Commissioner Várhelyi travels to Lebanon to discuss EU support and urgently needed economic and governance reforms

Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, is travelling to Lebanon this Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss governance and economic reforms in line with prior actions agreed on the IMF staff-level agreement signed with the Lebanese Government on 7 April. During his first official mission to Lebanon, Commissioner Várhelyi will meet the President of the Republic Michel Aoun, members of the government, including caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, the Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri and the Commander in Chief of the Lebanese armed forces Joseph Aoun. The main topics of discussion will be the reform package required for the conclusion of the IMF agreement, the necessary formation of the government and the upcoming election of the President, as well as EU–Lebanon cooperation. “As we demonstrated following the explosion at the port of Beirut, the European Union continues to stand by Lebanon and its people. It is important that Lebanese political leaders seize the opportunity to move ahead with much-needed economic and governance reforms to ensure recovery, long-term stability and prosperity of the country. The EU's Economic and Investment plan will only be able to deliver for the people in this context,” said Commissioner Várhelyi. He will also visit a school for migrant children managed by Caritas and supported by the EU. More information about EU cooperation with Lebanon here.