Introduction
Lebanon is a small country facing big national and regional challenges. These include high levels of public dissatisfaction over the delivery of public services, high levels of income inequality and corruption, as well as the highest number of refugees per capita in the world.
The majority of the more than one million Syrian refugees are living in debt and are struggling to make a living. Their presence has increased demand for social services and infrastructure. Poverty levels amongst vulnerable Lebanese host communities are also rising.
The overall economic situation is further deteriorating. Among other things, Lebanon is struggling with very high levels of public debt and the fragile economic situation has worsened in the absence of highly needed reforms.
The Netherlands supports the country by investing in opportunities for refugees and vulnerable Lebanese host communities. In line with the policy paper ‘Investing in Global Prospects’, the empowerment of women and youth are important cross-cutting priorities in all efforts recognising the needs and challenges faced by both young people and women.
Political stability, socio-economic development and security in Lebanon matter to the Middle East region, to Europe and to the Netherlands.