Proposal for a Council Decision on the position to be adopted by the European Community and its Member States within the Association Council established by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Lebanon, of the other part, with regard to the adoption of a Recommendation on the implementation of the EU-Lebanon Action Plan
Date: 2006-07-05
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU relations, Lebanon, action programme, association agreement (EU), cooperation policy

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 5.7.2006 
COM(2006) 365 final 

Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on the position to be adopted by the European Community and its Member States  
within the Association Council established by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement 
establishing an association between the European Community and its Member States, of 
the one part, and the Republic of Lebanon, of the other part, with regard to the 
adoption of a Recommendation on the implementation of the EU-Lebanon Action Plan 

(presented by the Commission) 

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EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

The  2002  Copenhagen  European  Council,  closing  accession  negotiations  with  ten  new 
Member  States,  recognised  that  enlargement  presented  an  important  opportunity  to  take 
forward  relations  with  neighbouring  countries  based  on  shared  values,  and  stated  that  the 
Union  remained  determined  to  avoid  new  dividing  lines  in  Europe  and  to  promote  stability 
and prosperity within and beyond the new borders of the Union. 

The  Commission  Communication  “Wider  Europe  -  Neighbourhood:  A  New  Framework  for 
Relations  with  our  Eastern  and  Southern  Neighbours”  of  March  20031  proposed  the 
establishment of Action Plans with partner countries. On 16 June 2003, the Council welcomed 
this Communication and invited the Commission, with the contribution, where appropriate, of 
the High Representative, to present proposals for Action Plans for all countries concerned as 
appropriate, commencing with Ukraine, Moldova, and Southern Mediterranean partners with 
Association Agreements. 

On  14  June  2004,  the  Council  welcomed  the  Commission  Communication  “European 
Neighbourhood  Policy  –  Strategy  Paper”2.  The  Council  also  welcomed  the  Commission 
proposal  to  pursue  the  European  Neighbourhood  Policy  (ENP)  through  Action  Plans  to  be 
agreed  jointly  with  the  neighbouring  countries  concerned  and  invited  the  Commission  to 
propose  such  Action  Plans.  The  Council  also  defined  how  to  advance  and  monitor 
implementation of action plans.  

The Commission Communication of December 20043 submitted to the Council for approval a 
first  set  of  draft  Action  Plans  while  the  Commission  Communication  of  March  20054 
submitted  the  Country  Reports  for  Armenia,  Azerbaijan,  Georgia,  Lebanon  and  Egypt 
recommending  the  starting  of  negotiations  for  the  drawing  up  of  Action  Plans  with  these 
countries.  On  16  and  17  June  2005,  the  Council  welcomed  the  decision  to  establish  action 
plans with the above mentioned countries.  

The  Commission,  in  close  cooperation  with  the  Presidency  and  the  High  Representative  on 
issues related to political cooperation and the CFSP, has held exploratory talks with Lebanon 
which have resulted in agreement on a draft Action Plan. It covers a timeframe of five years. 
Its  implementation  will  help  fulfil  the  provisions  in  the  Association  Agreement  and  will 
contribute to an increasingly close relationship with Lebanon, involving a significant degree 
of  economic  integration  and  a  deepening  of  political  co-operation.  Implementation  of  the 
Action  Plan  will  significantly  advance  the  approximation  of  Lebanon  legislation  and 
standards to those of the European Union. 

The Action Plan is a broad tool for economic and political co-operation, carrying to a further 
stage the commitments and objectives contained in the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement. 

In accordance with the Council Conclusions of 14 June 2004, stipulating that the Action Plans 
will be approved by the Council and subsequently endorsed by the respective Association or 
Co-operation Councils, the Commission attaches the text of a proposal for a Council Decision 

1 
2 
3 
4 

COM(2003) 104 
COM(2004) 373 
COM(2004) 795 
COM(2005) 72 

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on the position to be taken by the European Community and its Member States within the EU-
Lebanon  Association  Council  with  regard  to  the  adoption  of  a  Recommendation  on  the 
implementation of the Action Plan in annex.  

The Commission therefore requests the Council to adopt the attached proposal for a Council 
Decision. 

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Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on the position to be adopted by the European Community and its Member States  
within the Association Council established by the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement 
establishing an association between the European Community and its Member States, of 
the one part, and the Republic of Lebanon, of the other part, with regard to the 
adoption of a Recommendation on the implementation of the EU-Lebanon Action Plan 

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having regard to Article 2 (1) of the Council Decision 2006/356/EC of 14 February 20065 on 
the  conclusion  of  a  Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement  establishing  an  association  between  the 
European Community and its Member States of the one part, and the Republic of Lebanon, of 
the other part 

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, in particular Article 15 thereof; 

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission;6 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

The Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European 
Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Lebanon, of 
the other part, was signed on 17 June 2002 and entered into force on 1 April 2006; 

The  Parties  have  agreed  on  an  EU-Lebanon  Action  Plan,  which  will  support  the 
implementation  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement  through  the  elaboration  and 
agreement of concrete steps towards attainment of its objectives. 

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: 

5 
6 

OJ L 143, 30.05.06, p. 1 
OJ C […] […], p. […9 

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Sole Article 

The  position  to  be  adopted  by  the  European  Community  and  its  Member  States  within  the 
Association  Council  established  by  the  a  Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement  establishing  an 
association between the European Community and its Member States of the one part, and the 
Republic of Lebanon, of the other part, with regard to the implementation of the EU-Lebanon 
Action Plan, shall be based on the draft Recommendation of the Association Council annexed 
to this Decision. 

Done at Brussels,  

For the Council 
The President 

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ANNEX  
draft 
RECOMMENDATION 

on the implementation of the EU-Lebanon Action Plan  

The EU-Lebanon Association Council, 

Having regard to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the 
European Community and its Member States of the one part, and the Republic of Lebanon, of 
the  other  part  –  hereafter  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement  -  and  in  particular  Article  76, 
paragraph 2, second sentence thereof, 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

Article  76  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement  gives  the  Association  Council  the 
power  to  make  appropriate  recommendations,  for  the  purposes  of  attaining  the 
objectives of the Agreement.  

In terms of Article 86 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement, the Parties shall take any 
general  or  specific  measures  required  to fulfil  their  obligations  under  the  Agreement 
and shall see to it that the objectives set out in the Agreement are attained. 

The Parties to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement have agreed on the text of the EU-
Lebanon Action Plan. 

The  EU-Lebanon  Action  Plan  will  support  the  implementation  of  the  Euro-
Mediterranean Agreement through the elaboration and agreement between the Parties 
of concrete steps which will provide practical guidance for such implementation. 

The Action Plan serves the dual purpose of setting out concrete steps in bringing the 
fulfilment  of  the  Parties’  obligations  set  out  in  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Agreement, 
and of providing a broader framework for further strengthening EU-Lebanon relations 
to involve a significant measure of economic integration and a deepening of political 
cooperation,  in  accordance  with  the  overall  objectives  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean 
Agreement. 

HAS ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION: 

Sole Article 

The  Association  Council  recommends  that  the  Parties  implement  the  EU-Lebanon  Action 
Plan in annex, insofar as such implementation is directed towards attainment of the objectives 
of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement.  

Done at [...] 

For the Association Council 

The President 

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ANNEX  

EUROPEAN NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICY 
EU-Lebanon Action Plan 

1. 

INTRODUCTION 

The enlargement of the European Union (EU) on 1 May 2004 has brought a historical shift for 
the Union in political, geographic and economic terms. The EU and Lebanon are now closer 
together than ever before and, as near neighbours, will reinforce their political and economic 
interdependence. Enlargement offers the opportunity for the EU and Lebanon to develop an 
increasingly close relationship, going beyond co-operation, to involve a significant measure of 
economic  integration  and  deepening  of  political  co-operation.  The  European  Union  and 
Lebanon  are  determined  to  make  use  of  this  occasion  to  enhance  their  relations  and  to 
promote  stability,  security  and  well-being.  The  approach  is  founded  on  partnership,  joint 
ownership and differentiation.  

The European Neighbourhood Policy of the European Union sets ambitious objectives based 
on commitments to shared values and effective implementation of political, economic, social 
and institutional reforms.  

Lebanon is invited to enter into intensified political, security, economic and cultural relations, 
and shared responsibility in conflict prevention and conflict resolution. 

The level of ambition of the EU-Lebanon relationship will depend on the degree of Lebanon’s 
commitment to common values as well as its capacity to implement jointly agreed priorities, 
in compliance with international and European norms and principles. The pace of progress of 
the  relationship  will  acknowledge  fully  Lebanon’s  efforts  and  concrete  achievements  in 
meeting those commitments.  

