European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday announced a €1 billion financial aid package for Lebanon, aimed at helping stem the flow of refugees into Europe.
“We discussed how we can strengthen our political and economic ties and support Lebanon’s security and stability,” von der Leyen said during a visit to Beirut. “To underline our support, I can announce a €1 billion financial package for Lebanon that will be available from this year to 2027.”
The announcement comes after a sharp increase in the number of Syrian migrants arriving in Cyprus, an EU member state. Excitement Cyprus President Nicos Christodoulides asked for help from the bloc.
“To help you manage migration, we are committed to keeping legal routes to Europe open and to the resettlement of refugees from Lebanon to the EU. At the same time, we count on your good cooperation to prevent illegal migration and combat migrant smuggling,” von der Leyen Said Christodoulidis and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati in a press statement.
More than 2,000 people arrived in Cyprus by sea during the first three months of 2024, compared to only 78 in the same period last year, according to Cypriot government figures.