EU Concludes Billion-Euro Refugee Deal With Lebanon

The European Union will provide a financial assistance package for Lebanon worth €1 billion (us$1.1 billion) for 2024 to 2027. The aid will be used to provide the Lebanese Armed Forces and other security forces with equipment and training for border management and to fight against smuggling, the EU announced on May 2.

While in Beirut with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulidis, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated:

My visit today is a strong testimony of the EU’s continued support to Lebanon and its people. This was also the clear message of European leaders at our last summit, and [we] are committed to provide strong financial support to the country in view of the significant challenges it faces. The €1 billion until 2027 will provide much-needed assistance to the people in Lebanon and contribute to its security and stability.

The EU wants to help curb illegal migration from Syria to Lebanon to Cyprus—but there is more to it.

Pivoting from Iran: Lebanon houses the Shiite militant group Hezbollah, which has close links to Iran and terrorizes Israel. Through the EU, Germany seeks to counter Iran in the region and pivot Lebanon into its sphere of influence. Aid packages like this one could certainly play a role in this.

Learn more: Read Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry’s latest article, “Watch Germany’s ‘Alliance Against Iran.’”