Reforms are the foundation of recovery: EU Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra de Wael says European support for Lebanon has reached 2.4 billion euros since 2021

European Union Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra de Wael visited the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), where she participated in two events organized by the university. The first focused on EU policy towards Lebanon, priorities for support and reform, while the second centered on prospects for cooperation between the EU and the Lebanese business sector.

Lecture on EU Policy Towards Lebanon, Governance, and Recovery

De Wael delivered a lecture titled "EU Policy Towards Lebanon: Governance, Recovery, and the Way Forward," organized by the university's Academy of Diplomacy and moderated by its president, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Dr. Nassif Hitti.

The event began with a welcome speech stressing the importance of the partnership between Lebanon and the European Union, particularly in light of internal challenges and regional shifts, and the role played by the EU in supporting Lebanese institutions and enhancing stability.

Ambassador de Wael outlined the nature of the EU delegation's work in Lebanon and its priorities, noting that the volume of European support for Lebanon has reached approximately 2.4 billion euros since 2021, encompassing humanitarian and developmental aid, support for the security sector, public institutions, and basic services.

She affirmed that state-building and strengthening institutional capabilities form a core axis of European policy towards Lebanon, pointing out the necessity of banking sector reform, passing the financial gap law, enhancing judicial independence and combating corruption, and developing public administration based on merit and competence. She also highlighted EU programs in education, health, social protection, water management, and infrastructure.

De Wael stressed that sustainable economic recovery is linked to restoring confidence in the financial and banking system and reaching an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), considering that implementing reforms would enable Lebanon to benefit from additional international investments and financing, thereby boosting growth and employment opportunities.

She concluded by affirming that the EU's primary goal is to help Lebanon build a strong and stable state capable of providing services to its citizens and protecting its institutions, emphasizing the interconnection of political, institutional, security, and economic reforms in achieving this objective.

Following the lecture, a discussion took place with attendees, including ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions accredited in Lebanon, covering the EU's role and developments on both the Lebanese and regional scenes.

"When Diplomacy Meets Business": Partnership and Investment Opportunities

As part of the "Sunset Stories – Executive Talk" series, Ambassador de Wael was a guest at a dialogue session titled "When Diplomacy Meets Business," moderated by Dr. Madona Salameh Ayanyan, Director of the Office of Strategic Relations with Companies at USEK. The session focused on ways to enhance cooperation between the EU and the Lebanese private sector, and the opportunities available to Lebanese institutions and companies.

The meeting opened with remarks by Dr. Ayanyan, who affirmed the role of universities in building bridges between generations, ideas, policies, and practical application, and in fostering communication between the public and private sectors and the business community. She stressed the importance of dialogue with the EU to explore partnership opportunities and develop joint initiatives.

First Vice President of the University, Professor Nema Azouri, also welcomed the attendees, noting the importance of universities' role in keeping pace with economic, political, and technological transformations, and in preparing leaders capable of facing challenges and shaping the future.

During the dialogue, Ambassador de Wael praised the entrepreneurial spirit and initiative among Lebanese people, and their ability to continue working, persevering, and seizing opportunities despite economic crises and security and institutional challenges. She noted the growing presence of women in the business world.

She discussed areas of European support directed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly facilitating access to finance, providing grants, guarantees, and technical assistance, alongside encouraging resource efficiency, renewable energy, innovation, and vocational training. She also pointed to the importance of developing the capabilities of Lebanese companies and enhancing their competitiveness, enabling them to meet European quality standards and expand their presence in foreign markets.

In this context, she emphasized that providing a transparent and stable business environment, facilitating financing, and developing public administration are fundamental factors for enhancing investor confidence and encouraging investment. She affirmed that Lebanon's true wealth lies in its human resources and the competencies of its youth. She called for investing in education, skills, and innovation, and leveraging young talents to develop the economy and boost productivity.

The session saw interaction with questions from attendees and students, who discussed with the ambassador her diplomatic experience, career path, and the challenges faced by women in leadership positions. In this regard, De Wael encouraged young women to trust their abilities and not hesitate to express their presence and assume leadership roles.