EU to spend €1 billion by 2027 to keep refugees in Lebanon

The EU wants to spend around 1 billion euros by 2027 to keep refugees in Lebanon, Seebrüecke International has alleged.

This, it said, was announced by the Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen at a press conference in Beirut on Thursday.

“Among other things, the money will be used to finance equipment and training for the Lebanese security authorities and armed forces,” Seebrüecke International said, adding that the aim is to prevent so-called illegal migration and prevent people smuggling.

In addition, it said “the exchange of information between Lebanon and the EU border protection agency Frontex is to be intensified.

“At the same time, politicians in Lebanon are using the approximately 1.5 million Syrians as scapegoats.”

Seebrüecke International noted that there are media campaigns for deportations and curfews. “According to a UN report by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Lebanon deported a total of 13,772 people or turned them back at the border in 2023.

“This violates the UN Convention against Torture and the principle of non-refoulement: people must not be forcibly returned to countries where they are clearly at risk of persecution.”

With this agreement, Seebrüecke International said the EU remains true to its policy of supporting violent regimes so that they can do some of the dirty work for it – similar to its agreements with Turkey, Libya, Tunisia and, most recently, Egypt.

“People who are looking for a better life have to suffer as a result.

“We condemn this agreement! For us it is clear: human rights are non-negotiable! We say: Fight Fortress Europe – Refugees Welcome!”