EU Delegation Reviews Development Plans for Al-Masnaa Border Crossing

A delegation from the European Union, led by the EU Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Wal, Alessandra Vieser, head of cooperation at the EU mission in Lebanon, representatives from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and officials from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), conducted an inspection tour of the Al-Masnaa border crossing with Syria. This visit was part of joint efforts involving the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, and security agencies including the Lebanese Army and General Security, aiming to improve customs facilities and operational capacities in coordination with the EU and IOM. The delegation examined the current state of border management, operational challenges, and ongoing procedures for handling the movement of passengers, goods, and vehicles at the crossing, alongside reviewing proposed projects to upgrade border infrastructure and strengthen the capabilities of Lebanese administrations working there.

During the visit, the delegation held a series of meetings with representatives from the Lebanese Customs Administration, officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the General Directorate of General Security, and the National Border Management Committee. The Lebanese side was represented by Luay Al-Hajj Shahadeh, member of the Supreme Customs Council, Customs Director General Garcia Al-Qazzi, along with representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Public Works, and relevant technical bodies.

In the discussions, the Supreme Customs Council representative and the Customs Director General emphasized the critical importance of developing customs facilities, highlighting their role as a fundamental pillar in protecting public revenues and enhancing the state's public finances. They affirmed that modernizing customs operations and upgrading border crossings are essential components in combating smuggling, facilitating legitimate trade, and improving services provided to citizens and investors, thereby positively impacting the national economy.

The participants also explored ways to accelerate operational procedures at the crossing, particularly concerning the movement of vehicles and trucks, and to enhance integration between the electronic systems and platforms used by various concerned authorities. The goal is to reduce waiting times and improve the smooth flow of transit. Several interim practical options supported by the EU were presented, which could be implemented promptly to achieve tangible results on the ground within a short timeframe.

Claudine Karky, advisor from the Ministry of Finance, presented the ministry’s vision for establishing an integrated border and customs center that consolidates various operational functions related to the movement of passengers, trucks, goods, and inspection activities within a unified site. This approach aligns with international best practices in border management and strengthens coordination among the involved authorities.

The delegation and Lebanese officials then visited the proposed site for the new administrative border complex, designed to bring together the Lebanese departments operating at the crossing—including General Security, Customs, and other relevant administrations—within a unified and modern center. This initiative aims to enhance coordination, simplify procedures, expedite transit, and improve border management efficiency.

The meeting included presentations on available real estate and technical options, potential implementation mechanisms, and challenges associated with the administrative procedures required to complete the project. Emphasis was placed on adopting a practical approach that enables project commencement within a realistic timeframe, while preserving the long-term strategic vision for the development.

The visit concluded with a meeting on the return journey at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport headquarters in Fayadieh with Minister Faiz Rassamni. The discussion covered the ministry’s vision for developing the Al-Masnaa crossing, priorities for the upcoming phase, identification of financial and technical needs for the project, and exploration of possible EU support areas, particularly in infrastructure, equipment, training, and capacity building.

Participants affirmed that developing the Al-Masnaa crossing is a national priority due to its vital role as one of Lebanon’s main land border points. They stressed the importance of ongoing cooperation and coordination between the EU and Lebanese institutions, especially the Ministry of Finance represented by the Customs Administration, to enhance border management, protect public revenues, facilitate trade and movement, and support the Lebanese economy.

The EU delegation began its visit with a meeting at the headquarters of the Third Regiment of the Lebanese Army in Yanta, where they reviewed the security situation and field measures implemented to ensure public safety with the regiment commander and senior officers.