Minister of Finance Yassine Jaber (left) with the EU Ambassador to Lebanon, Sandra De Waele (right.) (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT — Lebanon and the European Union signed a 132 million euros (around $154 million) package of agreements on Wednesday aimed at boosting security, stability and border management in the country, the Finance Ministry said in a statement.
The signing, held at the Finance Ministry, marked the first phase of the aid, with 55 million euros in agreements formally exchanged. The remaining deals, completing the full amount, are expected to be signed in the coming days, the ministry added.
Finance Minister Yassine Jaber signed on behalf of Lebanon, while EU Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Waele represented the European Union.
“These agreements represent an extension of the steady path of cooperation linking Lebanon with the European Union and direct support for the capacities of our security and administrative institutions, at a moment when Lebanon needs every effort to strengthen its resilience and stability,” Jaber said.
He added that the programs respond to growing challenges in border management, combating smuggling, strengthening the rule of law and enhancing the operational capacity of relevant institutions. The aid package includes programs to improve safety, security and stability, as well as a dedicated initiative to strengthen border security.
In recent months, Lebanon’s military has intensified operations against drug trafficking and armed groups. In July, it dismantled one of the country’s largest Captagon factories in Yammouneh, a town in the Bekaa plain where weapons circulate widely and clashes between rival clans — and sometimes between the military and heavily armed gangs — are frequent. Notorious drug kingpin Noah Zaiter was also arrested in a November army raid.
'Cooperation will focus on two key actions'
De Waele said the EU’s support would focus on two key actions. “First, 30 euros million will support efforts to enhance safety, security and stability in Lebanon by strengthening the Internal Security Forces’ ability to combat organized and cybercrime and by reinforcing joint work among all security agencies to counter terrorism, its financing, and smuggling,” she said.
“Second, €25 million under the ‘EU for Strengthening Border Security in Lebanon’ program will improve integrated management of land borders and airports, as well as governance, safety, and security in the maritime domain. This will involve close coordination with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the Lebanese Navy, and other security agencies, in line with International Maritime Organization standards.”
De Waele also noted that an additional agreement on sustainable energy solutions for Lebanon’s security agencies would be signed in the coming weeks, ensuring uninterrupted operations at vital facilities and improving nationwide service quality.
On Monday, the EU had said that it was studying options for strengthening Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces (ISF) to help free up the Lebanese Army to focus on disarming the armed group Hezbollah, according to a document seen by Reuters. The EU document, circulated among its 27 member states, indicated that consultations with Lebanese authorities and a scoping mission in early 2026 will examine further assistance to the ISF.
Despite a cease-fire reached in November 2024, Israel continues to bomb Lebanon almost daily and occupies several strategic positions in the South. Hezbollah cites these violations as justification for keeping its arms, while Tel Aviv says its strikes aim to prevent the party from rebuilding its forces. According to U.N. figures released in November, at least 132 civilians have been killed in the past year.
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