In April 2025, Matteo Patrone, the first senior executive of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to conduct an official visit to Lebanon since 2020, engaged with Lebanese authorities and stakeholders. This visit signifies the EBRD management's intention to fully resume its activities in the country contingent upon the implementation of reforms expected by the international community.  The visit marked the first vice-presidential delegation visit since 2020, a period marked by Lebanon's debt default and the Beirut port explosion. The timing was attributed to a perceived "positive new dynamic" following the election of President Joseph Aoun and the formation of the Nawaf Salam government.  The delegation aimed to: Meet with EBRD teams on the ground, exchange with EBRD clients, discuss with Lebanese officials to assess the commitment to reform projects and re-engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).  The EBRD welcomed the Lebanese Parliament's adoption of the banking secrecy law and expressed hope for the swift passage of the banking restructuring law.  Prior to the 2019 banking crisis, the EBRD had established financing agreements with major Lebanese banks to support the private sector. However, since the crisis it led to a cessation of new investments through banks and resulting in a reduction of the EBRD's financing activities. Eventually, the EBRD redirected its efforts towards: Business and SME advisory projects as well as maintaining a trade facilitation program for essential imports and exports which was a unique contribution among international financial institutions during the crisis.  As of February 2025, the EBRD's total investment in Lebanon since 2017 amounted to €465 million, exclusively directed towards the private sector. Over 450 Lebanese SMEs have also received advisory support, facilitated by the European Union. Today, the EBRD expresses a strong disposition to fully restore its investment levels in Lebanon, provided the necessary conditions are met.  The EBRD's approach aligns with the IMF's, emphasizing the critical need for "significant reforms" to facilitate Lebanon's recovery and restore investor confidence.  A primary condition for a substantial increase in EBRD investments is the genuine restructuring and cleanup of the financial sector.  Recognizing the ongoing challenges, the EBRD is currently exploring specific opportunities to finance private sector projects through a selective and cautious strategy. An announcement regarding these initiatives is expected in the future (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: L'Orient Today