€32 million to support the South and the Bekaa… Lebanon launches recovery program in partnership with Europe, France and Denmark

The Presidency of the Council of Ministers issued the following statement:

“Today, the Lebanese government, the European Union, Denmark and France, through the French Development Agency, launched a €32 million program aimed at supporting areas affected by the conflict in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa.

The program was originally designed following the ceasefire in November 2024. It is now being launched at a difficult time for Lebanon, and has accordingly been adapted to support national institutions in preparing for recovery, while also backing the response to urgent needs on the ground.

As soon as conditions allow, the program will support long-term recovery by strengthening the capacities of local authorities, helping local institutions resume their work, supporting sustainable agriculture, and creating job opportunities for the most vulnerable groups.

The launch ceremony was held at the Grand Serail in the presence of Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam, Finance Minister Yassine Jaber, Acting Director-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf at the European Commission Michael Karnitschnig, EU Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Waele, French Ambassador to Lebanon Hervé Magro, Danish Ambassador to Lebanon Christopher Vivek, as well as representatives of Lebanese institutions, the French Development Agency, and partner organizations.

Finance Minister Yassine Jaber said: ‘On behalf of the Lebanese government, I extend my deepest thanks to the European Union, France and Denmark for this generous €32 million grant in support of war-affected areas, small and medium-sized enterprises, and local governance.

This support comes at a critical moment for Lebanon, as we once again face renewed hostilities, widespread destruction, and large-scale displacement. Your contribution is not only timely, but also a powerful example of coordinated international solidarity aligned with national priorities and urgent local needs.

Today’s challenges require more than traditional assistance; they require flexibility, speed and partnership. Lebanon needs a cessation of hostilities and a return to lasting stability, not fragile truces that fall short of achieving sustainable stability.

Our message today is clear: Lebanon needs strong, coordinated and flexible support — support that helps preserve social cohesion, respond to urgent humanitarian needs, and lay the foundations for credible recovery and inclusive growth.

Lebanon’s resilience continues to be tested, but resilience alone is no longer enough. With coordinated and timely international support, we can move from crisis management to recovery, reform and renewed hope.’

Karnitschnig said that ‘the European Union stands by Lebanon, providing humanitarian assistance and tangible support for economic recovery. We believe that genuine recovery requires cooperation between the public and private sectors. The European Union is ready to mobilize additional funds to restore livelihoods and rebuild confidence in the Lebanese economy, underscoring the urgent need for the authorities to prioritize the implementation of substantive reforms.’

For his part, Vivek said that ‘thanks to strong Lebanese leadership and coordination, I believe we can together ensure that this pioneering project achieves its full potential and becomes an important model for future recovery and stabilization efforts.’

Magro noted that ‘France has always chosen to stand by Lebanon over the long term, including during the most difficult periods. Through this program, we are investing in local territories, public institutions, agriculture and youth, based on a firm belief that the recovery of southern Lebanon and the Bekaa will also depend on reviving local economies and creating tangible opportunities for affected communities.’

Against a backdrop of continued instability, economic crisis, and mounting humanitarian and social challenges, this program reflects the shared commitment of the European Union, Denmark and France to continue supporting Lebanon’s efforts toward stability and recovery, while strengthening the role of Lebanese institutions and local authorities in leading and implementing recovery initiatives.

The program will be implemented over four years (2026–2029) and will support recovery efforts in areas severely affected by the repercussions of the conflict in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa. The program’s total budget amounts to €32 million, funded by a €24.8 million grant from the European Union, co-financing of approximately €5.35 million from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a €2 million contribution from the French Development Agency.”