2024-05-06 03:08:44
The number of refugees reaching Europe via Lebanon via Cyprus is constantly increasing. The EU is trying to close this ever-opening flank with a new refugee deal.
In order to stop the flow of Syrian refugees from Lebanon to Cyprus and the EU, the EU Commission has promised Lebanon financial aid worth around one billion euros. The money will be available from this year until 2027, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Thursday in Beirut after talks with the acting Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulidis. Mikati, for his part, warned against establishing Lebanon as the homeland of fleeing Syrians.
The deal is certainly linked to expectations: they are counting on good cooperation in preventing illegal migration and combating smuggling crime, said von der Leyen. In order to support the country in managing migration, the EU is committed to keeping legal routes to Europe open and to resettle refugees from Lebanon to the EU.
The money is intended to support, among other things, the Lebanese armed forces and other security forces. “This is primarily about providing equipment and training for border administration,” said von der Leyen. In addition, the aid should be used to strengthen the health, education and social systems in Lebanon in order to create more social and economic stability.
Another focus is on economic and banking reforms in Lebanon. According to the Commission President, these are the key to a long-term improvement in the country’s overall economic situation. Improvements would allow the business environment and the banking sector to regain the trust of the international community, thereby enabling private sector investment.
However, Mikati drew clear boundaries for Lebanon: “We refuse to let our homeland become an alternative homeland,” he said. “If we emphasize this issue, it is because we warn that Lebanon is becoming a transit country from Syria to Europe. The problems at the Cyprus border are just one example of what can happen if these problems are not addressed. “