Joint Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on the Union position 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 second EU-Lebanon ENP Action Plan
Date: 2013-05-16
Institutions: European Commission, High Representative of the Union
Subjects: European neighbourhood policy, Lebanon, Union for the Mediterranean, agrarian reform, economic reform, educational reform, judicial reform, political reform, quality of the environment, rule of law

EUROPEAN 
COMMISSION 

HIGH REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
EUROPEAN UNION FOR
FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND
SECURITY POLICY

Brussels, 16.5.2013  
JOIN(2013) 14 final 

2013/0149 (NLE) 

Joint Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on the Union position 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 second EU-Lebanon ENP Action Plan 

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EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

Lebanon  and  the  European  Community  first  established  contractual  relations  in  1965  by 
signing  a  Trade  and  Technical  Cooperation  Agreement.  Both  the  2002  Association 
Agreement  (which  entered  into  force  on  1  April  2006)  and  the  European  Neighbourhood 
Policy (ENP) Action Plan, adopted in 2007 for a period of five years, contributed significantly 
in  developing  the  bilateral  relations.  Over  the  years,  cooperation  between  Lebanon  and  the 
European  Union  has  been  good  and  grown  closer,  leading  to  a  strong  and  constructive 
partnership. 

Within  this  framework,  EU-Lebanon  relations  have  recently  intensified,  with  a  number  of 
working  meetings  of  Subcommittees,  resumption  of  the  activities  of  the  Association 
Committee,  and  most  recently  the  Association  Council  meeting  in  October  2012.  Through 
active participation and fruitful exchanges, Lebanon has confirmed its determination to be a 
strong partner within the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). On the EU side, the Foreign 
Affairs  Council  Conclusions  of  July  2012  reaffirmed  "the  importance  the  EU  attaches  to 
strengthening its partnership with Lebanon in the framework of the European Neighbourhood 
Policy". In the FAC Conclusions of November 2012 the EU encouraged Lebanon to pursue its 
reform  process  and  confirmed  it  was  "looking  forward  to  a  reinforced  cooperation  with 
Lebanon as outlined in the new ENP Action Plan currently under adoption". 

The  validity  of  the  first  EU-Lebanon  ENP  Action  Plan  expired  in  January  2012  and  was 
extended  by  an  exchange  of  letters  between  Commissioner  Štefan  Füle,  responsible  for 
Enlargement and the ENP, and Nicolas Nahhas, Lebanon's Minister of Economy and Trade, 
for a period of one year or until a new Action Plan is adopted. 

The May 2011 Joint Communication by the High Representative and the Commission to the 
Parliament and the Council, entitled A new response to a changing neighbourhood: A review 
of European Neighbourhood Policy, outlined a new approach which aims at a higher level of 
differentiation,  allowing  for  each  partner  to  develop  its  links  with  the  EU  based  on  its  own 
aspirations,  needs  and  capacities,  but  also  on  mutual  accountability  and  the  degree  of 
commitment to the universal values of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, as well 
as  the  capacity  to  implement  jointly  agreed  priorities.  As  outlined  in  the  above-mentioned 
Communication, the EU will aim for a more simplified and coherent policy and programme 
network  through  focusing  ENP  Action  Plans  and  EU  assistance  on  a  smaller  number  of 
priorities, backed with more precise benchmarks. 

This second Action Plan clearly outlines the priority objectives for EU-Lebanon partnership 
and  elaborates  specific  benchmarks,  indicators,  timelines  and  possible  EU  interventions  for 
each of them.  

The European External Action Service engaged in exploratory contacts with Lebanon in the 
spring of 2012. They were followed by drafting of the new Action Plan in close cooperation 
with Commission services and Member States in several rounds of consultations, leading to a 
draft prepared for negotiations. After a negotiation round in Beirut in August 2012, the draft 
was  further  amended  in  cooperation  with  Commission  and  Member  States  partners.  In  the 
aftermath  of  the  Association  Council  in  October  2012,  the  EU  and  Lebanon  reached  a 
political agreement on the draft, subject to outstanding procedures. 

The  second  EU-Lebanon  ENP  Action  Plan  shall  be  the  essential  reference  tool  that  will 
specifically  guide  the  EU's  bilateral  relations  with  Lebanon  in  the  coming  years.  The  ENP 
will continue to act as a catalyst and a single policy framework, based inter alia on partnership 
and joint ownership, as well as performance-driven differentiation and tailor-made assistance. 

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The  Commission  and  the  High  Representative  of  the  EU  for  Foreign  Affairs  and  Security 
Policy (HR) attach the text of a joint proposal for a Council Decision on the Union position 
within 
the  adoption  of  a 
Recommendation on the implementation of the second Action Plan, as set out in Annex. 

the  EU-Lebanon  Association  Council  with  regard 

to 

The  Commission  and  the  HR  therefore  request  the  Council  to  adopt  the  attached  joint 
proposal for a Council Decision. 

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2013/0149 (NLE) 

Joint Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on the Union position 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 second EU-Lebanon ENP Action Plan 

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having  regard  to  Council  Decision  2006/356/EC  of  14  February  2006  concerning  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, and in particular the first subparagraph of Article 2 thereof, 

Having regard to the joint proposal from the Commission and the High Representative of the 
EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, 

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 (“the Agreement”) was signed on 17 June 2002 and entered into force on 
1 April 2006; 

The Parties have agreed on the second EU-Lebanon European Neighbourhood Policy 
(ENP) Action Plan, which will support the implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean 
Association  Agreement  through  the  elaboration  and  agreement  of  concrete  steps 
towards attainment of its objectives, 

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:  

Article 1 

The  Union  position  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 
implementation  of  the  EU-Lebanon  ENP  Action  Plan  shall  be  based  on  the  draft 
Recommendation of the Association Council attached to this Decision. 

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This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption. 

Done at Brussels,  

Article 2 

For the Council 
The President 

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Draft 

RECOMMENDATION 

on the implementation of the EU-Lebanon ENP 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 (hereinafter “the Agreement”) and in particular Article 76(2) thereof, 

Whereas: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Pursuant to Article 86 of the 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  Agreement  have  agreed  on  the  text  of  the  second  EU-Lebanon 
European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan ("the EU-Lebanon Action Plan"). 

The  EU-Lebanon  Action  Plan  will  support  the  implementation  of  the  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  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 Agreement. 

HAS ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION: 

Sole Article 

The  Association  Council  recommends  that  the  Parties  implement  the  EU-Lebanon  Action 
Plan set out in the Annex, insofar as such implementation is directed towards attainment of 
the objectives of 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. 

Done at [...] 

For the Association Council 

The President 

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ACTION PLAN FOR EU-LEBANON PARTNERSHIP AND COOPERATION 2013-2015 

ANNEX  

I. 

INTRODUCTION 

Lebanon  and  the  European  Union  are  bound  by  the  Euro-Mediterranean  Association 
Agreement in force since 2006. However, their contractual relations are significantly longer, 
dating  back  to  the  Trade  and  Technical  Cooperation  Agreement  of  1965.  Throughout  this 
history,  cooperation  between  Lebanon  and  the  European  Union  has  been  good  and 
progressively  intensifying.  Both  parties  share  the  commitment  to  democracy  and  human 
rights,  as  stated  in  the  Association  Agreement,  as  well  as  many  common  political  and 
economic  interests.  On  this  basis  they  wish  to  further  develop  and  strengthen  their 
partnership. 

The  recent  consecutive  governments  of  Lebanon  have  stated  their  commitment  to  political 
and economic reforms through legislation, adjustment of policies and improvements of public 
administration. They emphasised their attachment to the principles enshrined in the Lebanese 
constitution and later agreements, including Lebanon's sovereignty, independence, democratic 
set-up,  fundamental  freedoms,  equality  of  all  citizens,  and  unity  in  the  nation's  territory, 
people  and  institutions.  They  also  assured  of  their  respect  for  international  resolutions.  The 
adherence  to  these  principles,  as  well  as  the  reform  efforts  based  on  them,  enjoy  the  full 
support and encouragement by the European Union. 

A new neighbourhood policy 

In the face of the historical changes in the southern neighbourhood, the European Union has 
developed a new approach. It aims at providing responses best suited to rapid developments 
in the neighbouring countries, including the need to initiate or continue deep and substantial 
reforms,  to  establish  and  consolidate  healthy  democracies,  to  support  sustainable  and 
inclusive economic growth, and to manage cross-border implications. Lebanon contributed to 
the analysis that led the EU to develop this approach. 

This revised European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) is based on mutual accountability and a 
shared commitment to the universal values of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. It 
establishes a higher level of differentiation and determines the level of EU support according 
to the ambitions of the partner countries in terms of their rapprochement  with the EU,  their 
specific needs and available capacities, their progress in the implementation of reforms and in 
strengthening  democracy  and  the  rule  of  law,  and  their  respect  for  human  rights  and 
fundamental  freedoms.  It  further  gives  the  possibility  to  translate  the  strengthening  of 
relations  into  greater  economic  integration,  increased  mobility  and  a  closer  political 
cooperation  in  the  areas  of  governance,  security,  conflict  resolution  and  coordination  in 
international fora in matters of common interest. 

The  new  approach  to  neighbourhood  policy  aims  to:  (a)  provide  increased  assistance  to 
partners  who  engage  in  deepening  democracy  and  respect  for  the  rule  of  law,  human  rights 
and  fundamental  freedoms;  (b)  support  the  development  of  a  sustainable  and  inclusive 
economy  that  reduces  social  and  regional  inequalities,  creates  jobs  and  improves  living 
standards of the population; and (c) establish a closer partnership with the peoples and civil 
societies of the partner countries. 

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The new Action Plan 

In light of the higher mutual ambitions in the given context, there are the right conditions for 
Lebanon  and  the  EU  to  move  ahead  to  the  next  stage  of  their  relationship.  This  second 
EU-Lebanon  ENP  Action  Plan  is  a  political  document  building  up  on  the  provisions  of  the 
Association  Agreement  that  identify  areas  of  cooperation.  To  give  this  Action  Plan  a  more 
operational  character,  the  parties  agree  to  focus  on  a  limited  number  of  jointly  identified 
priority  objectives.  These  are  defined  below  with  the  help  of  benchmarks  and  indicators, 
which  outline  the  specific  milestones  leading  to  the  achievement  of  each  priority  objective 
and the data or particular steps that allow measuring progress, respectively. Timelines indicate 
periods  of  implementation.  The  definition  of  each  priority  objective  includes  possible  EU 
interventions  in  terms  of  cooperation,  assistance  offered  or  resources  mobilised  (where 
reference is made to existing instruments, it is understood to relate also to next-generation, i.e. 
post-2013,  instruments).  Future  EU-Lebanon  financial  cooperation  and  assistance  will  be 
programmed in coherence with this Action Plan. Further objectives are set out in the annex, 
which covers the areas of cooperation foreseen in the Association Agreement and functions as 
the reference document for its implementation.  

The Action Plan shall have an initial duration of three years. 

To  ensure  the  best  possible  implementation  as  well  as  to  establish  the  link  between  the 
progress  toward  the  priority  objectives  defined  above  and  the  assistance  provided,  regular 
monitoring  and  assessment  will  be  conducted  by  the  Association  Committee  and  the  sub-
committees established under the Association Agreement, and by means of Progress Reports 
of each party. If the parties identify the need they may, while acting in agreement, decide to 
adjust  the  Action  Plan  for  the  forthcoming  year(s)  as  appropriate.  When  the  date  of  expiry 
approaches,  the  parties  will  assess  the  overall  level  of  implementation  of  this  Action  Plan. 
Based  on  such  assessment  they  may  decide  to  extend  the  duration  by  one  year,  and 
subsequently  upon  the  expiry  of  such  an  extension  by  a  further  year  in  each  step.  The 
responsibility for taking the aforementioned decisions lies with the Association Council. 

