EU pledges $1 bn for Lebanon, urges steps against illegal migration

Beirut: EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday announced $1 billion in aid for Lebanon during a visit to the crisis hit country and urged it to tac...

Beirut: EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday announced $1 billion in aid for Lebanon during a visit to the crisis-hit country and urged it to tackle illegal migration to the bloc.

The European Union has already agreed deals with Egypt, Tunisia, Mauritania and other countries meant to help stem flows of irregular migrants.

"I can announce a financial package of $1 billion for Lebanon that would be available from this year until 2027," von der Leyen said, adding that "we want to contribute to Lebanon's socio-economic stability".

The European Commission president said the aid was designed to strengthen basic services such as education and health in the country mired in a severe economic crisis.

She called for the adoption of reforms, saying: "Lebanon needs a positive economic momentum to give opportunities to its businesses and citizens."