Support to the private business sector; local development of the northern regions; modernisation of the justice system. These are the three "key sectors" of the EU’s aids to Lebanon, as part of the EU neighbourhood policy. In 2008, total allocations to the Middle Eastern country will amount to 42 million euros; a total of 187 million euros will be allocated before 2010. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, commissioner for external relations, explained in Brussels today the rationale of the EU’s aids to this sphere. "After the conclusion of the Doha agreements and the formation of the government explained Ferrero-Waldner , Lebanon is facing a number of challenges that include political reforms, the reinstatement of a relation of confidence between the population and the institutions, the revival of economy". The EU confirms it will support such democratic process and explains its priorities. This year, 14 million euros will be allocated to "strengthening the competitiveness and innovation of the private sector"; another 18 million to the northern areas, i.e. "the most disadvantaged of the country", with special attention to agriculture; 10 million will be invested to computerize tribunals and train judges.
