EU adopts package to Lebanon to help it cope with refugees

BEIRUT – The European Union has adopted a support package to Lebanon of 165 million euros ($191 million) to help the country cope with hosting Syrian refugees.

In a statement released Wednesday to mark World Refugee Day, the EU said the package aims to support Lebanon’s public education and social assistance systems.

Lebanon is home to a million Syrian refugees, who amount to nearly a quarter of the country’s population.

Of the package, 100 million euros ($116 million) were allocated to strengthen the public education system and guarantee that all children “have access to inclusive and quality education.”

A further 52 million euros ($60 million)went to equally provide socio-economic support to vulnerable Lebanese populations and Syrian refugees, while 13 million euros ($15 million) were earmarked to support Palestine refugees from Syria.