The  draft  Action  Plan  will  be  submitted  to  the  EU-Lebanon  Association  Council  for 
endorsement. 

II. 

PRIORITIES FOR ACTION 

List of priorities 

A. 

B. 

C. 

D. 

E. 

F. 

Reforming the justice system (including the prisons segment) toward greater 
efficiency, effectiveness, and independence of the judiciary....................................... 8 

Election reform aiming to achieve international standards and enhancement of the 
effectiveness of the Lebanese Parliament .................................................................... 9 

Human rights and protection of vulnerable populations, including Palestinian 
refugees, by legislation or other adequate measures and targeted actions............... 110 

Enhancement of public finance management and effective allocation of public 
resources................................................................................................................... 132 

Improving efficiency, good governance and transparency of public administration143 

Improved security sector management and law enforcement, including cooperation, 
accountability and oversight mechanisms, and advancing integrated border 
management ............................................................................................................. 154 

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G. 

H. 

I. 

J. 

K. 

L. 

M. 

Increasing trade competitiveness and further trade integration in EU and international 
markets, WTO accession.......................................................................................... 176 

Improvement of business environment, particularly for MSMEs, and development of 
domestic market conditions in key sectors............................................................... 187 

Enhancing production and marketing of agricultural products in line with 
international standards, advancing liberalisation, raising competitiveness, and 
developing rural economy........................................................................................ 198 

Enhancing environmental protection and advancing sustainable regional 
development through greater decentralization and empowerment of municipalities 
and local authorities. ................................................................................................ 209 

Implementation of the National Education Strategy, improving technical and 
vocational training.................................................................................................... 221 

Enhancing provision of social protection and health care ....................................... 232 

Implementation of an energy strategy aimed at extending power supply, launching a 
structural reform and promoting renewable and low-carbon energy use and energy 
efficiency.................................................................................................................. 243 

Definition of priorities 

A. 

Reforming  the  justice  system  (including  the  prisons  segment)  toward  greater 
efficiency, effectiveness, and independence of the judiciary 

Benchmarks 

Indicators 

-  Increase in capacity within the Ministry of 

-  Administrative reorganisation in the 

Justice and the related authorities; 
completion of the automation process of 
the sector; 

-  Tangible progress on independence of 

judiciary; 

-  Improved access to justice for Lebanese 

residents, including vulnerable populations; 

-  Restriction of the jurisdiction of military 

courts to military cases; public reflection on 
reforming the system of religious courts; 
introduction of arbitration procedures; 

Ministry of Justice continued, including to 
strengthen the IT unit; staff trained, their 
capacity and skills increased; automation 
processes and IT implemented, especially 
in courts; change in average number of 
cases processed by courts per annum; 
change in average length of judicial 
procedures; 

-  Administrative dependence of the High 

Judicial Council and the Judicial 
Inspection on the Ministry of Justice 
eliminated; transparent mechanisms for 
tenure, appointment and removal of 
judiciary representatives introduced; 

-  Aggregate data on courts' 

jurisdiction/accessibility, aggregate data on 
participants in judicial proceedings; 

-  Law on Arbitration adopted and its 

mechanisms implemented; decline in 
number of non-military cases adjudicated 
by military courts; study of the religious 
courts (by Ministry of Justice) finalised and 
published, public debate ensuing; 

-  Management of evidence to be used in 

criminal investigation processes; increase 

-  Evidence collected in the course of criminal 
investigations properly organised and 

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in judgements relying on material proof, 
rather than confessions; 

-  Transfer of prisons from Ministry of Interior 
to Ministry of Justice; aligning the prison 
regulations and physical conditions with 
international standards; conduct of prison 
staff in line with international standards and 
human rights charter; reduction of 
overcrowding in prisons taking into 
consideration the specific needs of women; 
ensuring respect for law, legal time limits 
and judicial authority in detention 
procedures; 

-  Full legislative alignment with the UN 

Convention against Torture and other 
Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or 
Punishment (UNCAT); criminalisation of 
torture and pursuit of its perpetrators; 
effective prevention 

stored in Courts; statistics on convictions; 

-  Administrative steps toward the transfer of 

prisons accomplished; documented 
improvements of physical infrastructure 
of prisons and detention centres; staff 
appropriately trained and supervised; 
reduction in number of detainees without 
proper charge and in number of inmates 
serving beyond their sentence; construction 
of additional prison capacity started; 
development of special programs on social 
and economic empowerment of women 
and men prisoners in Lebanese prisons; 
formal subordination of prison management 
to judicial authority; prison visits reports; 

-  Legislation as well as prison regulations 
amended to be fully in line with UNCAT; 
torture defined as a criminal act; law and 
implementing decrees adopted to create a 
national mechanism of torture prevention 
(conforming with OPCAT, ratified by 
Lebanon) 

Timeline 

Short to medium term, throughout the Action Plan duration 

Short;-term: automation processes, prison transfer, independence of the High Judicial Council 

EU intervention(s) 

Continued EU support to the justice sector reform with a view to a greater independence of the 
judiciary  and  alignment  with  international  standards  (incl.  prisons);  continued  support  for  the 
automation of courts; continued capacity building and training at the Judicial Studies Institute, 
and other relevant institutions as far as possible; 

B. 

Election reform aiming to achieve international standards and enhancement of 
the effectiveness of the Lebanese Parliament 

Benchmarks 

Indicators 

-  Alignment of the Electoral Law with 

-  Legislation amending the Electoral Law 

international standards and with respect to 
the recommendations of previous election 
observation missions; 

-  Conduct of upcoming elections in line 

with international standards and in 
accordance with the recommendations of 
the previous EU Election Observation 
Mission; presence of independent 
international and domestic observers; 

adopted; scope of the legislative changes: 
creation of a fully independent Election 
Commission, pre-printed ballots, lowered 
voting age, arrangements for transparent 
participation of emigrants in the elections; 
timeliness of legislative changes (to allow 
implementation ahead of the elections);  

-  Assessment of the conduct of elections held 
by independent domestic or international 
observers; aggregate data on election 
participation (overall turnout, participation 
of women (including as candidates), 
participation of confessions or other 
population groups and emigrants); 
aggregate data on potential complaints 

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-  Intensification of the Parliament's activity, 

-  Frequency of the Parliament's meetings 

against the conduct of elections;  

increase in efficiency of legislation (including 
high-priority legislation), enhancement of the 
Parliament's internal procedures 

(number of sessions held); aggregate data 
on attendance/absence of members and its 
publication; numbers of legislative 
proposals discussed/adopted/refused; 
average length of the parliamentary 
process and 'throughput' of laws in the 
Parliament; effective use of parliamentary 
mechanisms for priority legislation; 
aggregate data on usage of the new 
legislative tracking system; specific 
improvements to the Parliament's Rules of 
Procedure (e.g. the introduction of lists of 
attendees and/or absentees); availability of 
professional staff to support the legislators 

Timeline 

Short-term: electoral reform by the legislative elections in 2013 and later municipal elections 

Medium-term:  improvement  of  the  Parliament's  effectiveness  throughout  the  Action  Plan 
duration, continuous improvements of the electoral framework 

EU intervention(s) 

Support  for  the  implementation  of  the  electoral  reform  (including  logistics  and  automation)  in 
line  with  international  electoral  standards,  recommendations  of  the  European  Electoral 
Observation Missions, and best practices. Support to the Parliament, including by training for 
its  staff,  to  improve  the  quality  of  legislation  and  the  legislative  process  and  its  oversight 
function, enhance research and policy analysis capacity of parliament, improve the institutional 
role of parliament 

C. 

Human  rights  and  protection  of  vulnerable  populations,  including  Palestinian 
refugees, by legislation or other adequate measures and targeted actions 

Benchmarks 

Indicators 

-  Follow-up to and implementation of the 

accepted UPR recommendations; 

-  Finalisation of the national human rights 
strategy and creation of a national human 
rights institution; 

-  Improvement of the status and living 

conditions of vulnerable populations, 
including refugees, "displaced persons", 
asylum seekers, stateless persons, 
domestic workers, migrant workers, 
disabled, each according to their specific 
status; commitment to the principle of non-
refoulement, of refugees and asylum 
seekers according to the UN Convention 
Against Torture and other cruel, inhuman 
and degrading treatment, and according to 

-  Number of relevant UPR recommendations 
implemented and results of the follow-up 
assessment;  

-  The national human rights strategy 
adopted and the creation of a related 
national institution finalised; activities of the 
institution started, including dialogue with 
civil society 

-  Legislative, regulatory, or other 

measures and targeted actions taken: 
asylum conditions and protection of 
refugees/displaced persons improved in 
line with international standards including 
through the MoU currently being negotiated 
with UNHCR; aggregate data on the 
processing and follow up of asylum 
applications; situation of stateless 
persons re-examined; 

-  ILO convention no. 189 on Decent Work for 

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international custom; and monitoring of the 
implementation of non-refoulement; 

-  Progress in protection of women's and 

children's rights and increased 
participation of women and youth in public 
life at both quantitative and qualitative 
levels, including in decision-making and 
political positions; 

-  Strengthening of human rights in law 
enforcement, particularly within the 
Internal Security Forces; 

-  Improvement of the status, humanitarian 
and social rights and living conditions of 
Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, 
including through projects with the 
engagement of the Lebanese government; 
institutional framework for governance of 
Palestinian camps and interlocution 
mechanisms with UNRWA and Lebanese 
authorities; 

-  Broadening of employment opportunities 
for Palestinian refugees as well as health 
and education standards;  

Domestic Workers ratified and 
implemented in Lebanon's law; migrant 
workers protected by national legislation 
and policies developed and enforced to 
ensure their rights; Convention on the 
Rights of Persons with Disabilities ratified; 

-  Aggregate data on the implementation of 

the Convention on Elimination of 
Discrimination against Women (CEDAW); 
progress towards the implementation of 
CEDAW; laws on protection of women and 
children from domestic violence approved 
and enforced; number and scope of other 
legislative measures for the protection of 
women and children; international 
conventions on children in armed conflict 
implemented; number of women in key 
positions at national and local levels, 
including in politics; government action on 
homeless children; 

-  Aggregate Data on the ISF Human Rights 
Unit (additional staffing, achievements, 
range of activities); treatment of all citizens 
and particularly vulnerable populations by 
the justice system (numbers of court cases; 
patterns of adjudication); aggregate data on 
treatment/conditions of asylum seekers, 
refugees and migrant workers (including 
visits to the respective establishments); 

-  Improvements in living conditions, 

humanitarian and social rights and the 
overall situation; scope of outcomes from 
ongoing projects; number and character of 
new projects; extent of the camp 
infrastructures rehabilitated; initiatives 
and policies developed on improving the 
camps' interaction and cooperation with 
UNRWA and Lebanese authorities and 
Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee;

-  The Labour Law (as amended to enable 

Palestinians to engage in certain 
professions) implemented; statistics and 
reports from UNRWA and other reliable 
sources on Palestinians' employment; 
measures taken to improve health and 
education standards for Palestinian 
refugees 

Timeline 

Short to long term, throughout the Action Plan duration 

Short-term:  follow-up  to  UPR  recommendations  by  the  next  review  (2014);  adoption  of 
implementation decrees to Labour Law amendment enabling Palestinian refugees to work; and 
adoption and implementation of laws on domestic violence and migrant workers. 

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EU intervention(s) 

Support  for  building  Lebanese  capacities  in  the  field  of  human  rights  and  for  UPR 
implementation  (accepted  recommendations,  preparations  for  the  next  cycle);  support  for 
raising  the  capacities  of  government  officials  in  institutional  human  rights  protection  and 
accountability  mechanisms;  continued  support  to  and  financial  cooperation  with  UNHCR  as 
capacities allow; support to address the needs of vulnerable groups, including the development 
of a robust legal aid system; continued financial cooperation with UNRWA and other actors to 
improve the rights and the economic and social conditions of Palestinians. 

