The European Union has agreed deals with Egypt, Tunisia, Mauritania and other countries meant to help stem flows of irregular migrants.

This was revealed by the European Commission president, von der Leyen, revealing that the aid was designed to strengthen basic services such as education and health in the country mired in a severe economic crisis.

She also called for the adoption of reforms, stressing that Lebanon needs a positive economic momentum to give opportunities to its businesses and citizens.

 Leyen stressed that the EU was committed to maintaining "legal pathways open to Europe" and resettling refugees to the bloc, adding that "at the same time, it counts on the cooperation of the continent, in order to prevent illegal migration and combat migrant smuggling.

Reports have it that Lebanon's economy collapsed in late 2019, turning the country into a launchpad for migrants, with Lebanese joining Syrians and Palestinian refugees making perilous voyages bound for Europe.