Interview by Interreg TESIM NEXT:
In a context marked by repeated crises, Lebanon continues to navigate complex economic, social, and political challenges. At a time when instability risks deepening divisions, cross-border cooperation initiatives offer a different path, an approach rooted in partnership, knowledge exchange, and shared resilience across the Mediterranean.
This spirit of collaboration was at the forefront of the launch of the Interreg NEXT MED programme’s approved projects in Lebanon, held in Beirut last February, under the theme “Cooperating for a Resilient Mediterranean.” Bringing together over 200 stakeholders, including government representatives, the European Union Delegation, and project partners, the event highlighted a collective commitment to advancing sustainable development, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities for youth employment.
Against this backdrop, we spoke with Mohammad Chreif, representing the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, National Authority in Lebanon, to better understand the importance of cross-border cooperation and its potential impact on the country’s future.
How does the Interreg NEXT MED programme aim to support Lebanon despite its current challenges?
The main objective of the programme is to promote a greener and more innovative Mediterranean. This means supporting areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, the circular economy and innovation. These are key priorities that also address important challenges in Lebanon. As everyone knows, the country is currently facing major economic and political difficulties. These are real obstacles, but we hope that Lebanese participants will still be able to overcome them and achieve meaningful results through their projects.
In your view, can these projects contribute to long-term stability and sustainable development in Lebanon?
Interreg NEXT MED, like previous EU programmes, places a strong focus on capacity building. When we strengthen institutional capacities, this can contribute to building a more sustainable future for Lebanon. These projects are not only about providing funding. The goal is also to ensure that their results and outputs can continue beyond the duration of the programme. Ideally, they should create lasting impact, whether through new practices, stronger institutions or more sustainable economic activities.
Environmental initiatives are a good example of this long-term perspective. As mentioned during the event, the government is currently working on a ten-year national environmental plan. This shows that environmental action cannot be limited to small projects alone; it needs to be part of a broader and longer-term strategy for the country.
Why is it important to strengthen cooperation across the Mediterranean through programmes such as Interreg NEXT MED?
The main importance of this cooperation lies in addressing common challenges across the Mediterranean region. Countries in the region face many of the same issues, such as climate change, environmental pressures on the Mediterranean Sea, and economic transitions. Working together helps us tackle these challenges more effectively.
This cooperation also creates direct links between Lebanese institutions and European institutions, strengthening partnerships and encouraging knowledge exchange.
Over the years, there have been many successful projects under EU cooperation programmes. There have been successful projects in areas such as natural resource management, pollution reduction and innovation. Universities play a major role, as they represent a large share of the partners participating in the programme. These success stories are not limited to Lebanon. Because the projects are implemented across several Mediterranean countries, their results and experiences are shared among partners. This means that a successful project in Lebanon can also benefit partners in Europe and other Mediterranean countries. Its impact becomes a shared success for the entire region.
Looking ahead, what advice would you give to organisations preparing to apply to future calls?
We hope to see more participants applying for funding. My main advice to organisations preparing proposals is to develop a solid plan with clear capacities, concrete results and tangible achievements. It is also important to build partnerships with organisations that share the same vision and objectives, as this greatly strengthens the chances of success.
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