D. 

Enhancement  of  public  finance  management  and  effective  allocation  of  public 
resources 

Benchmarks 

Indicators 

-  Streamlining of public finance 

-  State budget approved; accounts of 

management; improvement of budgetary 
procedures (budget adoption by 
Parliament, closing of previous periods' 
accounts, Ministry of Finance's coordination 
with line ministries and other institutions); 

-  Compliance of public sector accounting 

with international standards for efficiency, 
accountability, transparency and 
predictability; alignment with IMF and PEFA 
recommendations; sound management of 
public and donors' (including the EU's) 
funds; 

-  Improvement of expenditure and revenue 

targeting and control; 

-  Tax system revision, including the 

reduction of tax gap and improvement of 
efficiency; 

-  Legislation on open and transparent public 

procurement; mainstreaming of anti-
corruption efforts into public finance 
management and public procurement; 
enhancement of statistics and external 
audit 

previous years closed; preparations for 
budgeting the next year started in good 
time; intensified inter-ministerial 
coordination ongoing; 

-  Extent of implementation of IMF Financial 
Sector Assessment Programme (FSAP) 
and PEFA recommendations; high 
standards of efficiency and transparency 
followed; spending oversight mechanisms 
for donors' funds respected (including 
cooperation with relevant EU bodies on EU 
funding); 

-  Public expenditure data; budget support 
criteria met: well-defined national or 
sectoral reform policy and strategy, stability 
oriented macroeconomic framework, a 
credible and relevant programme to 
improve public finance management on a 
continuous basis, transparency and 
oversight of the budget;  

-  Tax policy altered towards implementing a 
global and equitable taxation system; state 
revenues and fines duly collected 
(including fines against the illegal 
occupation of the public domain, bills of 
Electricité du Liban, road penalties); timely 
and detailed publication of state revenue 
and expenses statistics; 

-  Law on Public Procurement adopted; 
measures to implement anti-corruption 
legislation taken; effective oversight 
mechanisms created: independence of the 
Court of Accounts enhanced (reporting to 
Parliament, budget approved by 
Parliament) and its work focused solely on 
external audits; corrupt practices in public 
procurement investigated and followed up 
judicially; Lebanon's results in 2014 

EN 

13 

   EN 

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
UNCAC examination; rigorous auditing and 
statistics methods introduced 

Timeline 

Short-term: budget adoption, public procurement law 

Short to medium-term 

EU intervention(s) 

Support  to  the  definition  of  a  reform  strategy  in  public  finance  management  and  to 
strengthening  the  capacities  of  the  Ministry  of  Finance.  Assistance  to  improve  budget 
preparation  and  revenue  forecasting.  Support  to  improve  the  institutional  framework,  set  up 
and performance of the Court of Accounts; assistance with an asset management system for 
public property; exchange of information on financial regulations and practices 

E. 

Improving  efficiency,  good  governance  and 
administration 

transparency  of  public 

Benchmarks 

Indicators 

- Progress on improving governance 

- Draft anti-corruption legislative package 

especially through combating corruption; 

- Higher transparency of the public 

administration, including the establishment 
of an open consultation process before 
passing laws and regulations, and through 
publishing decisions and reports; 

adopted, pursuant to the ratified UN 
Convention against Corruption (including 
access to information, illegal richness, 
conflict of interests, and protection of 
corruption disclosers); decrease in number 
of citizens' complaints on administrative 
irregularities; the Corruption Perception 
Index by Transparency International; 
watchdog role played by civil society 

- Open consultation process introduced; 
number of consultations carried out; 
number of reports/decisions published; 

- Functioning of the Ombudsman Office; 

- Ombudsman appointed and related 

- Personnel reform aiming at mainstreaming 
the cadre of public servants into a single 
corps; projects to improve the efficiency and 
productivity of public servants; equal 
opportunities for men and women; filling of 
existing vacancies; 

- Introduce models to measure and rate 

government performance; 

- Simplification of procedures and creation 

of one-stop shops; 

regulations adopted; 

- The structure of civil service reviewed; 
working conditions of public servants 
adjusted to allow for mainstreaming into a 
single personnel cadre; number of public 
servants trained; equal participation of 
women at all levels of administration stated 
as a goal; vacancy rate in ministries; 
framework developed for human resources 
management and development;  

- System created to monitor and evaluate 
administration performance, authorities 
obliged to report; channels opened for 
citizens' feedback; 

- Existing procedures reviewed; possibilities 
identified for simplification and integration 
into one-stop shops; pilot program for on-

EN 

14 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
stop shops approved and launched; 

- Enhancement of the government IT 

- A modern information and communication 

infrastructure to protect data and increase 
efficiency and productivity; 

system built, including secure data centres; 
decision support systems and Enterprise 
Resource Planning systems introduced;  

- Launch of e-government and e-services; 

- E-government portal created, e-services 

designed and initially launched; 

- Production and publication of reliable, timely 
and regular statistics compatible with EU 
and international standards in all relevant 
domains including economy (national 
accounts, balance of payments, foreign 
trade, prices, business sectors, industry, 
services and agriculture), society 
(demography, migration, living conditions, 
un-/employment, education), infrastructure 
(energy, transport), and administration 
(local and regional levels; justice and health 
systems, as far as feasible) 

- National Master Plan on Statistics 

adopted (up-to-date statistical methods 
introduced, compliance with standards 
ensured including the UN Fundamental 
Principles of Official Statistics); Lebanon's 
institutional setup adjusted to facilitate 
production of statistics; essential 
databases created (e.g. a business register, 
services database and other); statistics 
available on all government websites 

Timeline 

Medium-term, throughout the Action Plan duration 

Short-term: National Master Plan on Statistics  adopted; anti-corruption legislation adopted; IT 
infrastructure and e-government implemented; 

EU intervention(s) 

Technical  assistance,  including  twinning  programs,  to  contribute  to  the  achievement  of  the 
benchmarks 

F. 

including 
Improved  security  sector  management  and 
cooperation,  accountability  and  oversight  mechanisms,  and  advancing 
integrated border management 

law  enforcement, 

Benchmarks 

Indicators 

-  Adoption of an approach oriented at 

-  Institutional development based on sound 

meeting citizens' needs and expectations 
as to professionalism, accountability, 
impartiality and transparency of security 
forces; 

internal strategic planning within the 
agencies; public opinion surveys of 
citizens’ satisfaction with the security and 
rule of law services provided; the code-of-
conduct approach implemented by ISF 
and embraced by other security agencies; 
respect for human rights mainstreamed 
into law enforcement practice; reports 
about security agencies' practice during 
detentions and interrogations; reduction in 
cases of impunity; 

-  Adoption and implementation of a national 

-  Civil protection issues mainstreamed into 

policy on crisis and disaster risk 
management to foster prevention, 
preparedness and response mechanisms 
for natural and man-made emergencies; 

security sector management; mechanisms 
and organisational structures developed for 
an effective response to civilian crises 
and natural/man-made disasters; 

EN 

15 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
-  Improvement of organisational 

competence of security agencies; 

-  Increase in systematic cooperation and 
information sharing among Lebanese 
security agencies, and between them and 
the judiciary; ensuring effective oversight 
of the security agencies 

-  Formulation and implementation of a 

national Integrated Border Management 
(IBM) Strategy; 

-  Modernisation and strengthening of legal 
crossing points and of the overall border 
management procedures; effective 
surveillance along all border, ceasefire 
and demarcation lines; intensification of 
national and regional cooperation in fighting 
against illicit trafficking (including money, 
drugs, arms and persons); 

-  Continued efforts on issues of border 

delineation, with respect to UNSCR 1701 
and Lebanon's maritime borders  

-  Assessment of the functioning of law 

enforcement agencies; internal training 
mechanisms developed; internal self-
assessment based on strategic planning 
targets; automation of procedures; 
aggregate data on operations carried out; 
statistics; 

-  Existence and implementation of 

procedures for inter-agency cooperation; 
statistics on interface between security and 
judiciary in criminal investigation 
processes; analysis of institutional 
mechanisms for oversight of security 
agencies; civil society playing a watchdog 
role 

-  IBM strategy finalised and adopted; 

national border coordinator appointed 
and related administrative measures taken 
for the implementation of the strategy 

-  Physical and IT improvements of border 
infrastructure, both at crossings and 
central administration; steps taken toward 
the introduction of biometric technologies 
for passports and visas; Effective controls 
on all the borders of the country developed 
and implemented; staff adequately 
equipped and trained to act according to 
international standards; reports on 
instances of smuggling or trafficking and on 
Lebanese authorities' response, court 
cases, independent data (e.g. FRONTEX); 

-  Progress made in border demarcation 

efforts; continued commitment to work with 
UNIFIL on the implementation of UNSCR 
1701 and regarding maritime borders  

Timeline 

Short to medium term, throughout the Action Plan duration 

Short-term: ISF strategic planning processes; full application of ISF code-of-conduct; national 
policy  for  disaster  risk  management;  IBM  strategy  formulation,  followed  by  implementing 
measures/plans without delay 

EU intervention(s) 

Continued assistance toward enhancing the professionalism of the security agencies; support 
for good functioning of emergency services, dialogue with civil society on reform of the system. 

Support for strategy development and operation of legal crossing points for the improvement of 
agency-specific and inter-agency coordination procedures and practice; capacity building and 
support  to  assist  the  creation  of  an  IBM  apparatus  and  eventually  align  it  to  international 
standards  (including,  possibly,  in  the  area  of  biometric  technologies);  move  toward  activating 
operational and technical-level cooperation between Lebanese authorities and FRONTEX 

EN 

16 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
G. 

Increasing  trade  competitiveness  and  further  trade  integration  in  EU  and 
international markets, WTO accession 

Benchmarks 

Indicators 

-  Accession to the WTO, implementation of 

-  WTO-related legislation adopted and 

WTO rules and commitments, including the 
adoption and implementation of WTO-
relevant legislation; 

-  Adoption of the new framework on the 
rules of origin (new Pan-Euro-Med 
protocol on rules of origin, the Regional 
Convention) and active participation in the 
revision exercise of the Pan-Euro-Med 
rules of origin;  

-  Strategy to promote exports; 

-  Progress in the preparations of an 

Agreement on Conformity Assessment and 
Acceptance of Industrial Products (ACAA) 
in the three priority sectors (electrical 
products, pressure equipment, construction 
materials); launch of negotiations in 
sectors where preparations have been 
completed 

-  National food traceability system and 

improved distribution channels 
management (notably wholesale markets); 
quality agro-food processing zones; 

implemented, including International Trade 
and Licensing Law, Law on Standards, and 
Law on Technical Regulation and 
Conformity Assessment Procedures, Food 
Safety Law, Law on Animal Quarantine, 
Law on Trade Marks, Law on Unfair 
Competition, Law on Industrial Design, 
Amendments to the Copyright Law, 
implementation of Law on Plant 
Quarantine; 

-  The agreed commitments for WTO 

accession implemented; 

-  The new Pan-Euro-Med protocol on rules 

of origin adopted; the Regional 
Convention signed, ratified and 
implemented; Lebanon's presence and 
activity in the revision exercise; 

-  Export promotion strategy finalised and 
implemented; Adoption of Draft law on 
Export Promotion 

-  Relevant horizontal and sectoral 

legislation aligned, institutions in charge 
of standardisation, accreditation, technical 
regulations, conformity assessment, 
metrology and market surveillance 
upgraded to strengthen competitiveness 
(e.g. Lebanese Standards Institution 
LIBNOR, the accreditation body COLIBAC, 
conformity assessment bodies including 
the Industrial Research Institute); 
negotiations launched in sectors where 
preparations have been completed 

-  Food traceability system designed and 
implemented; distribution channels 
surveyed and improved (wholesale markets 
effectively regulated, producers given 
access to market data) ; quality zones 
defined; 

Timeline 

Short-term: progress on WTO accession and rules of origin; 
Medium-term: other benchmarks, general competitiveness 

EU intervention(s) 

Appropriate  technical  assistance  and  support  to  achieve  the  benchmarks  identified  above, 

EN 

17 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
including preparations for negotiations in the three priority sectors within the ACAA (electrical 
products,  pressure  equipment,  and  construction  materials),  trade  development  and  export 
promotion,  capacity  building  to  Ministry  of  Economy  and  Trade-Quality  Unit  and  National 
Metrology Council, and with regard to traceability system; 

H. 