The  European  Neighbourhood  Policy  is  part  of  the  European  Union’s  response  to  the 
Government of Lebanon’s Ministerial Declaration which was approved by the Parliament end 
of July 2005. The Government presented its broad agenda of essential political and economic 
reforms  to  the  International  Community  in  September  2005.  On  this  basis  the  Government 
undertook  to  prepare  a  multi-annual  political  and  economic  programme  containing  more 
detailed,  concrete  reform  measures.  The  challenge  for  the  Government  is  to  ensure  the 
implementation  of  the  “national  agenda”  of  priorities  and  objectives  through  appropriate 
programmes  of  political  and  economic  reforms.  These  objectives  should  be  met  through  a 
process  led  by  the  Lebanese  and  reflected  in  Lebanon’s  own  reform  programme,  and 
supported, where necessary by the international Community, including the European Union. 
The European Neighbourhood Policy offers through its Action Plan a strategic tool for the EU 
to accompany Lebanon in its reform process. 

This  Action  Plan  is  a  first  step  in  this  process.  It  is  a  political  document,  laying  out  the 
strategic objectives of cooperation between Lebanon and the EU. It covers a timeframe of five 
years. Its implementation  will help fulfil  the provisions in the Association Agreement  (AA) 
and will encourage and support Lebanon’s national reform objectives and further integration 
into European economic and social structures.  

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The  Action  Plan  will  be  taken  forward  in  the  context  of  our  common  commitment  to 
achieving  a  comprehensive,  just  and  lasting  peace  in  the  Middle  East,  acknowledging  the 
important  objective  of  restoring  Lebanon’s  full  sovereignty  and  territorial  integrity,  in 
accordance with International Law and relevant United Nations Resolutions. It is also in this 
context that a solution to the Palestinian refugee issue in Lebanon will be found. 

Implementation of the Action Plan will significantly advance the approximation of Lebanon’s 
legislation,  norms  and  standards  to  those  of  the  European  Union.  It  will  also  build  solid 
foundations  for  further  economic  integration  based  on  the  adoption  and  implementation  of 
economic  and  trade-related  rules  and  regulations  with  the  potential  to  enhance  trade  and 
investment with the EU. Such measures will be consistent with the efforts already being made 
by  the  Lebanese  authorities,  with  support  from  the  International  Community  to  devise  and 
implement  policies  and  measures  to  promote  economic  growth,  employment  and  social 
cohesion, to reduce poverty and to protect the environment, thereby contributing to the long-
term objective of sustainable development.  

The execution of the Action Plan requires a serious commitment from the political authority 
to  endorse  and  implement  an  administrative  reform  that  improves  the  efficiency  and 
effectiveness  of  public  administration:  Special  emphasis  must  be  put  on  control, 
accountability  and  transparency  to  achieve  “good  governance”.  This  requires  an  update  of 
legislation;  especially  with  regard  to  redefining  the  missions  and  responsibilities  of  the 
Ministries  and  public  agencies  and  consequently  restructuring  these  organisations  and 
mobilising competent and motivated human resources. 

Lebanon and the EU will cooperate closely in implementing this Action Plan.  

New Partnership Perspectives 

The European Neighbourhood Policy opens New Partnership Perspectives: 

•  The  perspective  of  moving  beyond  cooperation  to  a  significant  degree  of  economic 
integration, including through a stake in the EU’s Internal Market, and the possibility for 
Lebanon to participate progressively in key aspects of EU policies and programmes. 

•  An  upgrade  in  the  scope  and  intensity  of  political  cooperation  in  particular  through  a 

regular political dialogue.  

•  The  opportunity  for  convergence  of  economic  legislation,  the  opening  of  economies  to 
each other, and the continued reduction of trade barriers which will stimulate investment 
and growth. 

•  Increased financial support: EU financial assistance for Lebanon will be better targeted to 
support the actions identified in the present document, mainly to support the political and 
economic reform agenda of the Lebanese Government. The Commission has furthermore 
proposed  a  new  European  Neighbourhood  and  Partnership  Instrument  (ENPI)  for  this 
purpose, also covering the very important aspect of cross-border cooperation. The EIB will 
also help support infrastructure investment and private sector development and partnership 
through  the  Facility  for  Euro-Mediterranean  Investment  and  Partnership  (FEMIP). 
Possibilities  of  gradual  opening  of  or  reinforced  participation  in  relevant  Community 
programmes,  promoting  i.a.  cultural,  educational,  environmental,  technical  and  scientific 
links. 

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•  Support including technical assistance and twinning to meet EU norms and standards and 
targeted  support  and  advice  for  legislative  approximation  through  mechanisms  such  as 
TAIEX. 

•  Deepening trade and economic relations, extending them progressively to cover agriculture 
and the service sector, and to provide the conditions for increasing investment and exports. 

•  Enhanced  direct  cooperation  between  administrations  based  on  the  bodies  set  up  by  the 

Association Agreement in particular institutionalised thematic sub-committees. 

In light of the fulfilment of the objectives of this Action Plan and of the overall evolution of 
EU–Lebanon  relations,  consideration  will  be  given  to  the  possibility  of  a  new  contractual 
relationship.  The  Commission  has  suggested  that  this  could  take  the  form  of  a  European 
Neighbourhood  Agreement.  The  advisability  of  any  new  contractual  arrangements  will  be 
considered in due time. 

Priorities for Action 

This  Action  Plan  sets  out  a  comprehensive  set  of  priorities  in  areas  within  the  scope  of  the 
Association  Agreement.  Among  these  priorities,  all  of  which  are  important,  particular 
attention should be given to: 

•  Enhance political dialogue and co-operation, based on shared values, including issues such 
as democracy and political life promoting the protection of human rights, consolidating the 
freedom of media and expression. 

•  Continue  to  develop  an  independent  and  impartial  judiciary  and  to  further  reinforce  the 

administrative capacity of the judiciary.  

•  Establish  a  comprehensive  human  rights  strategy,  including  protection  of  rights  of 

minorities, marginalised populations and non-citizens.  

•  Take steps to develop further freedom of media and freedom of expression. 

•  Cooperate to promote cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.  

•  Further  promote  equal  treatment  of  women,  including  by  preparing  a  plan  to  increase 
women’s  participation  in  political  and  economic  life  as  well  as  eliminating  all  forms  of 
discrimination against women. 

•  Strengthen  political  dialogue  and  co-operation  on  issues  of  international  and  regional 
interest  including  the  Middle  East  Peace  Process,  the  fight  against  terrorism  and  the 
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.  

•  Take steps to bring the fiscal position to a sustainable basis while reducing the debt burden 

and improving public finance management. 

•  Take measures to improve business conditions to enhance growth, increase investment and 

to create jobs in Lebanon.  

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•  Enhance  Lebanon’s  export  potential  by  further  liberalisation  of  trade  in  goods  and 
agriculture,  simplifying  and  upgrading  customs  legislation  and  procedures,  improving 
industrial standards and modernisation of the sanitary and phytosanitary systems.  

•  Prepare for progressive liberalisation of trade in services and right of establishment. 

•  Improved cooperation on the management of migratory flows and dialogue on visa issues.  

•  Strengthen the environmental dimension of public policy and EU-Lebanon co-operation. 

•  Promote  sustainable  development  policies  and  actions,  and  design  and  implement  a 

comprehensive social development strategy that contributes to poverty reduction. 

•  Develop the transport, energy, water and information society sectors and networks through 
sector liberalisation, investment in infrastructures and interconnection with EU networks. 

•  Strengthen co-operation on science and technology. 

Progress  in  meeting  these  priorities  will  be  jointly  monitored  in  sub-committees  established 
by  the  Association  Agreement.  The  European  Commission  will  issue  a  mid-term  report  on 
progress accomplished. 

2. 

ACTIONS 

2.1. 

Political dialogue and reform 

Democracy and rule of law 

Work together to promote the shared values of democracy and the rule of law including good 
governance and transparent, stable and effective institutions. 

–  Pursue  the  ongoing  reform  efforts  aiming  at  a  more  effective  and  efficient  public  sector, 

including streamlining of procedures.  

–  Support  ongoing  efforts  to  improve  good  governance  and  transparency  in  line  with  the 

relevant UN Conventions to which Lebanon is a party.  

–  Establish  a  political  dialogue  between  the  European  Parliament  and  the  Lebanese 

Parliament. 

–  Implement plans for decentralization and local government reform. 

Fight against corruption 

–  Exchange  information  on  ratification  and  implementation  of  the  UN  Convention  against 

Corruption and other relevant international instruments. 

–  Strengthen measures against corruption through the effective implementation of a national 
anti-corruption  strategy,  including  the  institutional  framework  and  the  enforcement 
capacity and public awareness and advocacy.  

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–  Promote  cooperation  on  anti-corruption  matters  between  the  Lebanese  law  enforcement 
agencies and international organisations as well as with corresponding services of the EC 
and EU Member States. 

