EU announces 8 mn euros to support post-conflict stability in Lebanon

IANS May 15, 2025 246 views

The European Union has committed 8 million euros to support post-conflict recovery in Lebanon through UN-managed programs. The initiative focuses on community stabilization, security force capacity building, and mine clearance in areas impacted by cross-border tensions. The project addresses critical needs in regions devastated by months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. These efforts aim to restore safety, enable community return, and promote long-term regional stability.

"The ISF plays a critical role in maintaining public order and safeguarding communities." - Peter Wagner, EU Foreign Policy Instruments
Beirut, May 15: The European Union has announced 8 million euros (about $9 million) to support stability and security in Lebanon, after months of conflict with Israel devastated the country's infrastructure and caused significant loss of life.

Key Points

1

EU funds UN programs to support conflict-affected Lebanese communities

2

Project aims to strengthen Internal Security Forces capacity

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Mine clearance efforts crucial for safe return of displaced families

4

Fragile ceasefire remains in place since November

The project, to be implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), aims to support conflict-affected communities and help them return to safe areas, according to a press statement released on Wednesday from the EU Delegation to Lebanon.

The project will support local peacebuilding efforts, strengthen the capacity of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) in their delivery of security services, and help the Lebanon Mine Action Center manage unexploded ordnance in conflict-affected areas, Xinhua news agency reported.

The contract was signed at the ISF headquarters in Beirut, in the presence of ISF Director General Raed Abdullah, Director of the EU Service for Foreign Policy Instruments Peter Wagner, EU Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Waele, and UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon Blerta Aliko.

"The ISF plays a critical role in maintaining public order and safeguarding communities. The European Union's crisis response is aimed at bolstering the Internal Security Forces' capacity at a critical time. At the same time, the work of the Lebanon Mine Action Center to clear landmines and explosive remnants of war remains vital, not only to protect lives, but to enable recovery, development and safe return of displaced families," Peter Wagner was quoted as saying.

"This new program reflects our ongoing commitment to Lebanon and its security institutions in promoting peace and stability across the country, at this critical time," said Sandra De Waele.

A fragile ceasefire has been in place in Lebanon since November, ending months of cross-border warfare between Israel and Hezbollah, which escalated into a full-scale conflict in September last year.

Lebanese authorities have reported nearly 3,000 Israeli violations of the truce, including the deaths of nearly 200 people and the injuries of around 500 others.

Under the ceasefire deal, Israel was supposed to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26, but the deadline was extended to February 18 after Israel refused to comply. It still maintains a military presence at five border outposts.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
While humanitarian aid is always welcome, the EU should ensure this money doesn't indirectly support Hezbollah's influence. Lebanon needs stability, but not at the cost of strengthening militant groups. India has seen how cross-border terrorism affects regional peace.
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Priya M.
Good initiative by EU! 👏 Clearing landmines is crucial for civilian safety. India has experience in this through our peacekeeping missions. Maybe our forces could share expertise with Lebanon Mine Action Center? #HumanitarianFirst
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Amit S.
The West pours money into Middle East conflicts but ignores similar issues in South Asia. Where's this kind of support for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh or Sri Lanka's economic crisis? Selective humanitarianism isn't helpful.
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Neha T.
Lebanon's situation is heartbreaking. As someone whose family lived through Partition, I understand how conflict destroys lives. Hope this aid reaches actual victims, not corrupt officials. Transparency is key! 🤞
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Vikram J.
Interesting to see EU funding security forces when they criticize India's internal security measures in Kashmir. Different standards for different regions? The West should stop this hypocrisy in international relations.

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Tags:
Lebanon EU Aid Israel Conflict UN Development Program Internal Security Forces Humanitarian Support Middle East Stability