The agreement between the E.U. and Lebanon involves the E.U. providing a one billion euro crisis assistance grant. Lebanon and its people continue to endure a severe economic crisis that has plagued the country since 2019. The E.U. plans to provide grants until 2027; however, instead of helping Lebanon overcome its economic challenges, the grants are perceived as a means for the E.U. to discourage refugees from attempting to reach Europe.

The announcement of the E.U. financial package followed a significant increase in the number of Syrian migrants arriving in Cyprus. Shortly thereafter, the country’s president, Nikos Christodoulides, requested assistance. “To help you in managing migration we are committed to maintaining legal pathways open to Europe and resettle refugees from Lebanon to the European Union. At the same time, we count on your good cooperation to prevent illegal migration and to combat migrant smuggling,” said von der Leyen, president of the European Commission in a press statement while alongside Christodoulidis and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

The package faced strong criticism from human rights workers as they argued that “the deal rewards the state’s financial mismanagement and mistreatment of the Syrian community.”

Najib Mikati said in his press statement, “We reiterate our request to the European Union…to help displaced people in their own countries to encourage them to return voluntarily, and thus guarantee them a decent life in their country of origin. But, many human rights groups including the United Nations say Syria is still too dangerous for displaced nationals to return.” 

Christodoulides stated that the prolonged presence of Syrians in Lebanon needs to be addressed. “Let me be clear, the current situation is not sustainable for Lebanon, it’s not sustainable for Cyprus and it’s not sustainable for the European Union. It hasn’t been sustainable for years.” 

Lebanon’s economic crisis has resulted from various factors, including mismanagement by sectarian elites who borrowed with few restraints, and the government’s failure to reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (I.M.F.). As the crisis continues to suppurate, most Lebanese have been unable to access their bank savings, the local currency has collapsed to less than 10 percent of its value before the crisis, and public institutions have struggled to remain operational. Simultaneously, Lebanon has witnessed an increase in migrant boats departing its shores for Europe. Among these boats are Lebanese people as well as Syrian refugees who fled to Lebanon. The E.U. prioritizes preventing migration to Europe over addressing the root causes of Lebanon’s economic struggles. Moreover, the prevention of migration includes unjust practices such as forced returns. 

The worsening livelihoods of the Lebanese people due to the economic crisis also has concurrently led to an increased hostility towards refugees within the country. Lebanese authorities organized what they called the “voluntary return” where around 300 Syrian refugees were returned to their home country. This, however, does not include the large number of forced deportations of Syrians in 2023.  Afraid of being returned or deported to Syria the refugees look toward Europe. In the end, now there are very few options for the refugees in Lebanon as no country wants to host them and instead wants them to go back to Syria, even though it is not safe. 

True resolution requires addressing the systemic issues within Lebanon, and voluntary resettlement options for refugees. Europe has firmly avoided migrants for years so the focus should be on improving the economy so Lebanese people and refugees can continue living there. As Christodoulides states, the presence of Syrians in Lebanon contributes to unsustainability. The instability in Lebanon can largely be attributed to the economic crisis and its exacerbation of political corruption and mismanagement. The hostility toward refugees is not needed and countries should be working to provide refugee protection and economic stability.