Improvement  of  business  environment,  particularly 
development of domestic market conditions in key sectors 

for  MSMEs,  and 

Benchmarks 

Indicators 

-  Participation in the Euro-Mediterranean 

-  Cross-sectors and sectors-specific actions 

industrial cooperation process (both for 
cross-sectors and sectors-specific actions), 
implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean 
Charter for Enterprise and of the Euro-
Mediterranean Working Programme on 
Industrial Cooperation; 

carried out with Lebanon's active 
participation, including as follows from the 
gradual transformation of the Charter; 
indicators used in the 2008 evaluation of 
the implementation of the Euro-
Mediterranean Charter for Enterprise; 

-  Improvement of the environment 

conducive to entrepreneurship and 
favourable for Micro, Small and Medium 
Enterprises (MSMEs), with appropriate 
enablers in place, and linkages between 
MSMEs and regional/EU business 
platforms, networks and programmes; 

-  Emphasis on innovation; 

-  Improvement of business enhancing 

legislation: new company law (Code de 
Commerce) and competition law in 
accordance with EU and international 
standards, regulations on secure lending 
and insolvency; 

-  Simplification of administrative 

procedures for establishment of new 
businesses, including transparent and 
objective criteria, single point of contact, 
electronic procedures;  

-  Review of investment policy and 

incentives with a view to attracting FDI 

-  The environment adapted to expand the 
'entrepreneurship eco-system'; enabling 
factors actively pursued: access to know-
how and funding, capacity building, media, 
culture, guidance and support; data on 
involvement of Lebanese MSMEs in 
supranational business platforms; results of 
such involvement; 

-  Growth in number of MSMEs: company 
registration, statistics on establishment of 
companies, number of start-ups, increase 
in domestic and foreign investments; 
success stories in start-ups and/or exits; 

-  Closer cooperation between academia and 
industry encouraged; government support 
for innovation; 

-  The legislation adopted and effectively 
enforced; related administrative and 
organisational changes carried out: 
Competition Authority established, real-
time online Business Register created; 
insolvency regime restructured and 
strengthened; 

-  Time and cost required to register a 

business substantially reduced; number 
and variety of business support services; 

-  Legal, policy and administrative provisions 
reviewed, legal certainty and investment 
protection improved; steps taken to 
promote financial inclusion (equity funding, 
venture capital, business angels) 

EN 

Timeline 

18 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Medium to long term, throughout the Action Plan duration 

Short-term:  (to  be  discussed  with  Lebanon)  Innovation,  entrepreneurship  and  implementation 
of Euro-Mediterranean industrial cooperation 

EU intervention(s) 

Appropriate  technical  assistance  to  achieve  the  benchmarks  identified  above,  including  in 
improving  business  climate,  upgrading  quality  infrastructures,  and  supporting  innovation  and 
MSMEs. 

I. 

Enhancing  production  and  marketing  of  agricultural  products  in  line  with 
international  standards,  advancing  liberalisation,  raising  competitiveness,  and 
developing rural economy 

Benchmarks 

Indicators 

-  Formulation of a long-term national 

strategic framework for agriculture, 
fisheries and rural areas with a pro-poor 
and job-creation orientation, aiming at 
diversification of rural activities and 
employment opportunities; implementation 
of and adherence to existing legislation; 
effective national and local administration 
and empowerment of private stakeholders; 
improved overview of the agriculture sector;

-  Strategic framework formulated and 
adopted by the government with 
attention to rural development; 
agricultural establishments aligned 
with legislation; character and extent 
of regulatory improvements; 
administrative capacities of public 
administration strengthened; private-
sector stakeholders (producer 
associations, extension services, etc.) 
supported to become actors on their 
own; classification of land in line 
with the Master Plan for Land Use ; 
agricultural register for producers, 
land and crops created; 
empowerment of farmers within the 
existing structures of the chambers of 
commerce  

-  Strengthening of forest protection, and 

-  National Reforestation Plan 

reforestation actions; 

-  Development of a policy framework for 

quality production, notably protection of 
geographical indications and support for 
organic/bio production; 

-  Investment into bringing food safety and 

quality to international levels; enforcement 
of 'farm to fork' sanitary and phytosanitary 
standards (SPS), and their alignment with 
international and EU standards; 

implemented; protection of forested 
areas on all land (public and private) 
reflected in law, in line with the 
National Land Use Management Plan; 
reforestation actions carried out; 
plans for creating National and 
Regional Parks implemented; 

-  Policies designed with regard to 

situation in Lebanon; 

-  Food safety authority established; 
increased resources provided to 
administration and mechanisms 
ensuring safety and quality standards; 
SPS aligned with World Organisation 
for Animal Health, Codex 
Alimentarius, International Plant 
Protection Convention, and the EU 

EN 

19 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
-  Support to enhancing productive 

infrastructure; diversification of production 
and rural economies; strengthening of local 
capacities (producer groups, communities) 
aimed at job creation; 

acquis; standards raised and 
verification conducted, providing 
data on 
(non-)compliance with standards; 

-  Statistics on infrastructure 

improvements; production data; 
employment data in the sector; 

-  Creation of a credit facility for farmers and 

-  Credit facility created, data on its 

rural development initiatives; 

operations; 

-  Improvement of marketing processes, 

- 

including to foreign markets, inter alia by 
enhancing certification mechanisms for 
organic products, including equivalence 
schemes; 

Improved marketing practices 
(packaging & labelling standards, 
export procedures); certification 
procedures reviewed and 
established/improved as needed; 

-  Progress towards the liberalisation of 

trade in agricultural, processed agricultural 
and fishery products in accordance with the 
Rabat roadmap, in order to improve export 
opportunities; progress towards agreement 
on protection of geographical indications 

-  Negotiations launched on further 
liberalization of trade; start of 
discussions on an agreement on 
protection of geographical indications 
for agricultural products and 
foodstuffs 

Timeline 

Short to long-term 
Short-term: food traceability system, distribution channels management 

EU intervention(s) 

Based  on  best  practices  and  support  from  the  European  Neighbourhood  Programme  for 
Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD); technical assistance, institutional twinning and 
capacity  building  to  the  Ministry  of  Agriculture  and  relevant  veterinary  and  food  safety 
authorities 
(legal  update,  administrative 
reorganisation,  training  of  staff);  support  for  the  reforestation  policy;  support  for  the 
diversification  toward  higher  added-value  products  and  for  the  upgrading  of  agricultural 
facilities/infrastructure,  including  for  ensuring  quality;  marketing  know-how;  support  for  the 
implementation of EU rules in the SPS area 

the  sanitary  and  phytosanitary  domain 

in 

J. 

Enhancing  environmental  protection  and  advancing  sustainable  regional 
through  greater  decentralization  and  empowerment  of 
development 
municipalities and local authorities. 

Benchmarks 

Indicators 

-  Provision of state support for 

-  Volume and form of state support; 

municipalities and local authorities (LAs) to 
operate, manage and maintain 
infrastructure and deliver essential 
municipal services fostering growth; 

streamlining of financial flows from/to LAs 
(including telecommunications revenues, 
and revitalisation of the Independent 
Municipal Fund); mechanism activated 
enabling LAs to have effective and 
transparent access to development funds; 
relevant administrative capacity within the 
Ministry of Interior and Municipalities 
strengthened; 

EN 

20 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
-  Strengthening institutional, financial and 

administrative autonomy of municipalities; 
devolution of decision-making powers to 
local authorities; 

-  Enhancement of municipalities' value for 

citizens, and strengthening of their 
engagement in communities through 
partnerships with local civil society 
organisations, taking into consideration 
gender-equal opportunities and efficiency; 

-  Framework for empowering local 
authorities (LAs) adopted; related 
legal/regulatory measures taken toward 
strengthening LAs; number of local land 
use plans adopted; laws on local revenues 
and taxes updated;  

-  Data on quality/extent and effectiveness of 
the services delivered; partnerships with 
local CSOs established, outcomes 
evaluated for best practices 

-  Recognition of the need for long-term 

-  Sustainable development mainstreamed 

sustainable development, protection of 
environment and fight against climate 
change, incl. by ratification of essential 
international legal instruments; improved 
environmental and climate change-related 
planning and policy making at national 
level; introduction of systematic 
environment monitoring and publication of 
data; 

-  Active efforts in the areas of de-pollution 

and protection of biodiversity, in 
accordance with national plans and through 
participation in regional plans and EU 
initiatives 

into policies and actions of the government 
and LAs; conventions ratified (CITES, 
MARPOL Annex VI, Barcelona Convention 
protocols, notably ICZM and Offshore); 
administrative re-organisation to enable 
national coordination and planning on 
environment; national environmental 
indicators defined; measures taken to 
combat climate change and a national 
network for environmental monitoring set 
up; air quality in big cities further 
monitored; 

-  Participation initiated in the Horizon 2020 

De-Pollution Initiative for the Mediterranean 
Sea and in the Strategic Action Program 
on pollution from land-based activities, in 
line with the National Action Plan; specific 
de-pollution activities for the Mediterranean 
carried out (including within regional plans); 
the National Biodiversity Strategy and 
Action Plan implemented and participation 
in the Strategic Action Programme for the 
conservation of biological diversity (SAP 
BIO) of the Barcelona Convention initiated 

Timeline 

Short to medium-term, throughout the Action Plan duration 

toward  a  united  concept 
Short-term:  progress 
environmental planning and national coordination; CITES convention ratification 

for  empowerment  of  municipalities; 

EU intervention(s) 

Capacity  building  at  national  level  to  enable  the  implementation  of  the  reforms  toward  an 
effective  decentralisation  policy  and  improvement  of  relations  with  LAs;  capacity  building  at 
local  level  to  strengthen  the  technical,  administrative  and  financial  capacities  of  LAs,  in 
particular to formulate and implement local development plans and projects; financial support 
for local initiatives and projects aimed at improving service delivery, revenue generation, and 
local  management  capacities;  financing  of  studies  to  design  a  stable  and  dedicated  tool  to 
finance the municipal infrastructures; promotion of partnerships between the government and 
civil  society,  private  sector,  academia  and  media  to  implement  pilot  projects  in  pollution 
abatement  and  other  areas;  support  for  devising  and  implementing  a  national  sustainable 
development strategy; capacity building on climate change and environmental management 

EN 

21 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
K. 

Implementation  of  the  National  Education  Strategy,  improving  technical  and 
vocational training 

Benchmarks 

Indicators 

- Improving public early childhood and 

primary education; improving retention and 
achievement; strengthening the elements of 
education for citizenship and social 
cohesion in the curricula; increasing 
budgetary and organisational independence 
of schools; 

-  Rates of retention and achievement of 
pupils; teacher training revised; active 
learning methodologies and remedial 
learning introduced; system for measuring 
the effectiveness of primary education 
implemented; school committees and 
parents councils established; curricula 
adapted; autonomy of schools increased 

- Support a voluntary convergence of the 

- 3-cycle system adopted, credit system 

Lebanese higher education system with the 
principles of Bologna Process 

- Development and adoption of new technical 
and vocational education strategy in line 
with the principles of Torino Process;;, 
strengthening the link between skills 
development and labour market needs 
through the development of integrated and 
participatory programs between the public, 
private and civil sectors; 

- Reinforcement of institutional capacity and 
development of the relevant mechanisms 
and tools; 

- Enhanced quality of education at all levels 

with a view to the requirements of 
knowledge economy; introduction of quality 
assurance procedures, in line with the 
principles of the Bologna process;  

- Development of National Qualifications 

Framework (NQF) for professional 
certification, and a system of recognition of 
prior learning and experience; reform of 
curricula 

applied, Quality Assurance enhanced, social 
dimension strengthened, students 
participation reinforced, Qualifications 
framework established, mobility enhanced, 
recognition and equivalence tools 
developed. 

