EU foreign policy towards Lebanon is closely connected with the issue of stability/peace. By tying the country closer to Europe by dint of support measures in various fields, the EU can influence Lebanese foreign policy towards a mutual commitment to common values in terms of democracy, the rule of law, market economy and last but not least towards stability in the whole region.
Table of Contents
1. Politics
2. Economy
Objectives and Topics
The objective of this essay is to analyze how the European Union's external policy, specifically through the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), influences the foreign policy of Lebanon. It examines how strategic cooperation in political and economic sectors aims to align Lebanon with common democratic values and regional stability.
- European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) framework
- Political cooperation and democratic institutional strengthening
- Security sector reform and conflict prevention
- Economic integration through the EU-Lebanon Association Agreement
- Macroeconomic stabilization and trade liberalization
Excerpt from the Book
Politics
According to the European Commission, “the main goal of EU - Lebanon long standing partnership is to promote the development of Lebanon as a democratic, politically open and economically strong neighbour of the EU” (2008a). This includes the respect for democratic principles and fundamental human rights. Through the respective foreign ministries of its member states and their diplomatic missions on site, the EU engages among others in providing legal advice, training measures, election assistance, or development aid. Such an institutional strengthening facilitates the enforcement of reforms towards more democracy and openness.
Moreover, one of the EU’s major strategic objectives is to build security in its neighbourhood in terms of conflict prevention through intensified relations (European Commission 2008b, p. 1). Lebanon is the battleground for regional powers. Especially the Israeli/Palestinian issue has strong effects on Lebanese politics, respectively on security in the whole region. Hence, to strengthen stability, and thus to ensure peace is a big issue. The EU provides e.g. half of the troops (i.e. 7.000) within the UNIFIL mission (Economist 2006). In addition, the EU placed a police mission in the adjacent Palestine territories (EUPOL COPPS), provides training for the Lebanese police (ISF), and helps to reform the security sector in general (e.g. through border management projects).
Summary of Chapters
Politics: This chapter outlines the EU's strategic engagement with Lebanon to promote democratic development and fundamental human rights while addressing regional security challenges through conflict prevention and security sector reform.
Economy: This chapter details the economic dimensions of the EU-Lebanon partnership, focusing on trade liberalization, the EU-Lebanon Association Agreement, and the implementation of country strategy papers to foster macroeconomic stability.
Keywords
European Union, Lebanon, European Neighbourhood Policy, Foreign Policy, Democracy, Conflict Prevention, Security, Trade Liberalization, Economic Reform, Stability, Association Agreement, UNIFIL, Human Rights, Regional Power, Institutional Strengthening
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this paper?
The paper examines the impact of the European Union's external policy on the foreign policy of Lebanon, specifically analyzing how EU support measures shape Lebanese political and economic orientations.
What are the central themes covered?
The core themes include democratic development, conflict prevention, security sector reform, international trade liberalization, and macroeconomic stability within the context of the EU-Lebanon partnership.
What is the primary objective of the research?
The primary objective is to illustrate how the EU's strategic involvement in Lebanon, particularly through the European Neighbourhood Policy, encourages deeper bilateral cooperation and alignment with European values.
Which methodology is employed in this essay?
The essay utilizes a descriptive and analytical approach, drawing on European Commission documentation, policy papers, and economic data to assess the practical implementation of EU external policies.
What does the main body address?
The main body is divided into political and economic sectors, detailing specific EU initiatives such as election assistance, police training, and the elimination of import tariffs.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include European Union, Lebanon, European Neighbourhood Policy, Conflict Prevention, Security, Trade Liberalization, and Macroeconomic Stability.
How does the EU influence Lebanon's security environment?
The EU influences the security environment by participating in the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission, providing training for the Lebanese police force (ISF), and assisting in broader security sector reforms.
What is the role of the EU-Lebanon Association Agreement of 2006?
It serves as the legal framework for trade relations, aiming to establish a bilateral Free Trade Area and encouraging structural economic reforms to ensure long-term stability.
How is the EU's financial support utilized?
Financial support is provided through tools like the European Neighbourhood Partnership Instrument (ENPI), which funds programs intended to reduce national debt and strengthen administrative capacities.
How does the essay conclude regarding the future of the partnership?
It concludes that by fostering closer ties through technical and financial support, the EU effectively encourages Lebanon to commit to shared values like the rule of law and market economics.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Natalie Züfle (Autor:in), 2009, How does EU’s external policy affect the foreign policy of the country where you live or where you come from?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/180059