Reform of the electoral law and the election framework 

–  Promote  the  establishment  of  a  comprehensive  strategy  for  reform  of  the  system  of 
political  representation  and  the  election  framework,  including  fair  representation  of 
women,  taking  into  account  the  recommendations  set  out  in  the  final  report  of  the  EU 
Election Observation Mission. 

–  Strengthen the election system addressing electoral and other laws, election administration, 

and the election complaints system, and develop ways to improve media access.  

–  Develop joint cooperation and exchange of experience in the field of elections.  

Further enhancement of the independence and impartiality, the capacity and efficiency of the 
judiciary, upgrade its quality and strengthen administrative capacity  

–  Develop  a  comprehensive  strategy  for  judicial  reform,  and  implement  measures  to 
strengthen the capacity and efficiency of the justice administration and of bodies entrusted 
with the implementation of the law; improve access to justice and competences within the 
court system.  

–  Improve detention and prison conditions to meet international standards. 

Human rights and fundamental freedoms 

–  Promote  a  comprehensive  human  rights  strategy,  including  protection  of  rights  of 

minorities, marginalised populations and non-citizens. 

–  Strengthen institutions guaranteeing the protection and defence of human rights. 

–  Ensure effective implementation of Lebanon’s international commitments with respect to 

human rights and fundamental freedoms.  

–  Work  towards  improving  the  cooperation  with  the  relevant  UN  treaty  bodies  and  the 

implementation of their recommendations.  

–  Develop the human rights Ombudsman institution. 

–  Establish  a  dialogue  for  cooperation  on  Human  Rights  and  Democratisation  in  the 

framework of the Association Agreement. 

–  Ensure the conduct of informal exchanges of views with representatives in the permanent 
missions at UN Headquarters before the meetings of the UN Human Rights Council and of 
the  UN  General  Assembly  where  appropriate,  as  part  of  the  overall  Euro-Mediterranean 
Human Rights dialogue. 

–  Examine  the  possibility  of  acceding  to  the  optional  protocols  and  of  lifting  reservations 

regarding the core UN Human Rights Conventions to which Lebanon is a party. 

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–  Engage in  a  dialogue on  aspects of the death penalty, including adherence to the Second 

Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.  

Support freedom of media and strengthening freedom of expression 

–  Intensify  ongoing  efforts  to  promote  freedom  of  expression  and  independence  of  the 

media.  

Support freedom of assembly, association and Development of Civil Society 

–  Intensify  ongoing  efforts  to  promote  effective  freedom  of  assembly  and  association  by 

reforming the administrative framework. 

–  Promote  development  of  civil  society  and  strengthen  its  capacity  to  contribute  more 
effectively to the democratic and political process and to economic and social progress. 

Fight against torture including implementation of UN Conventions 

–  Explore the possibility of acceding to the optional protocol to the UN Convention against 

Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading treatment or punishment.  

–  Strengthen effective enforcement of legal provisions against torture.  

Promotion and protection of the rights of women and children 

–  Promote the enhancement of women’s participation in political, economic and social life as 

well as their role in the political decision-making process. 

–  Promote  gender  equality,  in  particular  in  the  field  of  employment  and  reinforce  the  fight 
against  discrimination  and  gender-based  violence,  including  review  of  legislation  on 
personal status, nationality and penal code. 

–  Discuss  the  lifting  of  reservations  to  the  Convention  on  the  elimination  of  all  forms  of 

discrimination against women (CEDAW) to which Lebanon is a party. 

–  Promote the rights of the child; apply the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and 
revise  existing  legislation  taking  into  account  the  recommendations  of  the  relevant  UN 
Committee. 

–  Accede to the optional protocol to the UN Convention on the  Rights of the Child on the 

Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict.  

–  Develop  a  child  welfare  strategy  and  related  national  action  plans  and  formulate  a  child 

protection policy targeting neglected and abused children. 

–  Enhance  protection  of  rights  of  children  and  intensify  efforts  to  progressively  eliminate 

child labour. 

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Fight  against  discrimination,  racism,  religious  intolerance,  xenophobia  and  racial  hatred 
discourse  

–  Cooperate  in  the  fight  against  discrimination,  racism,  xenophobia  and  racial  hatred 

discourse.  

–  Cooperate to promote cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.  

Promotion of fundamental social rights and decent work including core labour standards  

–  Develop  a  dialogue  on  fundamental  social  rights  and  decent  work  including  the  role  and 

independence of trade unions. 

–  Ensure adherence to and enhance the effective implementation of core labour standards as 
defined in the 1998  ILO Declaration on  Fundamental  Principles and  Rights at Work and 
related ILO Conventions. 

–  Ensure implementation of the relevant International Labour Conventions to which Lebanon 

is party. 

Security sector reform 

–  Develop  the  administrative  capacity  of  core  security  actors  including  law  enforcement 

institutions; security management and oversight bodies, justice institutions. 

–  Ensure consistency of the management  and operation of the  security system  with respect 

for human rights and democratic norms.  

Co-operation on foreign and security policy 

Strengthen  political  dialogue  and  co-operation  on  Common  Foreign  and  Security  Policy 
matters 

–  Develop an enhanced political dialogue and regular ex-change of information on Common 
Foreign  and  Security  Policy  (CFSP)  and  European  Security  and  Defence  Policy  (ESDP) 
matters. 

–  Work with the EU to make multilateral institutions and conventions more effective, so as 
to reinforce global governance; strengthen coordination in combating security threats and 
address related development issues. 

–  Accede  to  the  Rome  Statute  of  the  International  Criminal  Court  and  make  the  necessary 

legislative amendments for its implementation, while preserving its integrity.  

Regional and international issues, conflict prevention and crisis management 

Strengthen dialogue and cooperation on regional and international issues, conflict prevention 
and crisis management and common security threats in accordance with national law 

–  Establish contact points and carry out exchanges of information on ESDP matters with the 

Secretariat of the Council and the Commission. 

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–  Contribute  to  UN  efforts  and  work  together  to  resolve  regional  conflicts  and  promote 

effective multilateralism. 

–  Further  develop  co-operation  in  the  context  of  the  Middle  East  Peace  Process  with  the 
ultimate objective of reaching a just, comprehensive and durable peace in accordance with 
the relevant UN resolutions. 

–  Promote the objective of reaching, once conditions are favourable, a Euro-Mediterranean 

Peace and Stability Charter. 

–  Participate  in  training  activities  on  conflict  prevention,  crisis  and  natural  disaster 

management. 

Non-proliferation  of  weapons  of  mass  destruction  (WMD)  and  their  means  of  delivery  and 
illegal arms exports  

–  Cooperate  on  non-proliferation  of  weapons  of  mass  destruction,  their  means  of  delivery 
and  ballistic  missiles,  including  through  implementing  UNSC  Resolution  1540/04, 
ensuring  full  compliance  with  and  national  implementation  of  existing  international 
obligations  and  promoting  the  accession  to  and  implementation  of  other  relevant 
international instruments.  

–  Further develop co-operation in the prevention of and fight against the illicit trafficking of 

WMD and their means of delivery, and related materials. 

–  Co-operate on developing effective systems of national export control, controlling export 
and transit of materials related to WMD and their means of delivery, as defined in UNSCR 
1540,  including  WMD  end-use  control  on  dual  use  of  goods  and  technologies,  and 
effective sanctions for breaches of export controls. 

–  Improve overall coordination in the non-proliferation area and the scope of cooperation in 

addressing this challenge.  

–  Promote the relevant provisions on the political and security partnership of the Barcelona 
Declaration with the objective to pursue a mutually and effectively verifiable Middle East 
zone free of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems. 

–  Improve internal legislation in line with the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports. 

–  Explore  the  possibility  of  acceding,  when  conditions  permit,  to  the  1997  Ottawa 
Convention  on  the  Prohibition  of  the  Use,  Stockpiling,  Production  and  transfer  of  Anti-
Personnel Mines and on their Destruction. 

Cooperation on preventing and combating terrorism 

–  Strengthen EU-Lebanon co-operation on the fight against and prevention of terrorism. 

–  Ensure  respect  of  human  rights 

in 

the  fight  against 

terrorism  based  on 

the 

recommendations of the relevant UN bodies. 

EN 

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–  Cooperate  to  reinforce  the  role  of  the  UN  in  the  multilateral  fight  against  terrorism, 
including through implementation of all relevant UNSC Resolutions and through signature, 
ratification and full implementation of all relevant UN Conventions. 

–  Ensure  the  implementation  of  the  standards  laid  down  in  the  recommendations  of  the 

Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on terrorist financing.  

–  Pursue efforts to arrive at a Comprehensive UN Convention on Combating Terrorism. 

–  Exchange information on terrorist groups and their support networks.  

–  Exchange  views  on  means  and  methods  used  to  counter  terrorism,  including  in  technical 
fields and training, and by exchange of experiences in respect of terrorism prevention, with 
the objective of promoting national capacity building in the field of terrorism prevention. 

