Lebanon - Achievements
The European Commission’s Progress Report Lebanon concludes that the adoption of the Action Plan in January 2007 demonstrates in an impressive manner the country’s commitment to the European Neighbourhood Policy, especially when considering the highly difficult political situation of Lebanon at the time.
Lebanon has made particular efforts to achieve progress on economic reforms and has ensured macroeconomic stability. Lebanon has also pursued its programme of structural reforms, which focuses on improving the business climate, privatization and the opening of markets. Several other reforms (e.g. in the fields of competition and taxation) have been agreed at Council of Ministers’ level, even if further implementation has not been possible so far.
Through a multi-year €25 million Economic and Social Fund for development, the EU is helping to improve the economic and social conditions of low-income groups through support for local development and job-creation, including through micro-credit programmes.
The EU has spent some €37 million on local development projects (involving around 200 rural municipalities). It has also reinforced the capacity of the police and the judiciary to deal with all types of crime with €7 million worth of technical assistance and material and supported the civil society with a €3 million programme (the promotion of good citizenship, intercommunity dialogue and providing legal support to vulnerable groups such as migrant workers and refugees). Support has also been given to Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and for the clearing of cluster bombs and other unexploded ordnance in South Lebanon.
