EU concludes billion-dollar refugee deal with Lebanon

The European Union (EU) has agreed on a billion-dollar refugee deal with Lebanon. The country will receive financial aid worth around one billion euros, said EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday during her visit to Beirut.

Beirut - The money will be available until 2027. This is also intended to strengthen the country's border protection and the fight against smuggling crime. Von der Leyen spoke of a “strong testimony” to the EU’s support for the Lebanese population. In addition, the agreement reflects the “clear message” from the EU leaders at the last summit, said von der Leyen. The Commission President had previously met with the Lebanese Prime Minister Mikati and Cyprus' Head of State Christodoulidis. Cyprus had recently insisted on EU action in view of a growing number of Syrian refugees from Lebanon. Lebanon has taken in the most refugees from the civil war-torn Syria in relation to its population.

Given the extremely tense economic and political situation in the country, most Syrians live there in precarious conditions.

Source: Der Newsticker

Photo: Reuters.