- Revised technical and vocational 

education program developed and adopted; 
qualifications grid developed; labour market 
needs analysed regularly, an information 
system established; career chart completed; 
cooperation links between education and 
business community strengthened; civil 
society and social partners involved; 
cooperation with other ministries on a 
national framework for professions 
certification. 

- Ministry’s jobs description reviewed and 

complemented; existing entities modernised 
and new ones created and the Ministry’s 
structure developed; monitoring and 
planning units and tools developed; use of 
IT increased; a Student Information System 
implemented; 

- An educational system of evaluation 

created and institutionalized for all levels; 
indicators for quality of education adopted 
and a national authority for quality 
assurance in higher education established 
(required legislation adopted and 
implemented); system for education quality 
control at lower levels developed 

- Qualifications for professions defined in 

terms of learning outcomes, and accredited 
by National Regulator; NQF established and 
completed with references to these 
definitions; national register of vocational 
certification revised in relation to NQF, 
system of verification of qualifications 
established based on relevant documents; 
adequate IT system developed; outdated 

EN 

22 

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curricula reformed to be competency-
based, role of institutions clarified; links with 
labour market needs supported  

Timeline 

Medium to long-term, throughout the Action Plan duration 

Short-term: Adoption of technical and vocational education strategy; start of the identification of 
indicators  for  quality  of  education  and  a  national  authority  for  quality  assurance  in  higher 
education 

EU intervention(s) 

Capacity building toward establishing a quality assurance agency for higher education; use of 
the Tempus programme to support the reorganisation of the higher education system; support 
for  the  technical  and  vocational  education  strategy;  increase  in  mobility  under  Erasmus 
Mundus programme and Marie Curie Action; assistance for Lebanese universities' participation 
in  Jean  Monnet  Programme;  support  for  partnerships  with  civil  society  and  private  sector  in 
general education and vocational training; assistance in the matters of technical and vocational 
programs;  support  for  evidence-based  policy  making;  follow  up  on  the  implementation  of  the 
“Improving  Retention  and  Achievement”  and  the  “Citizenship  in  Education”  programs,  and 
improving the responsiveness of vocational training to the needs of the labour market 

L. 

Enhancing provision of social protection and health care 

Benchmarks 

Indicators 

- Access for all segments of the population 
to affordable and high-quality health care; 

- Hospitals contractual agreements reviewed 

to improve public hospitals services delivery; 

- Health care system reform based on 
investigation of different healthcare 
coverage models; 

- Primary health care package defined and 

implemented; 

- Social protection including healthcare and 

- New regulations establishing the more 

retirement pension also for those employed 
in the private sector; 

inclusive healthcare and pension systems 
adopted; 

- Participation in relevant EU/international 

- Continued participation in the ‘Episouth’ 

programs 

network on communicable diseases (ending 
2013) 

Timeline 

Medium to long-term, throughout the Action Plan duration 

EU intervention(s) 

Technical  assistance  to  help  to  review  the  overall  labour  and  social  protection  policies  of 
Lebanon, in line with European Union best practices. Support the reform of the National Social 
Security  Fund  and  the  National  Employment  Office,  and  capacity  building  to  the  Ministry  of 
Labour. 

EN 

23 

   EN 

 
 
M. 

Implementation  of  an  energy  strategy  aimed  at  extending  power  supply, 
launching a structural reform and promoting renewable and low-carbon energy 
use and energy efficiency 

Benchmarks 

Indicators 

- Start of implementation of existing energy 
and electricity contingency plans while 
ensuring adequate financing; enhancement 
of legal and regulatory framework; 
establishment of an energy regulatory 
body; 

- Analysis of budgetary implications and 

planning for future of the electricity sector; 
restructuring of the sector toward greater 
efficiency and increased electricity supply 
(reducing power cuts) and accessibility for 
all; 

- Construction and proper maintenance and 

upgrading of physical infrastructure; 

- Start of implementation of energy efficiency 
and renewable energy plans in all sectors 
including by projects aimed at the use of 
renewable and low-carbon energy sources, 
with the goal of 12% of total electricity needs 
to be covered from renewable sources (as 
foreseen in the 2010 Electricity Plan) 

- Existing plans operationalised/ 

implemented; missing legislation adopted; a 
specialised regulatory body proposed and 
subsequently established; 

- Changes in the funding of the sector to 
reduce burden on state budget; financial 
methods improved (collection of fees; 
penalties for late payments; supply/demand 
calculations); illegal consumption curbed; 
"Électricité du Liban" (EDL) restructured; its 
corporatisation advanced; 

- Extent of increase in electricity generation; 

data on electricity supply, including 
occurrence of power cuts, and accessibility 
across Lebanon; 

- Scope of physical infrastructure repaired or 
upgraded; number of areas with improved 
infrastructure; 

- All sectors made aware of renewable 
energy and energy efficiency goals; 
measures adopted toward increasing energy 
efficiency and development of renewable 
and low-carbon energy sources, including to 
foster low-emission climate resilience 
development projects started and 
progressing 

- Significant investments leveraged by the 

National Energy Efficiency and Renewable 
Energy Action (NEEREA); volume of these 
investments; NEEREA transformed into a 
sustainable mechanism 

Timeline 

Medium-term, throughout the Action Plan duration 

Short-term: (to be discussed with Lebanon) 

EU intervention(s) 

Assistance with enhancement of the regulatory framework, potential capacity building for future 
regulator;  technical  and  investment  support  for  energy  efficiency  and  renewable  energy 
projects;  assistance  to  enhance  regional  cooperation  in  the  fields  of  natural  gas,  electricity, 
energy market, energy efficiency etc. 

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ANNEX 

OVERVIEW 

EU-LEBANON ACTION PLAN: FURTHER OBJECTIVES 

1. Political Reform and Dialogue............................................................................................. 26 

2. Reform and cooperation in the field of justice, freedom and security ................................. 28 

3. Economic and social reform, sustainable development ..................................................... 298 

3.1. Economic and financial reform ....................................................................................... 298 

3.2. 

Social and migration issues, sustainable national and regional socio-economic 
development ............................................................................................................... 29 

4. Trade-related issues, market and regulatory reform........................................................... 321 

4.1. Industry, trade and services............................................................................................. 321 

4.2. Market, competition and business environment................................................................ 33 

4.3. Customs and taxation ........................................................................................................ 34 

5. Education and research, information society, civil society and culture ............................. 343 

5.1. Education, science and technology, research and development, innovation and 

information society..................................................................................................... 35 

5.2. Youth and sports, civil society, culture, and people-to-people contacts ........................... 37 

6. Agriculture and fisheries ...................................................................................................... 38 

7. Transport, energy and environment ................................................................................... 387 

7.1. Transport ......................................................................................................................... 387 

7.2. Energy ............................................................................................................................... 39 

7.3. Environment, including climate change............................................................................ 39 

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SECTORS 

1. Political Reform and Dialogue 

Joint EU-Lebanon body mainly covering issues in this sector: 

• 

Sub-committee on human rights, democracy and governance 

Priorities applying to this sector, as defined in the main part of the Action Plan: 

• 

• 

• 

Election  reform  aiming  to  achieve  international  standards  and  enhancement  of  the 
effectiveness of the Lebanese Parliament 

Human  rights  and  protection  of  vulnerable  populations,  including  Palestinian 
refugees, by legislation and other adequate measures and targeted actions 

Improving efficiency, good governance and transparency of public administration 

Further objectives 

(a)  Deepening  of  Lebanon-EU  partnership  through  regular  political  dialogue,  exchanges  in 
various  formats  and  fora,  and  working  together  toward  shared  political  objectives.  This 
includes in particular: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Regular  bilateral  discussions  at  various  levels  aiming  to  ensure  an  efficient 
implementation  of  the  EU-Lebanon  Association  Agreement  and  the  European 
Neighbourhood Policy in Lebanon 

Strengthened cooperation in the field of foreign and security policy 

Dialogue  and  cooperation  on  regional  issues,  with  a  view  to  conflict  prevention, 
crisis  management  and  addressing common security threats. Shared commitment to 
advancing  the  Middle  East  Peace  Process  with  the  objective  of  reaching  a  just  and 
lasting peace in the Middle East in accordance with International Law and relevant 
UN resolutions, the Madrid principles, taking into account land for peace, the Road 
Map, the agreements previously reached by the parties and the Arab Peace Initiative 
adopted in Beirut in 2002 

Working together in multilateral institutions, including with the aim of contributing 
to the UN endeavours to find peaceful resolution of regional conflicts. In particular, 
continued  commitment  to  and  collaboration  with  UNIFIL  to  maintain  peace  in 
Southern Lebanon 

Working together in effectively implementing the relevant UN resolutions and other 
international obligations, including with regard to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon 

Accession to the Rome  Statute of the International Criminal Court and adoption of 
the necessary legislative amendments for its implementation 

Continuation  of  the  established  dialogue  between  the  European  Parliament  and  the 
Lebanese Parliament. 

(b) Strengthening of democracy and rule of law through structural reforms, reinforcement of 
public institutions and improvements of governance, as outlined in the Action Plan priorities. 

(c)  Further  strengthening  of  the  framework  for  protection  of  human  rights  and 
fundamental freedoms beyond the priority objectives, in particular by: 

– 

Ensuring  effective  implementation  of  international  commitments  with  respect  to 
human rights and fundamental freedoms 

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– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Pursue  the  de-facto  moratorium  on  capital  punishment.  Engage  in  dialogue  on  the 
abolition of the death penalty, including adherence to the Second Optional Protocol 
of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 

Taking measures to guarantee the freedom of expression and independence of media 

Safeguarding  the  freedom  of  association  and  assembly  and  consolidating  the 
legislative  framework  and  procedures  governing  it,  particularly  by  the  ratification 
and  implementation  of  the  ILO  Convention  no.  87  on  Freedom  of  Association  and 
Protection of the Right to Organise 

Advancing considerations on the adoption of a secular personal status law, granting 
civil  rights  and  obligations  to  the  Lebanese  citizens  regardless  of  their  religious 
affiliation 

Guaranteeing  non-discrimination  on  any  grounds  by  law  and  in  practice,  including 
the prevention of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. 

