Union for the Mediterranean: What Has Lebanon Gained?

The latest article in our analysis of the evolution of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership of Barcelona (Euromed), then of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), draws an unvarnished assessment of the achievements and shortcomings that have marked, for Lebanon, the two phases 1995-2008 and 2008-2025 of this dual European strategic initiative.

The Euro-Mediterranean Barcelona Process (Euromed), then the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), have brought political, economic, and institutional achievements to Lebanon. However, these remain limited due to the chronic instability that has plagued the country since 1995, and more particularly since 2008.

The benefits of the Barcelona Process for Lebanon in various areas can be outlined as follows:

– On the political front, the recognition of the legitimacy of the central power after a long period of constitutional vacuum, support for the sovereignty and stability of the State, the establishment of a regular dialogue with the European Union on issues of governance, human rights, and regional stability.

– On the economic front, the signing in 2002 of the Lebanon-EU Association Agreement, which entered into force in 2006, the granting of preferential access for certain products to the European market, financial and technical aid for the modernization of the economy, support for SMEs, as well as infrastructure development.

– On the institutional and social front, support for institutional and administrative reforms, education, training, and cultural cooperation, strengthening of state capacities in public services and environmental protection.

However, political instability, regional conflicts, and internal Lebanese crises have had an inhibitory effect, preventing Lebanon from benefiting from the desired trade exchanges. Structural reforms have progressed slowly.

The benefits of the UfM

Since 2008, the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) has provided Lebanon with primarily sectoral, technical, and diplomatic contributions, through the implementation of various concrete projects:

– On the political front, Lebanon remains integrated into regional dialogues within a Euro-Mediterranean multilateral framework. It gains access to a platform for North-South and South-South dialogues, allowing it to defend its interests despite its precarious political and security situation, while maintaining its cooperation with the European Union.

– On the economic and development front, achievements have focused on participation in regional projects in the areas of sustainable urban development, transport, energy, and environment, as well as support for inclusive growth, job creation for youth and women, entrepreneurship, and SMEs.

– In terms of education and training, Lebanon has benefited from UfM programs in the areas of higher education, vocational training, academic mobility, and youth employment.

– On the social front, support has been provided for initiatives promoting gender equality and social inclusion.

– On the environmental and sustainable development front, support has been granted to projects related to water management, waste treatment, the fight against climate change, and the development of renewable energies.

All these are important areas, considering the demographics and successive crises.

However, political instability in Lebanon since 2008, the 2019 economic crisis, regional tensions, as well as the limited financial resources of the Union and the restricted role of EU aid (as well as international institutions) have curtailed the anticipated results.

Mixed assessment

Nevertheless, the Barcelona Process has brought Lebanon closer to the European Union and integrated it into Euro-Mediterranean cooperation, while providing aid in economic and institutional sectors. However, the economic impact of these measures remains limited.

Regarding the Union for the Mediterranean, Lebanon has benefited from support for education, the environment, and civil society, which has resulted in concrete projects within a framework of regional cooperation. These achievements have allowed it to maintain its place in the Euro-Mediterranean partnership, but they have not been sufficient to overcome the successive crises the country has faced.

Previous articles

Mediterranean Union: What became of the Barcelona Process? (1/5)

The Mediterranean Idea: Tested by European Balances (2/5)

A Cooperation Rich in Promises: The Barcelona Process (3/5)

Union for the Mediterranean: An Unfinished Revival of the Barcelona Dream (4/5)