Let me start by expressing the European Commission’s heartfelt sympathy to the people of Lebanon. This tragedy comes on top of an already difficult situation, compounded by Covid-19. I commend the Lebanese for their strength and resilience, and also for their solidarity. We should not forget that Lebanon hosts one of the world’s largest refugee communities.  

[ …] Under the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism, we are coordinating the emergency assistance provided by no less than 15 of our Member States, plus Norway as a Participating State in the Mechanism. Together we currently have more than 250 men and women on the ground in Beirut. 

The European Commission has also already mobilised an initial 33 million euro for emergency humanitarian needs, medical support and equipment, and protection of critical infrastructure.This includes €8 million under the EU Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian crisis, to support the Lebanese Red Cross Emergency Medical Services. More health-related assistance is expected to be mobilised shortly.

The European Commission intends to make available up to 30 million euro in additional EU humanitarian aid, subject to the agreement of our budgetary authorities. The ongoing humanitarian needs assessment, when finalized, will be crucial in guiding our support. Our humanitarian team in Beirut is supporting this work. As always, EU humanitarian aid is channelled exclusively through our trusted humanitarian partners to reach those in need, fast.  

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