–  Explore means and initiatives to foster international cooperation in the fight against and the 

prevention of terrorism by addressing all the factors which contribute to terrorism. 

2.2. 

Economic and Social Reform and sustainable development  

(a) 

Fiscal policies, monetary and exchange rate policy  

Short Term 

Fiscal sustainability and macro-economic stability 

–  Pursue fiscal consolidation and enhance fiscal discipline. 

–  Adopt and implement a comprehensive debt reduction strategy. 

–  Develop and implement a national macroeconomic stabilisation programme. 

Medium-term  

–  Create macroeconomic conditions for sustainable growth 

–  Improve  the  quality  of  public  finances  and  introduce  tools  for  medium  term  budget 

planning. 

–  Implement policies for achieving sustainable public finances addressing the issue of quasi-

fiscal deficit and contingent liabilities. 

(b) 

Functioning of Market Economy  

Short-term  

–  Enhance the performance and competitiveness of the Lebanese economy 

–  Implement actions to improve contract enforcement and property rights. 

Improve  the  business  environment  and  investment  climate  to  enable  firms  to  invest,  create 
jobs and expand 

EN 

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–  Develop and implement a strategy to promote investment. 

–  Improve the regulatory framework and reduce the red tape. 

–  Implement actions to facilitate SME access to finance. 

Progress with the establishment of fully functioning market economy  

–  Restructure  public  utilities,  implement  the  privatisation  programme  and  increase  the 

transparency of the privatisation process;. 

Improve  transparency  and  accountability  of  public  administration  including  in  the  area  of 
public finance management  

–  Improve public finance and management in line with the recommendations of the CFAA.  

–  Publish complete and timely information on the budget, fiscal outcomes and audit reports. 

–  Continue work on methodology, scope and quality of statistics.  

Medium-term  

Create conditions for an employment generating growth 

(c) 

Social development, employment and poverty reduction  

Short-term  

Accompanying social measures to economic reforms 

–  Engage in a dialogue on employment and social issues including the social consequences 

of economic reforms, with a view to developing possible measures in this field. 

–  Strengthen  social  safety  nets  and  reform  the  social  security  system,  improving  their 
efficiency, targeting and coverage while progressively reducing subsidies, tax exemptions 
and economic distortions. 

Medium-term 

Enhance Social development and Co-operation and address unemployment  

–  Adopt  a  comprehensive  strategy  for  social  development  and  poverty  reduction.  Improve 
statistical data related to poverty, among others on poverty survey, households’ income and 
expenditures and regional disparities. 

–  Develop a strategy for reforming the pension system. 

–  Develop  reform  and  strategic  plans  aiming  at  improving  the  quality  of  education  and 

vocational training and their relevance to the labour market. 

–  Develop  and  implement  market  driven  strategies,  involving  social  partners,  to  address 
unemployment  and  increase  the  participation  of  women  and  youth  in  the  labour  force; 
modernise the National Employment Office.  

EN 

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–  Strengthen social dialogue at all levels (tripartite and bipartite). 

–  Engage in a dialogue on programmes and initiatives aimed at fostering social inclusion and 

fight against discrimination, with particular attention to marginalised groups. 

–  Improve  public  service  delivery  particularly  in  health  and  education  and  other  social 
services with access for all, and avoid the duplication of government subsidies between the 
public and the private sectors. 

(d) 

Agriculture 

–  Identify and adopt accompanying measures providing for the structural, institutional, legal 
and administrative support necessary in order to ease access to export markets, including 
approximation of technical legislation. 

–  Identify and adopt measures and appropriate legislation in the sector of rural development, 
and  at  the  level  of  the  development  of  quality  production  i.e.  local  products,  organic 
products,  geographical  indications,  with  the  aim  of  encouraging  the  diversification  of 
activity and the creation of new remunerative and sustainable trade flows.  

–  Increase  co-operation  in  the  field  of  international  marketing  standards  for  fruits  and 
vegetables,  and  for  other  agricultural  and  processed  agricultural  products;  promote 
equivalence schemes of certification for organic products. 

–  Develop measures to encourage private investment. 

–  Strengthen the administrative capacity of the land cadastre. 

–  Address the role of agricultural research centres in improving the productivity, food safety 
and quality, of agricultural and processed agricultural products; promote cooperation with 
European  Research  Centres,  particularly  in  the  areas  of  genetic  engineering  and 
biotechnology. 

–  Promote  the  distribution  and  exchange  of  information  on  the  agricultural  policies  and 

contribute to the transfer of expertise and experience. 

–  Promote the use of modern technology in the agricultural sector and in different production 

phases. 

(e) 

Fisheries 

–  Reinforce  cooperation  to  implement  the  actions  identified  in  the  Declaration  of  the 
Ministerial  Conference  for  the  Sustainable  Development  of  Fishery  in  the  Mediterranean 
(Venice,  25-26  November  2003)  in  the  framework  of  the  relevant  international 
instruments. 

–  Promote  further  the  creation  of  fishermen  associations  with  a  view  to  implementing 
responsible  fisheries;  improve  their  capacity  to  be  represented  in  international  and 
multilateral organisations. 

–  Increase the scientific and technical capacity to monitoring fisheries and evaluate the state 

of the exploited marine resources and marine environment. 

EN 

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–  Improve  scientific  cooperation  with  the  Regional  Fisheries  Body  and  in  particular  the 
GFCM to strengthen a concerted and regional approach suited to the needs of sustainable 
fisheries. 

–  Undertake necessary marketing infrastructure upgrading to cope with market demands and 

standards. 

(f) 

Regional development 

Medium-term 

Strengthening socio-economic cohesion of Lebanon’s regions 

–  Develop a programme for Regional Development, including expanding economic activities 

beyond the Greater Beirut area. 

–  Strengthen  the  regional  development  management  structures,  and  re-examine  the  role  of 

the regional councils and funds.  

(g) 

Sustainable Development 

Promotion of sustainable development 

–  Develop a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development.  

–  Establish  the  administrative  structures  and  procedures  for  strategic  planning  and  co-

ordination. 

–  Ensure integration of sustainable development into sectoral policies. 

2.3. 

Trade related issues, market and regulatory reform 

2.3.1.  Movement of goods 

(a) 

Trade Relations 

Liberalisation of trade in goods 

–  Continue work towards the objective of WTO accession.  

–  Identify  areas  with  export  potential  to  the  EU;  further  enhance  export  potentials  by 
increasing  the  quality  of  Lebanese  products  and  their  competitiveness  on  international 
markets. 

–  Strengthen the capacity of the Lebanese administration on international trade relations. 

–  Participate  in  regional  and  sub-regional  trade  initiatives  including  conclusion  and 

implementation of FTAs. 

–  Establish  rules  of  procedure  for  dispute  settlement  under  the  Association  Agreement  on 

economic/trade matters. 

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(b) 

Agriculture and Fisheries 

–  Further  progressive  liberalisation  of  trade  in  agriculture,  processed  agricultural  products 
and  fisheries  products,  building  on  the  Rabat  roadmap  and  in  coherence  with  the  reform 
process in agriculture and rural development. 

(c) 

Customs 

–  Further  harmonisation  and  simplification  of  customs  legislation  and  procedures  in 
accordance with WTO rules and the Palermo recommendations, including computerisation 
with  further  upgrading  and  rolling  out  of  the  NAJM  and  NOOR  systems  to  the  whole 
customs territory. 

–  Strengthen  co-operation  between  customs  and  other  agencies  working  at  the  border  to 

develop an Integrated Border Management Strategy. 

–  Reinforce customs controls on imports and exports of pirated or counterfeit goods. 

–  Adopt  and  implement  the  Pan-Euro-Med  Protocol  of  origin  allowing  participation  in  the 

cumulation system; provide training on the application of the new protocol.  

–  Strengthen  co-operation  with  the  EU  to  combat  irregularities  and  fraud  in  customs  and 

related matters. 

–  Develop  EU-Lebanon  co-operation  with  regard  to  risk  based  customs  control  ensuring 
safety  and  security  of  goods  imported,  exported  or  in  transit;  define  standards  for 
certification  of  operators  (exporters  and 
in  commercial 
exchanges. 

transporters) 

intervening 

–  Provide the customs administration with sufficient internal or external laboratory expertise. 

–  Adopt and implement a Customs Ethics Policy based on the Arusha Declaration. 

(d) 

Standards and conformity assessment (EU harmonised areas) 

–  Implement the Palermo Action Plan for the Free Movement of Industrial Products of July 
2003.  Prepare  for  negotiations  on  an  Agreement  on  Conformity  Assessment  and 
Acceptance of Industrial Products. 

–  Strengthen  the  administrative  capacity  of  institutions  in  charge  of  implementing  product 

legislation. 

