Statement on the occasion of Europe Day

On this Europe Day, the European Union reaffirms its commitment to Lebanon and its people.

The European Union is deeply engaged in Lebanon, both politically and financially, supporting security agencies, ministries and state institutions providing essential services, civil society, and the private sector.

This support matters. But the state itself must be able to deliver. This means continued progress on reforms, as the foundation of a state that works for its citizens. The European Union is encouraged by the steps already taken in this direction and remains committed to supporting this process, including through direct support to the institutions implementing these reforms.

All of this is taking place in an exceptionally difficult context. Lebanon continues to bear the consequences of a devastating conflict that has seen thousands of families displaced, entire villages destroyed, and communities shattered.

The European Union continues to provide assistance to the many people displaced by the conflict and to the communities hosting them. We welcome the courageous decisions taken by the President and the Government to restore state authority and affirm Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity across the country.

The European Union's commitment to Lebanon is rooted in close historical, human, and cultural ties, in shared interests, and in a fundamental belief in what this country can achieve — a belief shaped by Europe's own history and by what Europe Day represents. Europe Day commemorates the moment when nations that had spent centuries at war chose to build a shared future instead. That choice was not easy, and sustaining it remains an ongoing effort. But it was made, and for seven decades it has rendered conflict between EU Member States unthinkable.

Lebanon has paid the price of conflict too many times. What this beautiful country could become, in peace and stability, is something worth working for together.