ISF support, reconstruction, administration: EU and Lebanon sign six agreements worth $128.6 million

The European Union and Lebanon signed six new Financing Agreements, amounting to 110.5 million euros (about $128.6 million) in grants, "to support Lebanon’s security sector, recovery in conflict-affected areas, and key reform priorities," the EU said in a statement Thursday.

"These grants are funded under the 1 billion euro support package announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during her visit to Beirut in May 2024," the statement said, noting that all the agreements were signed by the Finance Minister Yassine Jaber.

The aid will be distributed among different Lebanese state institutions. 30 million euros (about $34.9 million) will be dedicated to "strengthen the capacities of the Internal Security Forces to combat organized crime and cybercrime, while supporting all security agencies in counterterrorism efforts, including addressing terrorism financing and smuggling."

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The EU aims to strengthen the Internal Security Forces (ISF) so the Lebanese Army can concentrate on disarming Hezbollah, Reuters had reported in December citing a document by the EU diplomatic service circulated among the 27 EU member states. The army has already begun disarming Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, and is expected to continue these efforts in the rest of the country throughout 2026.

The statement continued that "an additional 25 million euros (about $29.1 million) will reinforce integrated border management at land crossings and airports, and enhance maritime safety and security and 8 million euros (about $9.3) will provide sustainable and reliable energy solutions for Lebanon’s security institutions," the statement explained.

The statement also said that "25 million euros (about $29.1) to promote local recovery and resilience in line with government priorities," were allocated to support communities in the Bekaa and South Lebanon who are suffering from the aftermath of the full-scale Israeli war with Hezbollah before a cease-fire was announced on Nov.27 2024, and from ongoing Israeli strikes since.

"The program will work closely with municipalities to deliver essential services, support small-scale agricultural and environmental projects, create jobs through skills development, assist local businesses, and strengthen social cohesion," read the statement.

"13.5 million euros (about $15.7)will support the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and help selected public institutions strengthen procedures and internal controls including through digitization to improve services to citizens in a transparent manner. A further 9 million euros (about $10.47) will support Lebanese ministries and public institutions in delivering more modern, efficient and transparent public services, while accompanying broader public administration reform efforts," the statement explained.

Those agreements are part of the 132 million euro (about $153.6) package announced by the Finance Minister in December, which also includes "support for micro and small enterprises, as well as initiatives to protect the environment and preserve Lebanon’s rich ecosystems."