Communiqués de presse

First meeting of the EU-Lebanon Association Council

Joint EU Presidency and Lebanon press statement

The Austrian Presidency of the EU and the Republic of Lebanon warmly welcome the holding of the first EU-Lebanon Association Council, which will open a new era in the bilateral relations between Lebanon and the EU, leading to a further deepening of the existing political economic, cultural and social ties. They underline the importance the EU and Lebanon attach to their partnership which is based on shared values, joint ownership and co-responsibility.

The Association Agreement provides an effective framework for regular political dialogue based on shared values such as democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, market economy and sustainable development.

This first Association Council provided an opportunity for a constructive and rich political dialogue, for an exchange on economic and social co-operation and on the dialogue between cultures. It was also an opportunity to take stock of the progress achieved in EU-Lebanese co-operation and to discuss its future outlook as Lebanon and the EU are expected to enter into a new phase of intense co-operation with the entry into force of the Association Agreement. As Lebanon has embarked on an ambitious reform programme to further strengthen its democratic system and modernise its economy, the Association Agreement will bring a significant contribution to its reform endeavour.