–  Strengthen the administrative and technical capacity of the Lebanese Standards Institution 
(LIBNOR), conformity assessment bodies (including the Industrial Research Institute) and 
the accreditation body (COLIBAC).  

–  Ensure harmonisation of national standards with European and international standards for 

industrial products. 

–  Converge  towards  EU  legislation  on  liability  for  defective  products  and  general  product 

safety including market surveillance. 

EN 

19 

   EN 

 
(e) 

Restrictions and streamlined administration (EU non-harmonised areas) 

–  Analyse  legislation  and  administrative  procedures  to  identify  and  progressively  remove 

discrimination and restrictions against imported products.  

–  Designate  a  central  contact  point  to  facilitate  information  flows  and  co-operation  with 

economic operators. 

(f) 

Sanitary and phytosanitary issues 

Increase  food  safety  for  Lebanese  and  European  consumers  and  facilitate  trade  through 
reform and modernisation of the sanitary and phytosanitary sectors 

–  Upon  accession  to  the  WTO,  implement  the  WTO  Agreement  on  the  Application  of 

Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures and participate in relevant international bodies.  

–  Exchange  information  on  and  explore  possible areas  of  convergence  with  EU  practice  in 

the field of sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues.  

–  Progressive  fulfilment  of  EU  requirements  on  animal  health  and  for  the  processing  of 

animal products (c.f.: Import Conditions – Importing Live Animals). 

–  In the medium-term, draw up a first list of measures for gradual convergence towards EU 
general  food  safety  principles  and  requirements;  start  approximation  of  Lebanese 
legislation in this area. 

2.3.2.  Right of establishment, Company law and services 

(a) 

Establishment and company law 

–  Review national legislation with a view to identify measures to facilitate establishment of 
companies, including foreign-owned companies. Work towards the progressive removal of 
barriers to establishment. 

–  Adopt and implement new bankruptcy legislation. 

–  Strengthen  corporate  governance,  in  particular  for  public  companies,  in  line  with 

international standards. 

–  Work  towards  the  adoption  of  international  and  EU  relevant  accounting  and  auditing 

standards and the promotion of a highly qualified audit profession. 

(b) 

Services 

–  Pursue  bilateral  negotiations  on  services  and  establishment  in  accordance  with  the 

Association Agreement and the Marrakesh Ministerial Declaration.  

–  Develop  a  strategy  to  enhance  the  competitiveness  of  the  Lebanese  services  sector 
including  regulatory  simplification  and  administrative  facilitation  for  Lebanese  and  EU 
sectors.  

EN 

20 

   EN 

 
–  Facilitate the supply of services including the development of the necessary administrative 

structures and the removal of identified barriers. 

Financial services 

–  Continue the implementation of the Financial Services Assessment Programme (FSAP). 

–  Work together to train independent authorities to ensure effective supervision. 

2.3.3.  Movement of capital and current payments 

–  Provide  information,  and  jointly  assess,  the  national  regime  for  capital  movements  and 
current  payments  (including  the  restrictions  referred  to  in  Art  33.1  of  the  Association 
Agreement). 

–  Exchange views and experiences concerning liberalization of capital movements. 

–  Ensure the protection of foreign investments.  

2.3.4.  Regional co-operation 

–  Develop  conditions  for  south-south  trade  and  regional  or  sub-regional  co-operation 

initiatives; promote trade and investment among the regional partners. 

2.3.5.  Other key areas 

(a) 

Taxation 

–  Continue  the  modernization  and  simplification  of  the  tax  administration,  including 

addressing the necessary administrative structures and procedures.  

–  Continue efforts to develop the network of bilateral agreements between Lebanon and EU 
Member  States  on  avoidance  of  double  taxation,  taking  into  consideration  Lebanon’s 
specificity, including the improvement of transparency and the exchange of information in 
accordance with international standards.  

–  Gradual approximation of the national tax legislation with the principles of the EU acquis. 
Depending on the level of Lebanon’s access to the Internal Market, adopt and comply with 
the principles of the Code of Conduct for Business Taxation. 

(b) 

Competition policy and State Aid  

Antitrust 

–  Adopt and enforce the draft competition law and establish an independent and adequately-

resourced competition authority. 

State aids 

–  Develop  a  system  to  exchange  with  the  EU  an  annual  report  on  the  total  amount  and 
distribution  of  State  aid,  based  on  a  binding,  uniform  definition  of  State  aid  which  is 
compatible  with  that  of  the  EU  and  a  national  mechanism  for  collecting  information  on 
state aid. 

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–  For  sectors  participating  in  the  internal  market  ensure  a  State  aids  control  regime  and 

legislation meeting the requirements of the EU acquis. 

(c) 

Intellectual and industrial property  

–  Ensure a level of protection of Intellectual and Industrial property rights similar to that of 
the  EU  and  strengthen  enforcement  of  legislation  in  accordance  with  Art  38  of  the 
Association Agreement. 

–  Adhere,  within  the  agreed  timeframe,  to  the  international  agreements  and  conventions 

stipulated in the Association Agreement. 

–  Introduce  new  legislation,  notably  on  trademarks  and  geographical  indications,  to  ensure 

conformity with TRIPS requirements. 

–  Strengthen the administrative capacity for  enforcement  of legislation and implementation 

of sanctions. 

–  Reinforce the fight against counterfeiting and piracy in selected areas, notably through an 
increase  in  seizures  and  improve  cooperation  among  relevant  authorities  involved, 
including the police, customs and judiciary. 

–  Increase  awareness  at  both  public  and  private  level.  Extend  cooperation  with  third 
countries authorities, industry associations and organisations of rights holders and users of 
Intellectual Property. 

(d) 

Statistics 

–  Ensure that legislation on official statistics is in line with the fundamental UN principles. 

–  Adopt  a  National  Statistical  Master  Plan  ensuring  harmonisation  with  European  and 
International  standards,  including  means  for  its  implementation,  in  the  relevant  areas, 
covered by this Action Plan (demography, national accounts, living conditions; prices and 
balance of payments etc). 

(e) 

Public procurement 

–  Improve the functioning of the current system; increase transparency, information, limited 
use of exceptions and easy access to judicial review. Extend its scope to all levels of the 
public sector. 

–  Improve training of contracting authorities and the business community. 

–  Initiate reform of the existing public procurement legislation with a view to adopt key EU 
and  international  principles  of  transparency,  information,  non-discrimination,  open 
competition, and access to remedies procedures. 

–  Cooperation with the EU on the introduction of modern tendering procedures, including e-

procurement.  

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(f) 

Enterprise policy 

–  Improve  business  conditions  including  through  the  implementation  of  the  Euro-

Mediterranean Charter for Enterprise.  

–  Work  towards  implementation  of  the  October  2004  strategy  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean 

Working Programme on Industrial Cooperation.  

–  Create  a  dialogue  between  business,  administration  and  academic  institutions  for  the 
identification  of  priority  actions  for  business  improvement  and  the  exchange  of  best 
practice. 

(g) 

Public Finance Reform, including Public Internal Financial Control 

Accounting, Fight against Fraud and control of EU-funds  

–  Improve  compliance  of  the  public  sector  with  international  public  sector  accounting 

standards to improve efficiency, accountability, transparency and predictability. 

–  Fight against fraud and other irregularities affecting national and international funds; adopt 
a  modern  anti-corruption  law  and  strengthen  the  relevant  administrative  and  judicial 
structures. 

–  Ensure  cooperation  with  the  relevant  EU  Institutions  and  bodies  in  the  management  and 

control of EU funds. 

Public Internal Financial Control 

–  Establish  a  Central  Audit  Coordination  unit  within  the  Ministry  of  Finance;  develop  a 
strategy  and  policy  paper  for  the  public  internal  financial  control  system  (managerial 
accountability and decentralised internal audit).  

–  Establish the legislative framework for public internal financial control. 

–  Pursue  gradual  harmonization  with  the  internationally  agreed  standards  (IFAC,  IIA, 
INTOSAI) and methodologies, as well as with EU best practices for the control and audit 
of public income, expenditure, assets and liabilities. 

–  Ensure and publish regular audits, along the best international standards, of the CDR, the 

National Social Security Fund and the Municipal Development Fund. 

–  Introduce internal audit units in all budgetary entities, in line with agreed strategy. 

External Audit 

–  Further  strengthen  the  administrative  and  procedural  capacity  of  the  Court  of  Accounts; 
focus  its  role  on  external  audits  solely  (work  on  attest,  systems-based  and  performance 
audits of public sector bodies); strengthen the independence of the Court of Accounts by 
ensuring that it reports to and having its budget approved by Parliament. 

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2.4. 

