MEPs urge the new Lebanese government to implement reforms, uphold free and fair elections, dismantle corruption practices and provide basic public services.
The European Parliament calls on political leaders in Lebanon to implement meaningful and deep economic and governance reforms, including to restore economic stability and the credibility of the financial sector, guarantee the independence of the judiciary, ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law and fight corruption. In a resolution adopted on Thursday by 575 votes in favour, 71 against and 39 abstentions, MEPs call on the Commission and EU member states to engage constructively with the new Lebanese government in delivering the reforms required to unlock significant EU macro-financial assistance. The Lebanese authorities should resume talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as soon as possible to support struggling people in Lebanon through reforms, stress MEPs. Calling the present situation in the country “a man-made disaster caused by a handful of men across the ruling political class”, they urge Lebanese leaders to be a credible and accountable government that will uphold free and fair elections, dismantle corruption practices and provide basic public services). Elections in May 2022 must by no means be postponed, given the olitical stalemate and increasing dysfunction of state institutions, warn MEPs. The Resolution recalls that an independent, investigation into the explosion at the port of Beirut is a priority, respecting the judicial procedures, with those responsible being held to account. MEPs call on the Commission and member states to release additional humanitarian aid, given the dire conditions on the ground, in particular food aid and hospital and pharmaceutical material, and provide alternative energy resources, channelled through well-known non-governmental, civil or faith-based organisations that can deliver on reforms, rather than through public entities. EU aid must be monitored robustly to ensure it is transferred directly to those in need, they underline. Recalling the vulnerability of Syrian and Palestine refugees in Lebanon, the Resolution stresses the need to provide adequate funding to f and other actors to ensure essential services are provided to refugee communities in the country. Finally, Parliament calls for targeted sanctions to be used against corrupt leaders and those responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law and their affiliates in Lebanon.
