Rubble Removal and Reconstruction Reform Tracker[1] Reform Area: Rubble Removal and Reconstruction Last Updated: August 2025 Citizen Impact Summary Dimension Snapshot Source Who Is Affected? Over 100,000 residents displaced, 53,000 housing units fully destroyed, 127,000 severely damaged, and 317,000 partially damaged; entire southern border villages (e.g., Houla, Aita al-Shaab, Ramiyeh) saw 70–90% destruction. Public schools, municipal buildings, health centers, and water/electric networks are non-functional. CDW Policy Brief (AUB Nature Center, Nov. 2024); UN Debris Taskforce Statement (May 2025); Council of the South, “An-Nahar”, 20 April 2025; World Bank RDNA 2025; Mohammad Chamseddine interview, Manaaṭeq Net; Financial Burden? Total damage: ~$11 billion; housing: $7B, infrastructure: $1B, rubble removal: $35M; WB approved $250M (loan/grant mix), covering <3% of needs; no Gulf or EU pledges yet. Lebanon’s Rubble Crisis: A Choice Between Environmental Rehabilitation and Irreversible Damage; UN Debris Taskforce Statement (May 2025); Council of the South, “An-Nahar”, 20 April 2025; WB RDNA 2025; Khaled Abou Chakra interview, Manaaṭeq Net, July 2025 Public Services? Water, electricity, schools, and roads remain disrupted; e.g., Houla residents rely on trucked water at $30/20 barrels, schools demolished; rubble blocks access and delays service restoration. 3RF Recovery Framework for Beirut and Lebanon (2023–2024); Interviews with Houla and Meiss el-Jabal mayors, Manaaṭeq Net, July 2025 MentalHealth Toll? Severe trauma due to displacement, UXO risks, and slow debris removal; families live amid toxic rubble, asbestos, and sea dumping; community frustration rising over lack of state-led reconstruction. Addressing the Impact of the 2024 War and Promoting Sustainable Practices for Debris Removal in Lebanon; 3RF Recovery Framework for Beirut and Lebanon (2023–2024); CDW Policy Brief (AUB Nature Center, Nov. 2024); UN Debris Taskforce Statement (May 2025); Najat Saliba interview, Manaaṭeq Net, July 2025 Overview & Objectives Goal To remove and manage an estimated 50–100 million tons of rubble in a safe, sustainable, inclusive, and accountable manner—while restoring state legitimacy and social trust. Strategic Importance This reform is pivotal for environmental recovery, public health, infrastructure restoration, and a cornerstone of national recovery and reconciliation, as emphasized in the 2025 ministerial statement. Key Reform Priorities 1. Operationalize “Law on Exemptions & Reconstruction of Demolished Buildings” (July 2025), includes tax/service exemptions and conditional assistance. 2. Centralize rubble removal governance under a single authority to replace fragmented mandates. 3. Enforce environmental and UXO protocols for rubble removal and prevent illegal sea dumping. 4. Activate Reconstruction Fund and donor pipeline beyond WB’s $250M symbolic financing. 5. Embed municipal and CSO-led initiatives into the national reconstruction plan. Reform Actions & StatusSpecific Reform Actions & Accountability Reform Action Required Current Status Lead Authority Implementing Body Oversight / Supporting Actors Primary Source Establish Transparent Reconstruction Fund Law approved; fund not operational; WB $250M loan signed; the law is partial (property-focused) and not a national reconstruction plan. Council of Ministers MoF, PMO, CDR World Bank, donors, anti-corruption bodies Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025; WB RDNA 2025; Manaaṭeq Net Implement Law on Exemptions & Demolished Buildings Law passed July 2025; includes tax/service exemptions, conditional financial aid, and duty-free vehicle replacement. Parliament / MoF MoF, Municipalities Council of Ministers Manaaṭeq Net Central Oversight for Rubble Removal Fragmented: Council of South, CDR, and municipal unions act independently Council of Ministers MoE, CDR, HRC Central Inspection (indirect) Najat Saliba interview, Manaaṭeq Net, July 2025 Make MoE Guidelines Legally Binding Weak compliance: sea dumping at Costa Brava, minimal sorting, no full EIA enforcement Ministry of Environment Contractors, Municipalities UN Debris Taskforce, Central Inspection MoE Presentation, Feb 2025; Najat Saliba interview, Manaaṭeq Net, July 2025 Mandate Use of Quarries for Disposal Weak enforcement – dumping continues in unregulated coastal and valley sites; quarry rehabilitation remains largely voluntary. Ministry of Environment Contractors MoE, Environment Police Youth4Governance Policy Brief, Feb 2025 Establish National CDW Database Proposed – identified as a priority in MoE’s 2025 action plan; no operational system yet. Ministry of Environment MoE PCM, Municipalities MoE Presentation, Feb 2025 Transparent Contractor Framework