Co-operation in the field of Justice, Freedom and Security 

Further  develop  co-operation  between  Lebanon  and  EU  Member  States’  judicial  and  law 
enforcement authorities 

(a)  Migration issues (legal and illegal migration, readmission, visa, asylum) 

Establish  a  dialogue  on  migration  issues  with  a  view  to  maximise  the  benefits  of  migration 
both for Lebanon and the EU 

–  Develop  a  comprehensive  and  balanced  dialogue  on  various  migration-related  issues  of 
interest,  including  asylum,  movement  of  persons,  control  of  illegal  migration  and  return, 
visas. 

–  Monitoring  and  analysis  of  migration:  ensure  synergy  with  Euro-Med  initiatives  on 
research on migration and the Consortium on Applied Research on International Migration 
(CARIM) in particular. 

–  Possible  participation  of  Lebanon  in  relevant  Community  programmes,  including  the 

AENEAS programme. 

Manage legal migration, admission policy and stay, social integration of migrants 

–  Establish a dialogue on legal migration to exchange information on admission policies and 
stay,  work  on  offer  and  skills  available  in  Lebanon,  employment  opportunities  and 
procedures  in  Europe  and  the  procedures  and  integration  (including  non-discrimination, 
protection from xenophobia, etc.). 

–  Provide information on the risks of smuggling and trafficking of migrants.  

–  Improve  the  linkages  between  migration  and  development:  ensure  dialogue  and 
cooperation on the possible role of diasporas in the development of the country of origin, 
on  facilitating  remittance  flows  and  their  productive  uses,  or  the  impact  of  migration  of 
trained persons on the country of origin.  

Prevent and control illegal immigration into Lebanon and the European Union 

–  Exchange  information  and  experiences  on  illegal  migration  including  the  scale  of  illegal 
immigration into and via Lebanon and monitor migratory movements; review policies for 
the  return  of  migrants  in  an  illegal  situation;  support  activities  to  prevent  and  counter 
illegal migration, including by sea.  

–  Strengthen  cooperation  with  the  EU,  countries  of  the  region  and  countries  of  origin  to 
prevent  and  fight  illegal  migration;  ensure  close  coordination  with  actions  concerning 
countries of origin.  

–  Exchange information and cooperate on transit migration. 

Improve  cooperation  regarding  readmission  of  own  nationals,  stateless  persons  and  third 
country nationals 

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–  Improve cooperation between the EU and Lebanon on all forms of readmission including 
the possibility of negotiating a readmission agreement between Lebanon and the EC and its 
Member States. 

–  Cooperate on consular affairs and issuing of travel documents. 

Movement of persons 

–  Improve cooperation on the management of migratory flows. 

–  Cooperate  on  facilitating  the  movement  of  persons  in  conformity  with  the  EU  acquis,  in 
particular  examining  the  scope  for  facilitating  visa  procedures  for  short  stay  for  some 
categories of persons travelling to Europe or vice-versa. 

–  Cooperate  to  improve  the  security  of  travel  documents  and  visas  in  conformity  with 

international standards. 

Initiate a dialogue on asylum and international protection issues  

–  Mindful  of  the  special  circumstances  of  the  Palestinian  refugee  presence  in  Lebanon, 

cooperate to improve their economic and social situation. 

–  Start developing a comprehensive protection system, in line with international standards, to 

process and follow-up on asylum applications. 

–  Exchange  information  and  best  practices  on  asylum  policy  and  international  protection 

issues.  

(b) 

Border management 

Enhance border management cooperation with neighbouring countries and the EU Member 
States 

–  Develop  a  strategy  for  an  integrated  system  of  Border  Management,  enhancing  inter-
agency  cooperation,  in  particular  with  regard  to  the  implementation  of  a  common  risk 
strategy  and  to  the  coordination  of  controls,  as  well  as  cooperation  with  neighbouring 
countries, including proper border demarcation. 

–  Improve  the  administrative  capacity  at  border  crossing  checkpoints;  develop  effective 
surveillance  along  the  green  and  the  blue  border;  ensure  provision  of  training,  modern 
equipment, adequate infrastructure and facilities. 

–  Develop  a  comprehensive  education  and  training  strategy  with  regard  to  border 

management matters. 

–  Develop  cross  border  and  regional  co-operation  between  relevant  law  enforcement 

agencies (police, border guards, migration and asylum services and customs). 

–  Initiate  contacts  for  cooperation  at  the  operational  and  technical  level  between  Lebanon 

border authorities and FRONTEX. 

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(c) 

Fight against organised crime (including trafficking in human beings) 

Enhance  international  co-operation  in  accordance  with  the  UN  Convention  against  Trans-
national  Organised  Crime  and  its  protocols  on  smuggling  of  migrants  and  trafficking  in 
persons and on illicit manufacturing and trafficking of firearms 

–  Implement  the  UN  Convention  against  Trans-national  Organised Crime and its Protocols 
on smuggling migrants, trafficking in persons and illicit manufacturing and trafficking in 
firearms. 

–  Develop national provisions in line with relevant international standard and conventions. 

–  Establish a network of contact points with EU Member States’ law enforcement authorities 

to promote co-operation, in particular to exchange information. 

–  Exchange  expertise  and  experiences  on  best  practices  in  combating  organised  crime,  in 
particular  with  regard  to  trafficking  in  persons;  exchange  information  on  patterns  and 
modus operandi, enhance public awareness, foster cooperation with countries of origin and 
transit,  enhance  police  and  judicial  cooperation  in  witness  protection  programmes  and 
assistance to victims. 

–  Develop  law  enforcement  and  judicial  cooperation  between  the  EU  Member  States  and 

Lebanon in this field. Cooperate in the field of training. 

Cooperate in the fight against cyber crime 

–  Co-operate to fight cyber crime, including child pornography. 

Reinforce the fight against trafficking in human beings, especially women and children, and 
smuggling of illegal migrants, as well as activities to prevent trafficking in human beings and 
to reintegrate victims 

–  Promote regional and trans-border co-operation between relevant law enforcement bodies 

(police, border guards, customs and judiciary).  

–  Develop protection mechanisms, legal and social assistance and psychological support to 

victims aiming at their reintegration. 

(d) 

Fight against drugs 

Continue the fight against illicit drug trafficking, including precursor diversion, and against 
drug abuse in particular through prevention and rehabilitation, in accordance with the 1988 
UN Convention on Illicit Traffic of Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances and with Art .58 of 
the AA 

–  Exchange information on the implementation of the 1988 UN Convention on illicit traffic 
of Narcotics and Psychotropic substances and on national anti-drug strategy covering drug 
supply  and  demand,  including  prevention  programmes  to  combat  drug  addiction  and 
programmes for treatment of drug addicts. 

–  Develop international cooperation in fight against trafficking narcotics and drug addiction, 

in particular prevention of drug abuse, treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts. 

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–  Cooperate on preventing drug precursor diversion. 

–  Cooperate on the implementation of the relevant UN Conventions. 

(e) 

Fight against money laundering 

Strengthen  efforts  and  co-operation  in  the  fight  against  money  laundering  in  line  with  the 
standards laid down by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) 

–  Exchange information on the existing European structures (Financial Intelligence Unit) and 

the existing system in Lebanon as regards the fight against money laundering.  

–  Intensify  co-operation  and  promote  exchange  of  information  among  law  enforcement 
agencies  and  between  Lebanon  and  international  organisations,  such  as  the  Middle  East 
and North Africa Financial Action Task Force, as well as with corresponding bodies in EU 
Member States. 

–  Strengthen  Lebanon’s  system  of  financial  information  with  particular  emphasis  on  the 

monitoring of cash movements and wire transfers abroad. 

–  Identify administrative/technical support and training requirements for the development of 
the  capacities  of  the  Lebanese  Financial  Investigation  Unit  on  combating  money 
laundering. 

(f) 

Combating terrorism 

–  Implement the counter-terrorism related UN Resolutions and Conventions. 

–  Cooperate  to  implement  the  provisions  of  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Code  of  conduct  on 

countering terrorism.  

–  Develop cooperation to strengthen the fight against the financing of terrorism in line with 

the standards laid down by the FATF recommendations on terrorism financing. 

–  Develop cooperation between Lebanon and EU Member States’ counter-terrorism and law 

enforcement agencies. 

–  Develop judicial cooperation on combating terrorism. 

–  Work together to fight the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes. 

(g) 

Judicial cooperation 

–  Exchange  information  on  ratification  and  implementation  of  relevant  international 

conventions related to co-operation in criminal and civil matters. 

–  Develop judicial cooperation between Lebanon and EU Member States’ courts in civil and 

criminal matters, in particular with regard to family law. 

–  Promote concrete solutions of family disputes in order to prevent and resolve conflicts with 
regard  to  custody,  visiting  rights  and  child  abduction  of  children  of  mixed  couples; 
promote mediation, judicial cooperation and judicial training. 

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2.5. 

