as they belong to the most vulnerable people living in the country. They are facing very limited prospects in terms of socio-economic opportunities. Hence, this programme will focus on employability and better access to education, in particular for the youth.

Heavily deteriorated infrastructure forms part of daily life in Palestine refugee camps and causes many risks for the safety of residents. By providing support to rehabilitate infrastructure, e.g. shelters and health centres, the EU keeps its engagement towards the community of Palestine refugees and contributes to the improvement of their living conditions.

EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, Štefan Füle, announcing the decision, said: "Lebanon has proven an important partner of 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."

The Annual Action Programme 2012 Part I for Lebanon amounts €30 million.

Annual Action Programme 2012 (Part I):

Mine action in Lebanon: clearance activities and institutional support – €10 million

Education, training and employment: support for the Palestine refugees in Lebanon – €15 million

Improving Infrastructure in Palestinian Refugee Camps in Lebanon – €5 million

For more information

EU-Lebanon relations: http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/where/neighbourhood/country-cooperation/le…

On the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP): http://ec.europa.eu/world/enp/index_en.htm

Contacts :

Peter Stano (+32 2 295 74 84)

Anca Paduraru (+32 2 296 64 30)