Johannes Hahn visits Lebanon

Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, will be in Lebanon on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 March to reiterate the EU's strong support to the country's democratic process and socio-economic development. The EU commends the actions that have been taken by Lebanon in support of the refugees since the onset of the Syria crisis, under very challenging circumstances. The visit will take stock of the delivery by both sides of the commitments mutually agreed at the London Conference of 2016 and under the EU-Lebanon Compact. Commissioner Hahn and Lebanese authorities will discuss achievements and the way forward for the stabilisation of the country just a few days ahead of the follow-up Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region on 5^th April 2017. On Monday, Commissioner Hahn will meet key political representatives of the country including President Michel Aoun, Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Minister of Education and Higher Education Marwan Hamade, vice-Prime Minister Ghassan Hasbani and Minister of State for Refugee Affairs Mouin Merhebi as well as representatives of civil society. On Tuesday, Commissioner Hahn will conduct field visits in parts of Lebanon where EU-funded projects are being implemented in the areas of integrated border management, solid waste management, primary health care as well as an informal refugee settlement. Videos and photos of the visit will be available on EbS.