Expanding education on human rights issues at all levels of education and into school 
curricula 

Maintaining regular consultations on policy issues with relevant civil society actors 

(d) Civil peace and reconciliation as an effort to address root causes of potential instability, 
through support for: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Inclusive  and  permanent  dialogue  between  Lebanon's  communities  and  their 
representatives,  including  through  the  revival  of  the  National  Dialogue,  dialogue 
between religious leaders, and other possible frameworks 

Civil society initiatives aimed at fostering dialogue about underlying themes such as 
Lebanon's recent historical legacy, social cohesion, and shared values 

Developing and implementing reforms in various  sectors in ways  that contribute to 
overcoming divisions in society by pursuing objectives of common interest 

the 

issue  of  enforced  disappearances  by 

the  ratification  and 
Addressing 
implementation  of  the  Convention  for  the  Protection  of  All  Persons  from  Enforced 
Disappearance,  and  by  setting  up  the  independent  National  Commission  to  prepare 
legislation for missing persons and enforced disappearances 

(e) Preventing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery and 
fighting  illicit  accumulation  and  spread  of  conventional  weapons  and  ammunition,  while 
improving  the  overall  co-ordination  and  extending  the  scope  of  cooperation  in  this  area, 
focusing on: 

– 

– 

– 

Implementation of UNSC Resolution 1540/04 and the other international obligations; 
effective steps toward the accession to further international instruments, notably the 
1997 Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and 
Transfer  of  Anti-Personnel  Mines  and  on  their  Destruction;  contribution  to 
elaborating and implementing of an arms trade treaty setting high standards for the 
regulation of legal trade in conventional arms 

Development of effective national control systems for export and transit of materials 
related  to  WMD  and  their  means  of  delivery  (including  ballistic  missiles),  which 
includes dual-use goods and technologies; ensuring effective sanctions for breaches 

Prevention  of  and  fight  against  illicit  trafficking  of  weapons  of  mass  destruction, 
their means of delivery and related materials; as well as of small arms, particularly 

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through  the  UN  Programme  of  Action  to  Prevent,  Combat  and  Eradicate  the  Illicit 
Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects 

Promotion of the establishment of a mutually and effectively verifiable Middle East 
zone free of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems; support for and 
participation in future EU initiatives in this context 

Amendment  of  Lebanon's  legislation  in  line  with  the  EU  Common  Position  on 
conventional arms exports 

– 

– 

2. Reform and cooperation in the field of justice, freedom and security 

Joint EU-Lebanon body mainly covering issues in this sector: 

• 

Sub-committee on justice, freedom and security 

Priorities applying to this sector, as defined in the main part of the Action Plan: 

• 

• 

• 

Reforming  the  justice  system  (including  the  prisons  segment)  toward  greater 
efficiency, effectiveness, and independence of the judiciary 

Improved  security  sector  management  and  law  enforcement,  including  cooperation, 
accountability and oversight mechanisms 

Advancing integrated border management 

Further objectives 

(a)  Fight  against  drugs  and  their  abuse  in  the  framework  of  a  comprehensive  national 
policy, comprising criminalisation and prevention of drug cultivation (including in relation to 
diversion  of  drug  precursors),  crops  eradication,  prevention  of  drug  abuse  and  addiction, 
awareness, treatment and rehabilitation. This implies the need for: 

– 

– 

– 

National coordination, i.e. creation of an interagency committee to shape the policy 
and monitor its implementation. 

Reinforcement of capacities for prevention and treatment of drug abuse at the social 
level and by medical means 

International  cooperation  and 
the 
comprehensive  anti-drug  policy  as  well  as  on  the  implementation  of  relevant  UN 
Conventions  (in  particular,  the  1988  UN  Convention  against  Illicit  Traffic  in 
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) 

information  exchange  on  all  aspects  of 

(b)  Fight  against  organised  crime,  in  particular  trafficking  in  human  beings,  illicit 
manufacturing and smuggling of firearms, and cybercrime (including child pornography). 
This implies: 

– 

– 

– 

Implementation  of  international  law  (especially  the  2000  UN  Convention  against 
Transnational Organized Crime and the Protocols Thereto) 

Development  of  national  capacities  in  line  with  international  standards  and 
regulations,  including  in  the  field  of  protection  and  assistance  to  victims  of  human 
trafficking  (legal  and  social  assistance,  psychological  support,  aiming  at  re-
integration), especially for women and children 

Regional and international cooperation of law enforcement bodies active in policing, 
border  protection,  customs  matters  and  judicial  follow-up,  including  between 
Lebanon  and  EU  Member  States,  aiming  to:  exchange  expertise  on  best  practices, 
training,  patterns  and  modus  operandi,  foster  specific  cooperation  on  human 

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trafficking  with  countries  of  origin  and  transit,  as  well  as  judicial  cooperation  in 
witness protection and assistance programmes 

(c)  Continue  the  fight  against  money  laundering  in  line  with  standards  laid  down  by  the 
Financial  Action  Task  Force  by  means  of  information  exchange  via  the  legal  channels, 
enhanced cooperation and support, i.e. notably to: 

– 

– 

– 

Exchange up-to-date information on systems for combating money laundering 

Strengthen systems of financial information, especially monitoring cash movements 
and wire transfers abroad 

Maintain  intensive  co-operation  among  law  enforcement  agencies  within  Lebanon 
and  between  Lebanon  and  international  organisations  (MENAFATF)  as  well  as 
corresponding bodies in EU Member States 

(d)  Combating  terrorism  in  the  framework  of  relevant  UN  Resolutions  and  Conventions, 
with  full  respect  for  human  rights  in  line  with  UN  recommendations,  by  implementing  the 
provisions of the Euro-Mediterranean Code of Conduct on Countering Terrorism, and through 
strengthening cooperation between Lebanon and the EU in the following fields: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Fight  against  the  financing  of  terrorism  in  line  with  the  standards  laid  down  in  the 
Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations, and by their implementation 

Cooperation  between  Lebanon's  and  EU  Member  States'  counter-terrorism  and  law 
enforcement  agencies,  particularly  to  exchange  information  on  terrorist  groups  and 
their support networks 

Exchange  of  views  on  means  and  methods  used  to  counter  terrorism,  including  in 
technical  fields  and  in  training,  and  exchange  of  experiences  regarding  terrorism 
prevention aiming at national capacity building 

Fight against the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes 

Judicial cooperation on combating terrorism. 

Where  pending,  implementation  of  all  relevant  UNSC  Resolutions  and  signature, 
ratification and full implementation of all relevant UN Conventions 

Pursuit  of  efforts  to  arrive  at  a  Comprehensive  UN  Convention  on  Combating 
Terrorism 

(e) Judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters through: 

– 

– 

– 

Exchanging information on ratification and implementation of relevant international 
conventions 

Developing  cooperation  between  Lebanon's  and  EU  Member  States'  courts,  in 
particular with regard to family law 

Promoting  concrete  solutions  of  family  disputes  in  order  to  prevent  and  resolve 
conflicts regarding custody, visiting rights and child abduction of children of mixed 
couples, including by mediation, practical judicial cooperation and judicial training. 

3. Economic and social reform, sustainable development 

3.1. Economic and financial reform 

Joint EU-Lebanon body mainly covering issues in this sub-sector: 

• 

Sub-committee on economic and financial matters 

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Priority applying mainly to this sub-sector, as defined in the main part of the Action Plan: 

• 

Enhancement  of  public  finance  management  and  effective  allocation  of  public 
resources 

Further objectives  

(a)  Pursuing  macroeconomic  and  financial  stability  through  fiscal  policies  aimed  at 
consolidation,  deficit  reduction  and  debt  sustainability,  and  fiscal  discipline  in  the 
implementation phase, which implies: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Formulation of a long-term strategy for debt reduction; 

Reinforcement  of  debt  management  bodies,  notably  the  responsible  office  at  the 
Ministry of Finance, by providing them adequate resources and improving conditions 
for their effective functioning 

Addressing  specific  issues  (e.g.  quasi-fiscal  deficit  and  contingent  liabilities  to 
promote sustainable public finances) 

Ensuring  the  preservation  of  the  full  statutory  and  de  facto  independence  of  the 
Central Bank 

Prospective transfer of the Central Bank's non-core assets in due time. 

(b)  Public  Internal  Financial  Control  (complementary  to  the  priority  objective  on 
enhancement of public finance management) aiming in particular to: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

internal  financial  control  system  (managerial 
Develop  a  plan  for  public 
accountability  and  decentralised  internal  audit),  including  through  enhancement  of 
the legislative framework 

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

Establish  internal  audit  units  in  all  budgetary  entities,  including  in  particular  a 
Central Audit Coordination unit within the Ministry of Finance 

Carry out and publish regular audits, especially of the Council for Development and 
Reconstruction,  the  National  Social  Security  Fund  and  the  Municipal  Development 
Fund. 

(c) Progress toward fully functioning market economy with particular regard to: 

– 

– 

– 

Implementing  privatisation  or  corporatisation  of  state-dominated  sectors,  notably 
public utilities, with high transparency 

Creating an enabling environment for investments, including adequate protection of 
foreign investments 

Implementation  of  the  Financial  Markets  Law  (no.  161/2011),  including  the 
identification  of  technical  support  needs  on  the  Lebanese  side,  aiming  at  the 
establishment of the financial market authority and its preparation for full operation 

3.2. 

Social  and  migration  issues,  sustainable  national  and  regional  socio-economic 
development 

Joint EU-Lebanon bodies mainly covering issues in this sub-sector: 

• 

Sub-committee on social and migration issues 

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Priorities applying to this sub-sector, as defined in the main part of the Action Plan: 

• 

• 

Support for effective empowerment of municipalities and local authorities aiming at 
greater decentralisation and sustainable regional socio-economic development 

Enhancing provision of social protection and health care 

Further objectives 

(a)  Cooperation  on  migration  and  related  issues  through  strengthened  dialogue, 
information exchange and/or adoption of specific measures: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Management  of  legal  migration,  including  admission  policies  and  stay,  aggregate 
data on skills available as well as employment opportunities and related procedures 
on both sides, integration of migrants (including non-discrimination, protection from 
xenophobia),  linkages  between  migration  and  development  (productive  role  of 
diasporas) 

Prevention  and  control  of  illegal  migration  including  by  collecting  and  sharing 
accurate data on its scale, monitoring migratory movements (to Lebanon and the EU 
as  well  as  transit  migration),  cooperating  with  regional  countries  and  countries  of 
origin,  applying  appropriate  policies  for  return  of  illegal  migrants,  supporting 
measures  to  prevent  and  counter  illegal  migration  (including  by  sea),  and  raising 
awareness of the risks of human trafficking 

Readmission  of  own  nationals,  with  the  possibility  of  negotiating  a  readmission 
agreement  between  Lebanon  and  the  EU  and  its  Member  States  regarding  also 
stateless persons and third-country nationals 

Security  of  travel  documents  and  visas  in  conformity  with  international  standards, 
including biometric technologies 

Synergy with Euro-Med or other  international initiatives on migration  research  and 
the possibility of Lebanon's participation in relevant Community programmes 

Dialogue  on  existing  EU  and  Lebanese  visa  rules  and  procedures,  whenever 
considered necessary and possible by both parties 

(b) Public health, beyond the priority objective specified in the main part of the Action Plan, 
aimed  at  prevention  and  control  of  diseases  as  well  as  increasing  health  security,  especially 
by: 

– 

– 

Promoting prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases 
including  through  exchange  of  health  information  and  through  the  full  and  timely 
implementation  of  international  health  agreements,  in  particular  the  International 
Health  Regulations  (IHR)  and  the  Framework  Convention  on  Tobacco  Control 
(FCTC) 

Enhancing  capacities  to  detect  health  threats  and  respond  to  them,  through  training 
and strengthening preparedness and surveillance systems  

(c) Promotion of employment through the creation of an enabling environment in terms of 
skills development, equal opportunities for all and motivational social policy, in particular by: 

– 

– 

Formulation of a comprehensive Social Development and Employment Strategy as a 
basis document 

Continuous social dialogue, including within the Economic and Social Council and 
through tripartite dialogue, in order to develop opportunities for partnerships between 

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the  private  sector  and  civil  society,  with  special  focus  on  the  area  of  vocational 
training 

Promotion of the participation of women and youth in the labour market by reducing 
obstacles  for  entering  the  labour  market,  introducing  specific  technical  and 
vocational training programmes, and adopting a market-driven approach to increase 
their employability 

Modernisation of the National Employment Authority. 

