EU delegation says Europe should help Lebanon out of its crisis

BEIRUT — A European Union parliamentary delegation said Saturday that "Europe should help Lebanon out of its chasm," after more than three years of unprecedented economic crisis, coupled with a political vacuum since the end of President Michel Aoun's mandate in October 2022 and Parliament unable to elect a successor.

In a statement published after a press conference held on the final day of the delegation's Lebanon visit, the EU parliamentary group also said Europe should "save Lebanon's democracy and its population before it's too late."

The delegation, made up of centrist Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from the Renew Europe group, met with various Lebanese political formations Friday, including Kataeb, the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) and deputies from the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP). The delegation included Christophe Grudler, the MEP in charge of the Lebanese file.

Regarding the port investigation, which has been suspended since February, the delegation said "that there should be an international investigation ... to hold those responsible accountable ... We can't accept escaping punishment which starts by respecting an independent justice."

The delegation also asked European institutions to place "heavy sanctions upon politicians, corrupt bankers and those involved in massive corruption and obstructing democracy."

Last year Lebanon signed a preliminary agreement with the International Monetary Fund to unlock a $3 billion on condition of structural reforms. These reforms are yet to be implemented.