Lebanon has been facing multiple crises over the past year. An unprecedented financial and economic meltdown in which the Lebanese pound lost 80% of its value; political dysfunction that triggered a popular revolution; and socio-economic repercussions of the covid-19 pandemic. When an explosion on August 4 destroyed the country’s main port and left many dead, wounded and homeless, the Lebanese saw this as the result, rather than the cause, of Lebanon’s problems. In response to the blast, the EU quickly mobilized financial resources and activated its Civil Protection Mechanism to address the humanitarian emergency. It was France, however, that took up the most visible role, with President Macron visiting the scene two days after the explosion and recently proposing a roadmap for reforms.
What role can the EU and its member states play in addressing Lebanon’s structural problems? Does Macron’s approach undermine Borrell’s call that “change cannot be imposed from outside; it has to come from the Lebanese society itself”? How does the EU’s role compare to that of other regional and global players like Iran and the US? This webinar will tackle these and other questions.
Speakers:
Ralph Tarraf – Head of Delegation of the European Union – Lebanon
Maha Yahya – Director – Carnegie Middle East Center
Chairman:
James Moran, CEPS
This event will take place via ZOOM and is free and open to the public, but you must register to gain access to the meeting. Once registered, you will receive instructions on how to join this event.
