Lebanon: Statement by the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell on the one year anniversary of the Beirut port explosion

03.08.2021
Brussels

On 4 August 2020, a devastating explosion at the Beirut port caused more than 200 deaths, thousands of wounded and widespread damage to homes and businesses. The European Union swiftly provided substantial assistance to address the immediate needs and consequences of the blast as well as to support a recovery from the explosion.

One year after this tragic event, the families of the victims and the Lebanese people are still waiting for answers. The European Union urges again the Lebanese authorities to deliver results, without further delays, on the ongoing investigation into the causes of the blast.

The European Union commemorates the first anniversary of this tragedy, reconfirming its full solidarity and support to the Lebanese people.

The EU encourages the Lebanese political leaders to seize this opportunity to regain the trust of the Lebanese people, set their differences aside and quickly form a government with a strong mandate to address the current economic, financial and social crises, implement long overdue reforms, as also requested by the IMF, and prepare for elections in 2022.

The European Union welcomes and will participate in the conference co-chaired by France and the United Nations on 4 August in support of Lebanon’s most vulnerable people.

Nabila Massrali
Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
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