Your Excellency Minister Lahoud, representing the President and Prime Minister of Lebanon,

Your Excellency MP Alame, representing the Speaker of Parliament,

Your Excellency Ambassador Khachab, representing the Foreign Minister, 

Distinguished Ministers, Members of Parliament, Senior Officials, 

Representatives of Security Institutions,

Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

And a special welcome to the colleagues from EU Member States,

It’s truly a pleasure to welcome you here.

Today, we celebrate Europe Day and the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which paved the way for the creation of the European Union.

Today’s Europe Day comes at a time of significant challenges, both within and beyond the European Union’s borders. From the return of war in Europe to rising global tensions and economic uncertainty, we are reminded of just how vital the European project is, and how crucial it is to uphold partnerships built on dialogue, trust, and mutual respect. In this rapidly changing context, I would like to reaffirm that the European Union has been, and remains, a stable and reliable partner for Lebanon.

Today is also a powerful reminder of how much can change for the better in one year.

Just a year ago, amid the ongoing conflict and the political deadlock, it would have been hard to imagine us standing here today – smiling, singing, celebrating.

And yet, here we are. Lebanon is beginning to hope again. A cautious hope, perhaps, but hope nonetheless. 

I am very aware of the fragility of the current situation. The ceasefire is being violated. Armed groups still operate from Lebanese territory. The evolving situation in Syria presents both opportunities and concerns. And the Lebanese still have to address grievances older than this war, the one before it, and the one before that.

But if this is not a time for hope, then when? After a year and a half in Lebanon, I can easily testify that Lebanon’s greatest asset lies in its people, your “can do” attitude, your sense of entrepreneurship and willingness to take risks. Now is the time to build a better future. A Lebanon that young people don’t want to leave but want to return to.

Building a better future starts with peace and stability.

That is why we continue to advocate for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 by all parties. The country also needs stronger borders – not only to the South, both also to the North, East and West across the sea. The Lebanese Armed Forces have been working tirelessly in the most challenging conditions to ensure the security of Lebanon, and we are proud to support their efforts and the efforts of all security institutions, which we trust can bring safety and stability to the Lebanese.

Building a better future also starts with meaningful reforms. A reform of the banking sector to pave the way for economic recovery and investment. A reform of the public administration for more transparency and accountability in public affairs. A reform of the judiciary to fight corruption, prevent the politicisation of justice and ensure proper oversight of State institutions. These are but a few examples of what is needed for Lebanon to get back on its feet. These are also examples of what Lebanon’s new leadership has committed to: the President in his inaugural address and the government in its ministerial statement. The Parliament also has a key role to play in adopting these reforms.

And here, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the important progress that has been made recently: the Parliament’s adoption of a banking secrecy law, the Government’s drafting of a law on the independence of the judiciary, and the organisation of municipal elections. These may seem like modest steps, but they are meaningful ones. 

The European Union is proud to have supported some of these efforts. Throughout - and in spite of the institutional vacuum of recent years - we have managed to spark and sustain a vital dialogue on reforms, bringing together experts from ministries, parliament, and civil society to very concretely begin shaping meaningful reforms in areas ranging from justice to energy. The time is now ripe to pick the fruit of that labour and together with our Member States, we remain committed to standing by Lebanon and offering our continued support.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Over the past decade, the European Union and its Member States have adapted their support to Lebanon to meet the evolving challenges facing the country.

Today, there is growing momentum for a stronger EU-Lebanon partnership. We've seen numerous high-level visits and missions this year, and more are to come. This reflects a willingness to re-engage and deepen our cooperation at a critical time.

It’s a time to reset, to work toward a relationship that delivers tangible benefits to both the European Union and Lebanon, built on mutual interests and shared values. From increased trade and investment to stronger ties in education, culture, and innovation, the potential is vast. Unlocking more opportunities also depends on Lebanon’s ability to recover, reform and rebuild. As Lebanon gets back on its feet, there is so much more we can achieve together.

Europe Day celebrates ‘unity in diversity’, the very motto of the European Union. It is this same spirit of unity in diversity that makes Lebanon so remarkable, so unique in the region. 

Let us value this shared strength and build upon it, together. The European Union and its Member States are ready to walk this path with you. 

Thank you.