Transport, Energy and Environment, including Water 

(a) 

Transport  

Implement the National Transport Policy  

–  Further develop the national transport policy for the development of all modes of transport 
and  related 
importance  of  sustainability.  Ensure 
intermodality  and  integration  of  all  transport  modes.  Examine  the  possibility  of  further 
approximation  of  legislative  and  regulatory  frameworks  with  European  and  International 
standards, in particular for safety and security.  

infrastructure,  emphasizing 

the 

–  Strengthen and if necessary establish the administrative structures to prepare specific plans 

for priority sectors and develop the necessary independent regulatory authorities. 

–  Develop  an  infrastructure  policy  to  identify  the  priority  infrastructure  projects  in  various 

sectors as well as addressing financing issues.  

Regional or sub-regional element 

–  Participate in the Euro-Mediterranean regional transport project  

–  Continue participation in the development of GNSS (Galileo) in the Mediterranean region, 
in particular by giving an active role to the Galileo Euromed Cooperation Office based in 
Cairo;  take  part  in  particular  in  the  new  regional  cooperation  activities  on  satellite 
navigation systems. 

–  Participate in the planning and identification of priority regional infrastructure projects and 

their connection with trans-European transport networks. 

Implement selected measures and reforms in the road an rail transport sectors 

–  Introduce a transparent regulatory process for the issue of freight and passenger transport 

licences and for access to the profession. 

–  Develop  an  integrated  action  plan  on  road  safety  including  the  technical  control/road 

worthiness testing of vehicles. 

–  Implement the relevant international conventions, notably on dangerous goods transport.  

–  Develop  a  policy  on  the  restoration  and  upgrading  of  the  railway  network,  separating 
regulatory  responsibilities  from  operational  interests;  promote  multimodal  services  and 
address issues of interoperability (also with regional networks). 

Implement selected measures and reforms in the aviation sector 

–  Implement the existing national aviation policy including the development of the airports 
and  further  reinforce  administrative  capacity  (including  the  establishment  of  an 
autonomous Civil Aviation Authority as a pure regulator). 

–  Start  negotiations  on  a  comprehensive  EU-Lebanon  aviation  agreement  once  such  a 

negotiating mandate is given to the EU side 

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–  Assess and examine the possibility introducing at all airports open competition in ground-

handling services. 

–  Reinforce the current level of liberalisation of charter and scheduled flights. 

–  Enhance  administrative  and  technical  capacity  to  fully  implement  jointly  agreed  JAA 
standards.  Involve  Lebanon  in  the  work  of  EASA  and  for  involvement  in  the  Single 
European Sky. 

–  Co-operate on aviation security matters (common rules to combat international terrorism).  

Regional or sub-regional element 

–  Take part in regional cooperation on safety, security and air traffic management. 

Implement selected measures and reforms in the maritime sector 

–  Further  develop  and  implement  a  comprehensive  national  maritime  policy  aiming  at 
promoting  and  developing  the  maritime  industry,  increasing  its  competitiveness  and 
promoting the participation of private sector in all aspects of maritime industry, including 
ports  and  port  activities;  strengthen  maritime  safety  and  security  and  develop  the  fleet; 
continue to implement the relevant international conventions; and approximate standards to 
EU legislation. 

–  Develop  and  implement  the  organisational  reform  of  the  ports  sector  with  a  view  to 
introduction of an independent port authority responsible for regulation and control and an 
increase in the efficiency of ports. 

–  Assess  and  examine  the  possibility  of  introducing  VTMIS  (Vessel  Traffic  Management 

and Information Service). 

–  Ensure effective co-operation in maritime security by focusing on the SOLAS/ISPS Code 

implementation requirements. 

–  Continue enforcing effective maritime safety measures through efficient implementation of 

Port State Control and Flag State Implementation systems. 

–  Speed  up  the  phasing-out  of  single-hull  oil  tankers  and  apply  without  exception  the 

changes recently agreed in the IMO Marpol Convention.  

Regional or sub-regional element 

–  Further  develop  co-operation  with  EU  and  Mediterranean  partners  in  the  framework  of 
IMO,  and  promote  the  participation  in  the  new  regional  project  on  maritime  safety  and 
security (SAFEMED).  

–  Participate  in  regional  cooperation  in  the  field  of  maritime  policy,  ports  and  short-sea 

shipping. 

–  Continue participating in the regional cooperation on Motorways of the Sea. 

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(b) 

Energy 

Develop a long term energy strategy converging towards EU energy policy objectives 

–  Take  steps  to  adopt  and  implement  a  long  term  energy  strategy  converging  towards  EU 
energy  policy  objectives  and  covering,  inter  alia,  all  sub-sectors,  the  strengthening  of 
institutions and financing. 

–  Explore  the  medium-term  possibility  for  participation  in  the  Intelligent  Energy-Europe 

programme. 

Gradual convergence towards the principles of the EU internal electricity and gas market 

–  Further restructure and as appropriate privatise the electricity sector. 

–  Take steps to improve the financial and operational performance of Electricité de Liban. 

–  Improve  bill  collection  rates  and  work  towards  the  gradual  elimination  of  energy  price 

distortions, while taking due account of social consequences. 

–  Further  assess  gas  import  sources  in  line  with  the  Declaration  of  Intent  of  2  December 

2003 on the Euro-Mashrek cooperation in the field of natural gas. 

–  Establish a first list of measures for gradual convergence towards the principles of the EU 

internal electricity and gas markets.  

–  Establish an energy regulatory body independent from market operators. 

–  In the medium term, complete electricity sector reform and start to implement measures for 
gradual convergence towards the principles of the EU internal electricity and gas markets. 

Oil sector reform/restructuring refinery sector 

–  Study options for the development of the oil sector including restructuring of the refinery 

sector. 

Progress on energy networks 

–  Further rehabilitate electricity transmission and distribution networks and reduce network 

losses. 

–  Assess  the  feasibility  of  developing  gas  distribution  networks  for  the  introduction  of  gas 

for households. 

–  Further develop regional energy (gas, oil, electricity) networks (eg completion of the gas 
pipeline from Syria (GASYLE I) and the offshore national gas pipeline “GASYLE II”) in 
line with the Declaration of Intent of 2 December 2003 on the Euro-Mashrek cooperation 
in the field of natural gas. 

–  Improve safety and security of energy infrastructure. 

–  Further develop electricity networks in rural areas. 

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Progress on energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources 

–  Take  steps  to  develop  an  Action  Plan  including  a  financial  plan  for  improving  energy 

efficiency and enhancing the use of renewable energy. 

–  Reinforce the institutions dealing with energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. 

–  Pursue measures in energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. 

–  Progress  to  reach  Lebanon’s  target  to  ensure  that  10%  of  the  country's  energy  needs  are 

covered by the year 2015 by renewable energy sources.  

Regional cooperation 

–  Cooperate,  in  the  context  of  the  Declaration  of  Intent  of  2  December  2003  on  the  Euro-
Mashrek cooperation in the field of natural gas including as regards the development of a 
regional Gas Master Plan. 

–  Explore possibilities for Euro-Mashrek cooperation in the electricity field. 

(c) 

Environment, including water 

Good environmental governance: ensure environmental security by protecting vital interests 
of  individuals,  society  and  natural  environment  from  adverse  human  and  natural  impact  as 
well  as  development  trends  that  threaten  sustainable  functioning  of  ecosystems  and 
functioning of human health  

–  Take  steps  to  strengthen  administrative  structures,  and  procedures  to  ensure  strategic 
planning  of  environmental  issues,  including  financing  strategies,  and  co-ordination 
between relevant actors. 

–  Finalise the National Environment Action Plan. 

–  Establish  procedures  regarding  access 

to  environmental 

information  and  public 

participation. 

–  Adopt  implementing  legislation  on  environmental  assessments;  reinforce  structures  and 

procedures to carry out environmental assessments.  

–  Prepare regular reports on the state-of-the-environment. 

–  Implement the environmental education and awareness plan. 

–  Support private sector and civil society actors as well as local authorities operating in the 

environmental sector.  

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Take  active  action  for  prevention  of  deterioration  of  the  environment,  protection  of  human 
health, and achievement of rational use of natural resources, in line with the commitments of 
the World Summit on Sustainable Development 

–  Develop  framework  and  secondary  (implementing)  legislation  and  basic  procedures  and 
ensure  planning  for  key  environmental  sectors  (in  line  with  the  NEAP)  –including  e.g. 
water quality, waste management, nature protection). 

–  Strengthen  administrative  capacities  including  for  issuing  of  permits  as  well  as  for 

enforcement and inspection. 

–  Implement  national  plans  and  programmes  (e.g.  the  National  Biodiversity  Strategy  and 

Action Plan). 

–  Take  steps  to  apply  methodologies  and  practices  of  integrated  water  management  and 

integrated coastal zone management. 

–  Take steps to establish a national environmental monitoring network (e.g. air quality). 

Integrated water resources management 

–  Improve the quantity and the quality of water supply from both surface and ground sources 
by  developing  integrated  plans,  programmes  and  projects  that  ensure  environmental 
protection, social stability and welfare, and economic development. 

