EU chief Ursula von der Leyen announced $1 billion in aid for Lebanon during a visit, aiming to boost the country's socio-economic stability amid a severe economic crisis. The aid will support basic services like education and health. Von der Leyen also urged Lebanon to tackle illegal migration, emphasizing the EU's commitment to legal pathways to Europe while seeking Lebanon's cooperation in preventing illegal migration and combating smuggling. Lebanon hosts around two million Syrian refugees, facing challenges exacerbated by its economic collapse and political turmoil.