Motivational  benefits  policy  geared  toward  encouraging  active  job-seeking  and 
requalification in line with the needs of the labour market 

– 

– 

– 

(d)  Strengthening  of  social  safety  nets  with  a  view  to  reducing  poverty  while  increasing 
efficiency and effectiveness of the state social security system, including by:  

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Formulation of a comprehensive Social Development and Employment Strategy as a 
basis document 

Evaluation and improvement of the efficiency, targeting and coverage of the existing 
systems, e.g. by avoiding duplicities in government subsidies 

Reforming  the  social  security  system  while  progressively  moving  from  generalised 
budget subsidies and tax exemptions toward means-tested transfers to households in 
greatest need 

Revival of a constructive social dialogue (tripartite and bipartite) 

Programmes  and  initiatives  aimed  at  fostering  social  inclusion  and  fighting 
discrimination, with particular attention to women and marginalised groups 

(e) Sustainable regional development, in addition to the priority objective as defined in the 
main  part  of  the  Action  Plan,  with  particular  attention  to  strengthening  the  socio-economic 
cohesion  of  Lebanon's  regions,  creating  jobs,  and  promoting  principles  of  sustainable 
development by: 

– 

– 

– 

Formulation  of  a  comprehensive 
development of Lebanon's regions 

long-term  programme  for 

the  sustainable 

Incentives to expand economic activities beyond the Greater Beirut area 

Mainstreaming  of  sustainable  development  issues  into  sectoral  policies  and 
establishment  of  straightforward  procedures  for  coordination  on  sustainable 
development issues between the sectors concerned 

4. Trade-related issues, market and regulatory reform 

4.1. Industry, trade and services 

Joint EU-Lebanon bodies mainly covering issues in this sector: 

• 

Sub-committee on industry, trade and services 

Priorities applying to this sector, as defined in the main part of the Action Plan: 

• 

• 

Increasing trade competitiveness and further trade integration in EU and international 
markets, WTO accession (also applies to sub-sector 4.2) 

Improvement of business environment, particularly for MSMEs, and development of 
domestic market conditions in key sectors 

(also applies to sub-sectors 4.2 and 5.1) 

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Further objective 

(a)  Further  deepening  of  bilateral  and  regional  trade  relations  and  adoption  of  measures 
conducive to this aim, in particular: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

After  Lebanon's  accession  to  the  WTO,  joint  exploration  of  ways  how  to  further 
deepen EU-Lebanon bilateral trade relations, including in the area of trade in services 
and on trade-related regulatory areas 

Accession to and implementation of the Agadir Agreement 

Participation  in  other  regional  and  sub-regional  trade  initiatives  such  as  the  Trade 
and Investment Facilitation Mechanism, and closer sector cooperation 

Deepening trade relations with neighbours through the implementation of FTAs 

Finalisation  of  internal  procedures  leading  to  the  adoption  of  the  Protocol 
establishing  a  Dispute  Settlement  Mechanism  for  the  resolution  of  trade  disputes 
under the Association Agreement 

Strengthening of the Lebanese administration's capacity in International Trade Data 
Sharing and Notification Systems  

4.2. Market, competition and business environment 

Joint EU-Lebanon bodies mainly covering issues in this sector: 

• 

Sub-committee on internal market 

Priorities applying mainly to this sector, as defined in the main part of the Action Plan: 

• 

• 

Improvement of business environment, particularly for MSMEs, and development of 
domestic market conditions in key sectors 

Increasing trade competitiveness and further trade integration in EU and international 
markets, WTO accession 

Further objectives 

(a) Additional  legislative and  regulatory  measures to  improve  the business environment in 
Lebanon beyond the priority objective, in particular by: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Adopting legislation and ensuring enforcement in the fields of competition, technical 
regulations  and  conformity  assessment  procedures,  metrology,  export  promotion, 
industrial  property  rights,  copyright  and  related  intellectual  property  rights  in  line 
with EU and international standards 

Implementing  the  2005  law  on  consumer  protection  and  activation  of  the  National 
Council for Consumer Protection 

Adopting legislation on open and transparent public procurement 

Adopting legislation on public-private partnerships 

Improving the commercial justice system 

Developing corporate governance guidelines for public and private companies 

Adopting accounting rules in accordance with international and EU standards as well 
as a qualified audit profession 

(b) Enhancement of the competitiveness of the services sector, in particular through:  

– 

Simplification of regulatory and administrative requirements  

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– 

– 

– 

– 

Regulatory  reform  of  the  financial  services  sector  (banking,  insurance  and 
securities)  including  efficient  and  independent  supervision  in  accordance  with  EU 
and international standards 

Establishing a Competitiveness Observatory  

Supporting the development of a unified services statistics database.  

Supporting  the  development  and  implementation  of  a  Services  Modernisation 
Programme 

4.3. Customs and taxation 

Joint EU-Lebanon body mainly covering issues in this sector: 

• 

Sub-committee on customs and taxation 

Objectives 

a)  Improved  functioning  of  customs  service,  simplification  and  modernisation  of  customs 
procedures: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Further harmonisation and simplification of customs legislation, code and procedures 
in accordance with Palermo recommendations, including further computerisation and 
automation of customs procedures; 

Enhanced  dialogue  and  cooperation  on  existing  legislation  in  the  area  of  customs 
controls  of  pirated  and  counterfeited  goods  as  well  as  on  its  implementation,  and 
exchange of relevant statistics; 

Strengthening  EU-Lebanon  co-operation  on  combating  irregularities  and  fraud  in 
customs and related matters and adopting and implementing a customs ethics policy 
(in line with the Arusha Declaration of the Customs Co-operation Council); 

Continuing  to  strengthen  cooperation  of  Lebanon's  customs  service  with  other 
agencies working at the border in the framework of integrated border management; 

Supporting  the  development  of  measures  with  regard  to  risk-based  customs  control 
ensuring safety and security of goods imported, exported or in transit; 

Providing the customs administration with adequate internal or external expertise, in 
particular laboratory capacities. 

b) Improvements in the area of taxation: 

– 

– 

– 

Further  modernisation  and  simplification  of  tax  administration  structures  and 
procedures; 

Continuing  dialogue  to  promote  the  adoption  of  the  principles  of  the  Code  of 
Conduct for Business Taxation; 

Continuing efforts to develop the network of bilateral agreements between Lebanon 
and EU Member States on avoidance of double taxation, including the improvement 
of  transparency  and  the  exchange  of  information  in  accordance  with  international 
standards.  

5. Education and research, information society, civil society and culture 

Joint EU-Lebanon body mainly covering issues in this sector: 

• 

Sub-committee  on  research,  innovation,  information  society,  education  and 
culture 

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5.1.  Education,  science  and  technology,  research  and  development,  innovation  and 

information society 

Priorities applying to this sub-sector, as defined in the main part of the Action Plan: 

• 

• 

Implementation  of  the  National  Education  Strategy,  improving  technical  and 
vocational training 

Improvement of business environment, particularly for MSMEs, and development of 
domestic market conditions in key sectors 

Further objectives 

(a)  Beyond  the  priority  objective:  development  of  primary  and  secondary  education  with 
regard  to  raising  standards,  improving  quality  and  ensuring  access  for  all,  with  special 
attention to: 

– 

– 

Enhancing  quality  by  ensuring  the  availability  of  adequate  human  resources 
(teachers, professors and administrative staff) and their professional development 

Ensuring  access  to  quality  education  for  all  Lebanese,  including  the  poor, 
disadvantaged and marginalised 

(b) Beyond the priority objective: development of vocational and technical education with 
improving  quality,  ensuring  access  for  all,  promoting  competitiveness, 
regard 
employability with special attention to: 

to 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Enhancing  quality  by  ensuring  the  availability  of  adequate  human  resources 
(teachers, professors and administrative staff) and their professional development 

Review  and  update  of  the  available  programs  and  specialties  in  vocational  and 
technical education 

Building-up 
implementation as well as updating and development of new curricula 

institutional  capacity 

for  education  policy  development  and 

Effectively utilising EU support for modernising vocational education and training 

Strengthening  partnerships  and  cooperation  in  the  field  of  vocational  and  technical 
education 

(c) Beyond the priority objective: continued reform and modernisation of higher education in 
order  to  promote  competitiveness,  employability  and  mobility,  and  strengthen  convergence 
with EU standards, particularly by: 

– 

– 

– 

institutional  capacity 

for  education  policy  development  and 
Build-up  of 
implementation  as  well  as  development  of  new  curricula,  notably  for  science  and 
information technology 

Full  use  of  the  TEMPUS  programme  and  its  successor  programme  in  their 
cooperation and reform-oriented components 

Encouragement  of  student  mobility  through  active  participation  in  programmes 
available, including Erasmus Mundus and its successor programme 

(d)  Development  of  Lebanon's  capacities  in  scientific  and  technological  research  and 
innovation aiming to bolster economic growth and social development, notably through: 

– 

Support  for  the  participation  of  Lebanese  entities  in  the  forthcoming  Horizon  2020 
Programme,  and  with  the  help  of  a  public  information  strategy  to  encourage 
Lebanese entities to participate 

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– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Lebanon's  participation  in  the  international  dimension  of  the  European  Research 
Area 

Formulation and increased financing of the research and innovation policy relevant 
to Lebanon's objectives of sustainable and equitable development, including reforms 
of the R&D system and the relevant regulatory framework 

Ensuring increased investment into research and innovation from both the public and 
the  private  sectors,  including  through  reinforced  human,  material  and  institutional 
resources 

Adoption of the researcher status in the public sector 

Cooperation  in  high-level  scientific  exchanges  including  reinforced  participation  in 
the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions 

Ensuring  commitment  to  the  implementation  of  the  STIP  Priorities  (Science, 
Technology and Innovation Policy) 

(e)  Cooperation  in  developing  information  society  and  media  policies  in  Lebanon, 
including by: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

licensing, 

Exchange of best practices on the strategic management of electronic communication 
intellectual  property  rights,  development  of  electronic 
networks, 
transactions  for  promoting  business-to-business  exchanges  as  well  as  e-services  for 
citizens,  and  further  development  of  information  society  at  national,  regional  and 
global levels 

Promoting  reliable  and  stable  functioning  of  networks  and  services  in  the  spirit  of 
openness  and  interoperability,  including  through  Lebanon's  active  participation  in 
EMERG  (the  network  of  regulators  for  electronic  communications  in  the  South 
Mediterranean) 

Promotion  of  free  and  open  access  to  Internet,  including  through  cooperation  with 
the regulators for electronic communications in the South Mediterranean region. 

Science  and  Technology  cooperation  in  ICT,  including  in  the  context  of  the  EU 
Framework  Programmes 
technological  development  and 
cooperation,  as  related  to  research  and  education  networks  and  within  the 
EUMEDCONNECT network 

research  and 

for 

In  the  domain  of  audio-visual  and  media,  focusing  on  the  development  of  a 
transparent,  efficient  and  predictable  regulatory  framework,  together  with  an 
independent regulatory authority for audio-visual and media. 

Dialogue  on  audiovisual  and  media  content  including  co-operation  in  the  fight 
against racism, religious intolerance, and xenophobia. 

