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The European Union reiterated its affirmation that it “will help Lebanon in its economic recovery”, but considered that “the Lebanese government must commit to the reforms and work on them”.
The European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Affairs, Oliver Farhelli, pointed out that “the economic and financial deterioration, the Covid-19 epidemic and finally the bombing that occurred in the port of Beirut left thousands of families without access to means of subsistence, without assets or adequate social protection. Support the people of Lebanon in these difficult times. “” Together with our partner, the World Food Program, we support the strengthening of national social assistance systems and making them more effective, accountable and transparent. The European Union will help Lebanon in its economic recovery, but the Lebanese government must commit and act on the reforms, “he said.
“This generous contribution from the European Union comes at a time when many in Lebanon are struggling to make ends meet. Thanks to vital support from the European Union, the World Food Program will continue to meet the immediate and long-term needs of the most vulnerable in general, “said World Food Program Executive Director David Beasley. “Our association is a great example of how humanitarian and development assistance brought together can save lives and change the lives of people in Lebanon.”
“The new agreement just signed brings the total budget for our joint support to 151.2 million euros and makes the European Union and its member states the largest contributor to social assistance in Lebanon. Out of a total amount of 151, 2 million euros, about 10 million euros have been allocated to the affected population, “the statement said. Since the economic crisis, and those who suffered the effects of the Beirut bombing on August 4, the devastating bombing exposed the residents of Greater Beirut to injuries and exacerbated vulnerabilities as a result of property damage, the destruction of their homes, the loss of their livelihoods, the increase in Covid-19 cases, as well as the decline in the capacity of the health system. Up to 37,000 of the most vulnerable families will benefit from multipurpose cash transfers for a period of up to six months through a pardon.
He explained: “In addition to responding to emergency situations, the project aims to strengthen the national social assistance system. A large sum is allocated to strengthen its capacity, effectiveness and accountability, and to expand the coverage of the electronic food card. of the National Program to Support the Poorest Families to reach 300,000 Lebanese, in partnership with other donors. “
The statement noted that “since 2019, the European Union has supported vulnerable families, both Lebanese and refugees from Syria, and the establishment of a national social assistance system through the World Food Program, with a budget of 48 million This includes a new contribution of € 103.2 million, which was made Signed in September, expanding the scope of this support and extending it until February 2022. Thanks to a budget of € 151.2 million, the Union Europe and its member states are the largest contributors to social assistance in Lebanon, either in terms of providing assistance or building the national social assistance system.
