European Commission adopts Lebanon support package for 2026-2027

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EU support package for Lebanon

Highlights

The European Commission adopted a 505 million euro package for Lebanon for 2026-2027, representing the second half of a 1 billion euro support plan announced in May 2024.
Funding targets basic services, humanitarian aid, cash assistance, refugee support, and reforms in justice, security, regulatory bodies, and economic recovery, with 100 million euros allocated for humanitarian aid in 2026.
More than 1 million people have been internally displaced since March 2024, with the EU providing over 3.5 billion euros in assistance to Lebanon since 2011.

Funding scope and policy priorities

As announced by the European Commission, the 505 million euro package covers three main areas and forms the second half of the 1 billion euro support plan unveiled by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a visit to Beirut in May 2024.

The funding is directed toward maintaining basic services and support for vulnerable people, including education, healthcare, social protection and water access. It also includes cash assistance for vulnerable families and people with disabilities, while backing primary healthcare and support for refugees from Syria, including safe, voluntary and dignified returns alongside a gradual handover of essential services to Lebanese authorities.

A further share of the package is allocated to Lebanon's reform agenda, including the justice sector, regulatory and oversight bodies, Parliament and human rights. The measures also support border management, the security sector, private sector resilience and economic recovery in areas affected by conflict.

Support for civil society and culture is also included, with funding for organizations working on the rights of women, young people, minorities and persons with disabilities. The package also backs democratic participation, transparency, anti-corruption efforts, social cohesion and the protection of cultural heritage.

Regional pressure and longer-term EU support

Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica announces the funding in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The measure follows the first 500 million euro tranche for 2024 and 2025, which was adopted in August 2024 under the broader 2024-2027 framework.

The Commission says this year's escalation has led to more than 1 million internally displaced people since March, sharply increasing humanitarian needs. In 2026, the EU is providing 100 million euros in humanitarian aid to Lebanon, including emergency healthcare, shelter, basic necessities, protection and education.

Beyond humanitarian aid, the Commission has also mobilized additional support under the wider 1 billion euro package to reinforce the government-led emergency response, including cash assistance and support for healthcare and education. Since 2011, the EU has provided more than 3.5 billion euros in assistance to Lebanon for vulnerable Lebanese citizens and refugees from Syria, working with Lebanese authorities, U.N. agencies, international organizations and civil society partners.

In our earlier article on proposed changes to the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), we covered how EU governments backed adjusting the market stability reserve to reduce carbon-price spikes and ease electricity cost pressures during fuel-price volatility. The plan would postpone cancellations of surplus CO2 permits until 2030, then introduce a higher cancellation threshold from 2031, with final rules still subject to negotiations with the European Parliament.

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