The main goal of EU – Lebanon long standing partnership is to promote the development of Lebanon as a democratic, politically open and economically strong neighbour of the EU.

Today the legal basis for this relation is laid down in the EU-Lebanon Association Agreement [2 MB] which was adopted in 2002 and entered into force on 1 April 2006 and open the way to fully incorporate Lebanon into the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP).

In the framework of the ENP, the EU-Lebanon Action Plan [100 KB] from 19 January 2007 gave a new impetus to bilateral relations. Based on respect of democratic principles and fundamental human rights, both documents, provide a framework for political dialogue, co-operation in economic policy as well as close co-operation in the social field and a better understanding amongst cultures. A new report on progress made on the implementation of the EU-Lebanon Action Plan will be published in April 2010.

Lebanon is one of the main Mediterranean beneficiaries of community assistance and the EU through its various instruments is Lebanon’s leading donor. Starting from 2007 financial support is channelled through the European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument [113 KB] .

In line with the National Indicative Programme 2011-2013 [403 KB] (adopted by the EU on March 2010) a new financial envelope of € 150 million for the years 2011-2013 has been allocated to Lebanon.

See also:

The European Commission's Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO) is funding agencies in Lebanon that work with children and their parents affected by the trauma of war. Mid Term Review of the ENPI Programming Documents - Lebanon .