News

Lebanon 2011: maintaining stability in a volatile region

29-05-2012

Lebanon managed to preserve its political stability, sovereignty and internal unity in 2011, in spite of the volatile situation in its neighborhood. While implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) Action Plan stalled in the first half of the year, following the fall of the national unity government in January, as soon as a new government was established, dialogue with the EU resumed very intensively, and preparations for a new ENP Action Plan were launched at the end of the year. These are some of the conclusions of the report on progress made on implementation of the EU-Lebanon ENP Action Plan between 1 January and 31 December 2011, released this month by the European Commission. The report includes recommendations on how Lebanon can step up the implementation of the AP.
 
In the context of a volatile situation in the Arab world, and most importantly in the neighbouring Syria, Lebanon successfully preserved its political stability, sovereignty and internal unity due to the policy pursued by the government, the report said. Lebanon remained committed to its international obligations and respected its financial commitment towards the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), and accepted the renewal of the STL mandate for additional 3 years.
 
Human rights and fundamental freedoms are generally respected in Lebanon, the report said, adding freedom of expression, association and religion could be exercised in a relatively liberal environment. A crucial milestone in deepening Lebanon’s democracy will be the electoral reform, pending for many years, on which discussion re-started in September 2011. Remaining challenges include increasing the efficiency and independence of the judiciary, improving the management of prisons and detention centres, abolishing the death penalty, improving the treatment of migrants and refugees and increasing the participation of women in political and social life.
 
The political stalemate of the first half of 2011 and the events in Syria have taken their toll on several macroeconomic indicators throughout the year. However, Lebanon managed to maintain economic stability. The economic situation remains vulnerable, especially on the fiscal front, given the high levels of government deficit and public debt. The ENP Action Plan focuses inter alia on fiscal consolidation, public finance management and progress towards establishing a fully functioning market economy.
 
The report said Lebanon’s lack of progress in the accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) remained the main obstacle to further trade liberalisation with the EU, adding the Lebanese parliament still had to discuss and adopt a number of legislative proposals necessary for the accession.
 
It also said Lebanon needed to improve its infrastructure to ensure basic services for the population and improve the environment for businesses.
 
The report comes up with a number of recommendations to sustain implementation of the ENP Action Plan in 2012, inviting Lebanon to:
  • Adopt a new electoral law, in good time for the legislative elections in 2013, bringing the electoral process further into line with international standards.
  • Reduce the backlog of draft laws currently before parliament and advance adoption of legislative proposals in key economic and social areas.
  • Take measures to improve the effectiveness and independence of the judiciary, including increased use of computers in courts and independence of judicial appointments.
  • Pay special attention to enhancing the role of women in both public and economy sectors respectively.
  • Take concrete steps to improve rights of the Palestinian refugees to property, employment and social security, while respecting the right of return principle.
  • Finalise and sign a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding between the Lebanese authorities and UNHCR to improve the protection of refugees and asylum seekers.
  • Improve the management of public finances, including the adoption of the long awaited law on public procurement, and adopt a balanced state budget (this is a precondition for EU budget support).
  • Advance accession to the World Trade Organisation, by adaptation of laws and progress in bilateral service negotiations, and sign and ratify the regional Convention on pan-Euro-Mediterranean Rules of Origin.
  • Adopt structural measures in reforming the energy sector; implement the electricity plan and enhance the use of renewables.
  • Take steps to strengthen the independence of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority with a view to possible liberalisation of the sector.
  • Re-launch social dialogue and adopt a strategic framework for vocational education and training in support of job creation.
 
The Lebanon Progress Report is part of a set of documents released by the EU in the framework of its annual assessment of the European Neighbourhood Policy.
 
The package also incudes reports on progress in relations between the EU and its other Neighbours in the South, and a report on the “Partnership for Democracy and Shared Prosperity”, concerning Southern Mediterranean, including a roadmap. (EU Neighbourhood Info) 
 
Read more
 
Lebanon 2011 ENP Progress Report and memo
 
Partnership for Democracy and Shared Prosperity: Report on activities in 2011 and Roadmap for future action 
 
EU Neighbourhood Info Centre – EU assesses reforms in the Neighbourhood (15 May)
 
EU Neighbourhood Info Centre country page Lebanon
 
EU Delegation - Lebanon
 

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