EU grants €45 million directly to Lebanon's ministry of social affairs
The European Union and the Ministry of Social Affairs have announced new EU funding of €45 million. For the first time in many years, EU funding will be channeled directly through a Lebanese government institution. "This marks a new phase in their partnership, working more closely with national institutions to deliver support to people across the country," the Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon said in a statement.
The announcement was made Wednesday at the Grand Serail in the presence of Minister of Social Affairs Haneen Sayed, Minister of Finance Yassine Jaber, and EU Ambassador Sandra De Waele.
The EU funding includes €40 million for the AMAN program — Lebanon's national cash assistance scheme — covering five months of payments for 90,000 of the most vulnerable Lebanese families, out of the 150,000 currently eligible. A further €5 million will support institutional reforms within the Ministry of Social Affairs, including updating the database of beneficiaries to make sure aid reaches the right people in the most efficient way, the EU said.
Minister of Social Affairs Haneen Sayed said that this direct support from the European Union is an important moment of trust in Lebanon’s national institutions and in the Ministry of Social Affairs. "Through the AMAN program, we are reaching vulnerable Lebanese families across the country with one clear objective: reducing poverty and protecting dignity. This funding is not only support for cash assistance; it is an investment in stronger systems, better data, and more transparent delivery, in line with the reform and recovery vision of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government."
EU Ambassador Sandra De Waele said for her part that for the first time in many years, the European Union is entering into a direct partnership with the Lebanese Government. "This reflects our confidence in the Ministry of Social Affairs and its ability to implement reforms in order to be more inclusive and more effective in reaching those who need it most," she added.
The European Union concluded that it remains committed to standing by the people of Lebanon, both in times of crisis and in the path of recovery and reform.
Source: Naharnet
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