EU signs $1 billion deal with Lebanon to stop migration

The EU announced a deal with the Lebanese government on Thursday Financial assistance of 1 billion eurosSo that Mediterranean countries increase control over their borders and avoid Departure of migrants and refugees, This agreement is another step in the European border externalization policy, following agreements with North African countries such as Morocco, Tunisia or Egypt.

The alliance was announced this Thursday in Beirut with the visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the President of Cyprus. nichos christodoulides, the country most concerned about arrivals from Lebanon, a migration route that has been increasing in recent months due to the proximity of about 160 kilometers between the two coasts. from the beginning of January Nearly 4,000 migrants and refugees from Lebanon have reached the shores of CyprusThe number was 78 in the same period last year, according to data from the UN refugee agency UNHCR. Authorities in Cyprus – a country of 1,200,000 inhabitants – have described the situation as “overwhelming” due to the lack of centers to manage all arrivals in such a small area. he recently announced Suspension of asylum applications by Syrian citizens After the increase in requests. Their concerns have increased since the war in Gaza and regional tensions began in October, with them fearing the conflict will drive more refugees to try to reach the EU.

“We understand the challenges Lebanon faces in hosting Syrian refugees and other displaced people. It is important to ensure the well-being of host communities and Syrian refugees,” von der Leyen said during the meeting in Beirut. Lebanon’s interim prime minister said, “Lebanon’s security is the security of European countries and vice versa.” Najeeb MikatiAfter praising the aid package.

Lebanon hosts between 785,000 and 1 million Syrian refugees, the highest number per capita in the world. It has increased in recent years Social rejection of refugee populations And officials have sought international help to resettle them in another country. Lebanese authorities have deported 13,700 Syrians last year, according to UNHCR data, with a maximum number of 600 in a single day in November. Rejection of refugees has increased in recent weeks after the killing in a robbery of an officer from the Christian nationalist party Lebanese Forces. The attack is attributed to a group of Syrians and outbreak of violence Against this segment of the population.

The country also suffers gravely monetary crisis Over the years, its currency has devalued by more than 90% against the dollar. Economic difficulties have pushed thousands of Syrians to other countries by sea, although the number of Lebanese citizens attempting to flee the country via this route has also increased in recent months. According to local media, it is easy for smugglers to find advertisements offering passage to Cyprus by boat – a trip of 160 kilometers – for around 2,800 euros per person.

The EU’s border control agreements with countries in North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean have faced Criticism from human rights groups To give economic aid to the governments of migrants without monitoring whether their rights are respected. hot returns or the lack of transparency of detention centres.