(f)  Restructuring  of  the  Information  and  Communications  Technologies  sector  (ICT) 
aiming  to  improve  its  efficiency  and  management,  with  a  view  to  further  liberalisation,  and 
particularly by: 

– 

– 

Completion of corporatisation of the sector to allow participation of private entities 
and  foreign  investment,  leading  to  a  functioning  market  conducive  to  economic 
growth 

the  Lebanese 

Developing 
for  electronic 
communications converging to the EU in order to deal with issues of authorisation, 
access and interconnection of networks and services, universal service, user's rights, 

framework 

legal  and 

regulatory 

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consumer protection, data privacy and data protection in electronic communications, 
and efficient use of the radio-spectrum 

– 

Support for inter-linkages with other sectors that can benefit from ICT 

5.2. Youth and sports, civil society, culture, and people-to-people contacts 

Further objectives 

(a) Dialogue and cooperation in the area of youth policy and sports, with special attention to 
the issues of mobility and, at the national level, divisions in society. The efforts will include 
specifically: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Encouraging youth mobility by promoting youth exchanges, aiming at a broader use 
of the EU-supported programmes with a higher number of mobility stays carried out 

Promoting  exchanges  of  young  professionals  between  European  and  Lebanese 
institutions and organisations 

Working  with  youth  to  address  the  complex  issues  of  sectarian  and  other  divisions 
through  practical  and  constructive  initiatives  aimed  at  promoting  unity,  citizenship, 
and peaceful development 

Enhancing  EU-Lebanon  interaction  in  the  field  of  non-formal  education  for  young 
people, including through intercultural dialogue 

Ensuring  the  successful  implementation  of  the  Euro-Med  Youth  programme  by 
increasing the performance of the relevant structures on the Lebanese side 

(b) Support for further development of civil society by fostering an  enabling environment 
and building on Lebanon's existing civil society networks, in particular by: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Further  adjusting  the  legal  and  administrative  framework  for  the  free  operation, 
activities and continuing development of civil society 

Encouraging  contacts  between  Lebanese  and  EU  civil  society  organisations  by 
actively informing of available programs and instruments for this purpose 

Fully  enabling  Lebanese  civil  society  organisations  to  contribute  effectively,  as  a 
partner  of  the  Lebanese  government,  to  foster  the  economic,  political  and  social 
development in the country in accordance with national legislation 

Empowering  consumers  to  protect  their  legitimate  interests  through  civil  society 
structures 

(c)  Promoting  EU-Lebanon  cultural  cooperation  and  dialogue  between  cultures  at 
international, regional, bilateral and local levels, including: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Cooperation  in  international  fora  and  particularly  UNESCO  to  foster  cultural 
diversity  and  preserve  and  protect  cultural  and  historical  heritage.  This  implies 
signing, ratification and implementation by Lebanon of the UNESCO Convention on 
the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. 

Lebanon's more active participation in EU-supported cultural programmes 

Participation in the activities of the Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for 
the Dialogue Between Cultures 

Encouragement of direct cooperation in the field of culture at sub-national level, i.e. 
at the level of Lebanon's governorates and municipalities 

Protection of built heritage in Lebanon including UNESCO listed cities  

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– 

– 

Promotion of Lebanon's and the EU's living culture by supporting a range of cultural 
activities  between  Lebanese  and  European  entities  as  well  as  people-to-people 
contacts and initiatives  

Support cultural centres promoting cultural diversity 

6. Agriculture and fisheries 

Joint EU-Lebanon body mainly covering issues in this sector: 

• 

Sub-committee on agriculture and fisheries 

Priorities applying to this sector, as defined in the main part of the Action Plan: 

• 

Enhancing  production  and  marketing  of  agricultural  products  in  line  with 
international  standards,  advancing  liberalisation,  raising  competitiveness,  and 
developing rural economy 

Further objectives 

(a)  Strengthening  the  quality  and  capacities  in  agricultural  production,  notably  by  putting 
emphasis on: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

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

Broader  use  of  technology  in  the  agricultural  sector  and  in  different  production 
phases 

Measures to encourage private investment 

Strengthened administrative capacity of the land cadastre 

(b)  Intensified  activities  and  cooperation  on  conservation  and  sustainable  management  of 
fisheries resources in the Mediterranean, notably by: 

– 

– 

– 

Increasing the scientific, technical and administrative capacities to monitor, evaluate 
and  manage the fisheries resources  under  exploitation  and  the  marine  environment, 
with special attention to aspects of long-term sustainability 

Strengthening  cooperation  efforts  within  the  framework  of  regional  fisheries 
management  organisations,  in  particular  the  General  Fisheries  Commission  for  the 
Mediterranean (GFCM) 

Promoting  the  importance  of  fishermen  associations  with  a  view  to  implementing 
responsible  fisheries,  and  improving  the  associations'  capacity  to  be  represented  in 
international and multilateral organisations. 

7. Transport, energy and environment 

Joint EU-Lebanon body mainly covering issues in this sector: 

• 

Sub-committee on transport, energy and environment 

7.1. Transport 

Objectives 

(a) Continued cooperation and integration with the EU in the field transport while actively 
participating in regional efforts to this aim, and with particular regard to: 

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– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Negotiation  of  a  Euro-Mediterranean  Aviation  Agreement  with  Lebanon,  in 
accordance with the aim of creating a Euro-Mediterranean common aviation area and 
with due attention to matters of aviation safety and security 

Identification and start of implementation of priority regional infrastructure projects 
within the framework of trans-Mediterranean transport network 

Activities toward the interconnection of the trans-Mediterranean and trans-European 
transport  networks  in  compliance  with  the  Communication  of  the  European 
Commission  of  July  2011  ("The  EU  and  its  neighbouring  regions:  A  renewed 
approach to transport cooperation") 

Continued  participation  in  the  development  of  GNSS  (Galileo)  within  the 
Mediterranean  and  in  the  regional  cooperation  activities  on  satellite  navigation 
systems 

Cooperation  with  the  EU  and  Mediterranean  partners  in  the  framework  of  the 
International Maritime Organisation 

(b)  Development  of  an  integrated  maritime  policy  taking  into  account  the  full  range  of 
varying  marine  and  maritime  interests,  as  well  as  international  agreements  and  long-term 
sustainability, with specific attention to: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Reinforcement of the governance of maritime activities at national and lower levels 
as  appropriate,  including  by  reinforcing  administrative  capacity  to  coordinate 
impacts of various economic sectors on sea (including on coastal zones) 

Respect for relevant international and regional conventions, including alignment with 
EU legislation where appropriate, and participation in regional cooperation 

Ensuring maritime safety and security by fully implementing the requirements of the 
SOLAS/ISPS  Code  as  well  as  the  systems  of  Flag  State  Implementation  and  Port 
State Control 

Development and reorganisation of the ports sector aiming to increase efficiency and 
introduce an independent port authority responsible for regulation and control 

Mainstreaming of the policy into sector policies including national fisheries policy 

Sustainable  growth  perspective  while  developing  the  maritime  industry,  increasing 
its competitiveness and promoting the participation of private sector in all its aspects, 
including ports and port activities 

Moving  toward  the  establishment  of  protected  zones/biological  reservations  in  line 
with  the  recommendations  and  current  activities  in  the  framework  of  international 
and regional cooperation (Barcelona Convention, General Fisheries Commission for 
the Mediterranean) 

(c) Further implementation of national aviation policy through administrative reorganisation 
and continuing liberalisation, including in the airports segment. That implies: 

– 

– 

– 

Reinforcing administrative capacity including by the establishment of an autonomous 
Civil Aviation Authority focused on regulatory tasks 

Progressive  liberalisation  of  charter  and  scheduled  flights  and  assessment  of 
liberalisation possibilities in ground handling services at airports 

Implementation  of  European  and  international  aviation  standards  (JAA,  EASA) 
including with regard to safety and security 

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(d)  Development  and  implementation  of  national  land  transport  policy,  with  particular 
focus on sustainable transport, and including specifically: 

– 

– 

– 

Regulated and well-performing public transport in major cities and between cities 

Revitalisation of the railway network 

Increase of the share of public transport in the overall modal split 

(e)  Adoption  of  a  national  policy  on  road  safety,  including  aspects  of  combating  road 
violence such as reckless driving and other unsafe behaviour, ensuring the involvement of all 
institutional partners active in traffic management and road safety, and aiming inter alia to: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Enhance  the  road  infrastructure,  considering  to  take  advantage  of  the  assistance 
provided by the EU directive on road infrastructure safety management 

Develop technical control mechanisms and road worthiness testing of vehicles 

Implement  the  relevant  international  conventions,  notably  on  dangerous  goods 
transport 

Converge to EU and international standards 

7.2. Energy 

Priority applying to this sub-sector, as defined in the main part of the Action Plan: 

• 

Implementation of an energy strategy aimed at extending power supply, launching a 
structural  reform  and  promoting  renewable  and  low-carbon  energy  use  and  energy 
efficiency 

Further objectives 

(a) Lebanon's convergence toward the EU in energy policy objectives and market principles, 
including in the context of regional cooperation with the EU, and specifically by:  

– 

– 

– 

– 

Adopting a long-term energy strategy setting out convergence towards EU objectives 
and  covering  all  sub-sectors,  including  the  reinforcement  of  institutions  and 
financing. 

Outlining  the  process  of  gradual  convergence  towards  the  principles  of  the  EU 
internal electricity and gas markets. 

Exploring the possibility for Lebanon's participation in the Intelligent Energy-Europe 
programme. 

Promoting  regional  cooperation  with  other  countries  in  the  Mashrek  and  beyond, 
aiming toward a broader cooperation between the region and the EU 

7.3. Environment, including climate change 

Priority applying to this sub-sector, as defined in the main part of the Action Plan: 

• 

Administrative/legislative  action 
progress on the climate change agenda 

to  enhance  environmental  management  and 

Further objectives 

(a) Action to combat climate change and foster low-emission climate-resilient development 
through  appropriate  formulation  of  policies,  exchange  of  information,  technological 
modernisation and capacity building, in particular by: 

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– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Instituting  climate  change-related  decision  making,  building  on  EU  assistance  with 
the  identification  and  formulation  of  policies  on  climate  change  mitigation  and 
adaptation. 

Enhancing  respective  capacities  of  the  public  and  private  sectors  in  terms  of 
Measurement,  Reporting  and  Verification  of  GHG  mitigation  actions,  focusing  on 
requirements, application protocols and tools, especially for the energy sector 

Using  climate  monitoring  tools  and  sharing  of  information  and  best  practices  on 
climate change mitigation and adaptation 

low-emission  and  climate-resilient  development 

into  Lebanon's 
Integrating 
development  strategy,  building  capacities  in  this  respect,  supporting  regional 
exchanges  and  cooperation  to  this  aim,  and  strategically  promoting  low-carbon 
energy 

Actively participating in the Durban Platform while implementing provisions under 
the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol. 

Prepare the concerned stakeholders to use the new mechanisms under discussion at 
international level, notably the Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) 
and sectoral crediting mechanisms. 

(b)  Specific  Lebanon-EU  cooperation  with  a  view  to  strengthening  the  protection  and 
management  of  the  environment,  in  the  framework  of  existing  and  future  environmental 
actions, notably the Horizon 2020 programme, and including in the fields of: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Systematic sharing of environmental information 

Support  for  the  development  of  infrastructure  projects  to  make  them  ready  for 
external funding, in particular through facilitating compliance with the commitments 
under the Barcelona Convention, such as prevention of marine litter and reduction of 
organic load in wastewaters 

Identification and addressing of shortfalls in environmental administrative capacity 

Integration  of  regional  commitments  under  the  Barcelona  Convention,  particularly 
on  pollution  reduction  and  biodiversity  protection  through  biological  reservations, 
into environmental projects and management 

(c)  Advancing  the  practice  of  integrated  water  management  both  on  the  supply  and  the 
demand sides while ensuring the protection and monitoring of water sources and engaging in 
international cooperation, specifically by: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Consistently applying methodologies and practices of integrated water management 

Improving the quantity and quality of water supply from surface and ground sources 
using integrated plans and projects to ensure adequate environmental protection 

Enhancing the management of the demand for water from all sectors (municipal and 
touristic, industrial, agricultural and environmental) 

Protecting surface and ground water resources from all sources of pollution 

Establishing  a  nationwide  surface  and  ground  water  monitoring  network  to 
accurately control surface and groundwater level and quality. 

Working  nationally  as  well  as  within  international  frameworks  to  address  regional 
and  trans-boundary  water  resource  management  issues  and  to  identify  possibilities 
for productive regional co-operation, including on desertification issues. 

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(d)  Environmental  awareness  raising  and  support  for  activities  of  and  cooperation  with 
local authorities, civil society and the private sector, in particular by: 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Implementing the environmental education and awareness plan 

Establishing  procedures  for  public  participation  and  access  to  environmental 
information  

Publishing regular reports on the state of the environment 

Reinforcing  the  required  capacities  and  procedures  in  environmental  assessments. 
Developing pilot projects in priority fields and broadly informing of results 

Encouraging activities of the private sector, civil society actors, and local authorities 
operating in the environmental sector. 

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