In a ceremony held at the Logistics Brigade on 25 June 2024, the European Union handed over six ambulances to the Lebanese Armed Forces.
The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of the European Union to Lebanon, Sandra De Waele; Deputy Chief of Staff for Equipment, Brigadier General Engineer Tony Abboud; Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Oussama Khachab; and ambassadors and military attaches of EU Member States in the country.
The ambulances constitute a part of the assistance measures funded under the European Peace Facility. Through the European Peace Facility, the European Union is supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces with 6 million Euros allocated to enhancing their medical capacities and providing equipment for their operational personnel. This support includes, in addition to the ambulances, a reverse osmosis station for the Military Hospital in Beirut, medical equipment, tactical chest vests and diesel generators. The European Union, through its partner Économat des Armées, ensures that the material is delivered to the Lebanese Armed Forces and that the relevant personnel is trained for their use.
“In this challenging context for Lebanon, the European Union is investing considerably in Lebanon’s national security and stability, by providing support to its security institutions, including the Armed Forces”, said Ambassador Sandra De Waele during the ceremony. In addition to the assistance received through the European Peace Facility, the European Union has supported Lebanon with the management of its land, sea and air borders since 2010 and with responding to the threats of terrorism and cybersecurity.
“The Lebanese Armed Forces remains a major pillar in the fight against internal and external security threats”, said Ambassador De Waele. “We will continue supporting it and to work on improving conditions for soldiers and their families, whether through medical support, equipment, solar energy, or other means”, she added.