EU and Lebanon Step Up Cooperation on Research, Digital, Education and Culture

EU and Lebanon Step Up Cooperation on Research, Digital, Education and Culture

On 30 April, the European Union and Lebanon held the 5^th meeting of the Sub-Committee on Research, Innovation, Information Society, Education and Culture.

The meeting marked the resumption of the cycle of sub-committees after several years of hiatus.

The discussions focused on research and innovation, digital transformation, education, training and youth, and cultural cooperation. The European Union and Lebanon reviewed recent developments, exchanged views on ongoing policies and reforms, and identified priorities for enhanced cooperation in a constructive spirit.

In the field of research and innovation, both sides reviewed recent policy developments and shared success stories from EU-funded projects in Lebanon. Discussion explored ways to further enhance the involvement of Lebanese researchers and institutions, building on Lebanon's strong engagement in regional programmes.

On digital transformation, the EU and Lebanon exchanged views on respective policy frameworks and ongoing initiatives, including efforts to expand broadband infrastructure in Lebanon. They recognised the importance of advancing telecommunications regulatory reforms and underlined the important role of the private sector in driving digital development.

Discussions on education, training and youth covered the reform of Lebanon's education system, including the implementation of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Vision 2030, which the EU has been supporting. They also covered the National Youth Strategy 2026-2030, cooperation in higher education through Erasmus+, and the development of technical and vocational training (TVET) programmes.

In the area of cultural cooperation, both sides reviewed ongoing joint activities and explored opportunities to further strengthen collaboration in the field of cultural heritage and the arts, in line with their respective policies.

The meeting took place within the framework of the EU-Lebanon Association Agreement and following the EU-Lebanon Association Council held in December 2025. It was co-chaired by Dr. Chadi Abdallah, Secretary General of the National Council for Scientific Research of Lebanon and Mr. Alessio Cappellani, Head of Division for Jordan, Lebanon and Syria at the European External Action Service.

Both sides agreed to continue working together and reiterated their commitment to intensify cooperation, including through enhanced participation in regional programmes and the development of joint initiatives.

In light of the ongoing conflict and its impact on Lebanon, the European Union reaffirmed its solidarity and commitment to advancing reforms and strengthening institutional capacities across these sectors.