–  Enhance the management of the demand on water from all sectors (municipal and touristic, 

industrial, agricultural and environmental). 

–  Protect surface and ground water resources from all sources of pollution. 

–  Establish  a  nation-wide  surface  and  ground  water  -  quantity  and  quality  -  monitoring 

network to accurately control surface and groundwater level and quality. 

Enhance co-operation on environmental issues 

–  Implement  provisions  under  the  UN  Framework  Convention  on  Climate  Change  and  the 

Kyoto Protocol.  

–  Ratify  the  amendments  to  the  Barcelona  Convention  and  its  Land-Based  Sources  and 
Dumping Protocols; sign the new Emergency Protocol and the Specially Protected Areas 
and Biodiversity Protocol. 

–  Possible participation in selected European Environment Agency activities. 

–  Participation in the De-Pollution Initiative for the Mediterranean Sea (Horizon 2020). 

–  Work together to address regional and transboundary water resource management issues, 
including  within  relevant  international  frameworks,  and  identify  possibilities  with 
neighbouring  countries  for  enhanced  co-operation  in  this  regard,  as  well  as  on 
desertification issues. 

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2.6. 

Information Society, Media, and Science and Research 

(a) 

Information Society and Media 

Progress in the areas of electronic communications policy and regulation 

–  Adopt a comprehensive regulatory framework for electronic communications services and 

establishment of an independent regulatory authority. 

–  Liberalise the market for fixed voice telephony. 

Progress  in  the  areas  of  advanced  infrastructure  and  services  as  well  as  in  scientific 
cooperation  

–  Deploy a broadband network in order to promote widespread Internet access. 

–  Introduce on-line services, such as e-Government, e-Health, e-Business, e-Learning, etc. 

–  Ensure  awareness  raising  for  the  participation  of  Lebanese  entities  in  the  Information 

Society Technologies (IST) part of the EU Research Framework Programme. 

Progress in the areas of audiovisual policy and regulation 

–  Promote  an  exchange  of  views  on  audiovisual  policy,  including  co-operation  in  the  fight 

against racism, religious intolerance, and xenophobia. 

–  Develop  a  transparent,  efficient  and  predictable  regulatory  system  including  through  the 

establishment of an independent regulatory authority in the audiovisual sector. 

(b) 

Science and technology, research and development 

Develop Lebanon’s capacity in technological R&D to support the economy and society 

–  Develop  a  Research  and  Innovation  policy  relevant  to  the  sustainable  and  equitable 
economic  development  policy  objectives  of  Lebanon  and  its  region,  including  reform  of 
the scientific system and of the relevant regulatory framework. 

–  Reinforce human, material and institutional resources in order to improve the capacities in 
technological  R&D;  ensure  adequate  and  increased  investment  in  research  through  the 
public sector as well as through the private sector. 

Prepare and encourage Lebanon’s integration into the European Research Area and into the 
Community R&D Framework Programmes on the basis of scientific excellence 

–  Implement  an  appropriate  information  strategy  to  facilitate  and  encourage  adequate 
participation  of  Lebanese  research  entities  in  the  Community  R&D  Framework 
Programmes and joint projects; ensure a policy-driven dialogue to determine the particular 
priorities and the specific needs of Lebanon. 

–  Cooperate in high-level scientific exchanges; reinforce participation in international Marie 

Curie fellowships including support of the appropriate return mechanisms. 

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2.7. 

People-to-people contacts  

(a) 

Education, training and youth 

Continue  and  enhance  efforts  to  reform  and  modernise  education  and  vocational  training 
systems  within  the  framework  of  Lebanese  plans,  in  order  to  promote  competitiveness, 
employability and mobility, to bring Lebanon closer to EU standards and practice 

–  Continue  and  enhance  a  policy  dialogue  between  Lebanon  and  the  EU  on  education  and 

training. 

–  Ensure access for all, especially for the poor, to high quality education.  

–  Reform  primary,  secondary  and  vocational  education  to  improve  quality;  ensure  human 

resources development for teachers, professors and administrative bodies. 

–  Enhance  the  adaptation  of  higher  and  vocational  education  to  the  needs  of  the  labour 
market  inter  alia  by  increasing  the  involvement  of  entrepreneurs,  social  partners  and 
stakeholders from civil society. 

–  Reform higher education in line with the principles of the “Bologna process”, in particular 
as  regards  definition  and  implementation  of  a  homogeneous  system  of  evaluation  and 
quality assurance. Build institutional capacity for policy development and implementation. 
Develop new curricula for science and information technology. Promote reform of higher 
education  and  cooperation  between  higher  education  institutions  in  the  EU  and  Lebanon 
through the TEMPUS programme.  

–  Enhance  the  capacities  of  institutions  and  organisations  involved  in  developing  and 
implementing quality assurance in the field of education and training, by using for example 
the tools offered by the TEMPUS programme.  

–  Encourage student mobility through participation in the Erasmus Mundus programme and 

the new scholarship programme.  

Enhance co-operation in the field of youth and sports 

–  Enhance a dialogue between EU and Lebanon in the field of youth policy. 

–  Encourage  youth  mobility  by  promoting  youth  exchanges  and  enhance  cooperation  with 
the  EU  in  the  field  of  non-formal  education  for  young  people  and  promotion  of 
intercultural dialogue. 

–  Promote a dialogue between the EU and Lebanon in the field of sports including exchange 

of experience with EU Member States. 

–  Promote the exchange of young professionals between European and Lebanese bodies.  

–  Ensure the successful implementation of the Euro-Med Youth programme by setting up of 

the relevant structures by Lebanon. 

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(b) 

Culture 

Enhance cultural co-operation and dialogue between cultures 

–  Enhance  participation  in  the  relevant  EC  cultural  cooperation  programmes  of  the  Euro-

Med partnership.  

–  Exchange views on the UNESCO Convention on protection and promotion of the diversity 

of cultural expressions and promote the ratification and implementation of the text. 

–  Enhance  dialogue  between  cultures,  taking  into  consideration  the  principles  embodied  in 
the Action Programme for the Dialogue between Cultures and Civilizations, adopted by the 
Valencia Ministerial Meeting in April 2002 and taking advantage of the Anna Lindh Euro-
Mediterranean Foundation for the dialogue between cultures. 

–  Encourage  dialogue  and  exchange  of  information  on  cultural  issues  between  the  parties, 

inter alia at local level. 

(c) 

Civil society co-operation 

–  Examine  the  scope  for  further  improving  the  legal  and  administrative  framework  for  the 

operation of civil society organizations.  

–  Ensure  Lebanese  NGOs  contributing  effectively  to  the  economic,  political  and  social 

development process in accordance with national legislation. 

–  Empower consumers and protect their legitimate economic interests. 

(d) 

Public Health 

Improve the health sector through reform 

–  Pursue  health  sector  reform  (e.g.  enhance  national  capacities,  increase  sector  efficiency, 
improve primary health care, enhance access for the poor in particular in rural areas, health 
financing reform). 

Increase the level of health security, health information and knowledge 

–  Exchange of information and know-how on health indicators and data collection. 

–  Participate, as observer, in the meetings of the Network of Competent Authorities. 

Communicable Disease Surveillance and Health Security (Epidemiological Surveillance and 
Control) 

–  Participate, gradually, in the European Communicable Disease and dedicated surveillance 

networks. 

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3. 

MONITORING 

The Action Plan will guide the work between the EU and Lebanon. Should the need arise, on 
the  EU  side,  for  specific  measures  necessitating  legally  binding  decisions,  the  Commission 
will recommend to the Council the adoption of the necessary negotiating directives. 

The joint bodies established under the Association Agreement will advance and monitor the 
implementation of the Action Plan on the basis of regular reports on its implementation. 

A first review of the implementation of the Action Plan will be undertaken within two years 
of its adoption. 

The  Action  Plan  can  be  jointly  regularly  amended  and/or  updated  to  reflect  progress  in 
addressing the priorities. 

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Glossary 

CDR: Council for Development and Reconstruction 

CFAA: Country Financial Accountability Assessment  

EASA: European Aviation Safety Agency 

FATF: Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering 

FEMIP: Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership 

GFCM: General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean 

ILO: International Labour Organisation 

IMO: International Maritime Organization 

ISPS: International Ship and Port Facility Security 

JAA: Joint Aviation Authorities 

MARPOL: International Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution from Ships 

NAJM: Customs Clearance automated information system 

NOOR: NAJM On-line operations 

R&D: Research and Development 

SME: Small and Medium Enterprises 

SOLAS: International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 

TAIEX: Technical Assistance Information Exchange 

TRIPS: trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights  

UNSC: United Nations Security Council 

VTMIS: Vessel Traffic Management and Information Systems 

WMD: Weapons of Mass Destruction 

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