When the effects of the conflict in neighbouring Syria on Lebanon became evident in 2012, the European Union reacted promptly to stand alongside Lebanon. The significantly increased number of people in Lebanon put a heavy burden on the Lebanese communities and infrastructure, which were had already been under strain prior to the Syrian crisis. In order to alleviate some of the pressure in Syria's neighbouring countries, large funds have been engaged, including in Lebanon, where the support is benefitting vulnerable Lebanese communities and refugees from Syria alike.
Since the beginning of the crisis, the European Commission has allocated around €790 million in assistance to vulnerable Lebanese communities and refugees from Syria:
- €356 million for humanitarian assistance from ECHO, the Directorate General of the European Commission for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (basic assistance, protection, food security, shelter and non-food items)
- €247 million from the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI) mainly to enhance capacities of and support to Lebanese institutions at central and local levels, in the provision of basic services (health, education, water, sanitation and hygiene) to Lebanese vulnerable communities and Syrian refugees and Palestinian refugees from Syria
- €142 million from the MADAD Regional Trust Fund to address longer-term resilience needs of refugees from Syria and support Lebanese communities by increasing access to education and training, as well as improving livelihoods, water, hygiene and sanitation and health services
- €42 million from the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP) to address longer term resilience needs of affected civilians, both Lebanese and refugee communities.
OBJECTIVES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION'S SUPPORT
- We protect and assist vulnerable Lebanese and Syrian and Palestinian refugees from Syria
- We help Lebanon mitigate the impact of the crisis by addressing the medium and long-term needs of both vulnerable Lebanese and refugees from Syria
- We support the most vulnerable municipalities in improving their infrastructure and economic recovery
- We contribute to the provision of basic services such as free public education, primary and secondary health care, child and women protection, psychosocial support as well water, sanitation and hygiene
- We reinforce the policy dialogue with the Lebanese Government and the capacities of existing Lebanese institutions responsible for managing the crisis, at national and local levels
All EU-funded actions are aligned with the priorities identified in the Lebanon Crisis Response Plan. The assistance ismainly implemented through UN agencies and Lebanese and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and Lebanese municipalities. Substantial efforts are made to ensure close coordination and increased involvement of the Lebanese Government and local authorities, as well as other Lebanese stakeholders such as NGOs, academia and the private sector in theresponse. One of the crucial elements of the response has been the partnership among international, national and local actors.
Our support has yielded promising results. Scroll though the sectors to see what we have achieved through our funding so far.