Partial: Beta & EMC contracts signed at $5.01 urban / $3.65 rural per m³; informal scrap incentives persist Council of the South Contractors, local subcontractors Municipalities, Media Manaaṭeq Net, July 2025 EIA Screening Compliance for Contractors MoE Circular issued, non-binding – contractors are not legally obligated to follow EIA compliance; screening forms exist but lack enforcement. Ministry of Environment Contractors MoPWT, MoF, Procurement Units MoE Presentation, Feb 2025 Hazardous Material Protocols (Asbestos, UXO, etc.) Guidelines exist, not enforced – security and health risks persist due to unclear implementation mechanisms for hazardous material detection and separation. MoE, LAF Security Forces, Contractors MoPH, UN agencies CDW Policy Brief (AUB Nature Center, Nov. 2024) Develop Circular Recycling Infrastructure Not systematized – pilot efforts exist but no formal circular economy policy has been implemented for CDW. Ministry of Environment Private Sector, Municipalities AUB, CDR, World Bank, EU Delegation CDW Policy Brief (AUB Nature Center, Nov. 2024) Integrate Municipal & CSO Reconstruction Initiatives Ongoing ad hoc: Houla & Meiss el-Jabal lead self-funded water & solar recovery Municipalities Local CSOs, Diaspora UNIFIL, NGOs Municipal interviews, Manaaṭeq Net Reform Roadmap Timeline & Critical PathRecent Milestone Recent Milestone Date What Happened Status on Critical Path Source Law on Exemptions & Demolished Buildings passed 1 July 2025 Property-focused law enacted; provides tax/service exemptions and conditional financial assistance Core Legal Milestone WB RDNA 2025; Public Works Studio July 2025 WB approves $250M loan 25 June 2025 Initial symbolic financing for rubble removal & infrastructure repair Funding Initiated WB Press Release Council of South contracts awarded 17 Feb 2025 Beta & EMC begin rubble removal; subcontract to village operators Operational Start Manaaṭeq Net Rubble pricing set April 2025 $3.65/m³ rural & $5.01/m³ urban formalized Financial Terms Finalized Council of South PM announces donor conference initiative June 2025 PM Salam announced plans for donor conference focused on reconstruction and strategic investment Roadmap Under Preparation PM Speech, 10 June 2025 Draft compensation law submitted to Parliament June 2025 Government submitted draft compensation law to Parliament covering tax/service fee exemptions for affected residents   PM Speech, 10 June 2025 MoE Circular on War Debris Guidelines Dec 2024 The Ministry of Environment issued a circular providing guidelines for managing war-generated rubble, recommending disposal in environmentally degraded sites, particularly quarries. However, this circular remains non-binding. Lacks enforcement Youth4Governance Policy Brief, Feb 2025 Gov’t approval of Solid Waste Authority Jan 2024 The Council of Ministers approved the organizational decree under Law 80 (2018) to establish the National Solid Waste Management Authority, aiming to centralize waste management efforts. Partial progress Law No.80 of 2018 on Integrated Solid Waste Management World Bank Presents Reconstruction Project March 2025 The World Bank introduced a $1 billion reconstruction project to Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, including a $250 million loan for initial reconstruction efforts. Initiated Funding Process OLJ News Report UN Launches Debris Taskforce May 2025 The United Nations established a Debris Taskforce in Lebanon to manage rubble removal with a focus on sustainability and rights-based approaches. Enhanced Coordination UN Sustainable Development Group Mobilize South Lebanon Council for debris ops March–May 2025 Operational in South, Bekaa, Nabatieh; 80% damage survey completed; 2-month deadline for contractors to clear 35K units Operational Execution Council of the South, "An-Nahar", 20 April 2025 Set rubble pricing and contractor terms April 2025 Official rate set at $3.65/m³ rural and $5.01/m³ urban; contracts underway Financial Terms Finalized Council of the South, "An-Nahar", 20 April 2025  Next Steps – Transparency and Accountability Calendar Action Responsible Entity Target Date Source Issue implementing decrees for “Law on Exemptions & Reconstruction of Demolished Buildings” (July 2025) CoM + MoF + Parliament Q3 2025 WB RDNA 2025 Finalize valuation and survey mechanism for affected properties MoF + HRC + Council of the South Q3 2025 Youth4Governance Policy Brief, Feb 2025 Publish criteria and process for conditional financial aid (property-focused) MoF + Municipalities Q3 2025 Public Works Studio July 2025; Manaaṭeq Net Operationalize Reconstruction Fund & Board CoM + MoF + Parliament Q3 2025 Public Works Studio July 2025; Manaaṭeq Net Hold International Reconstruction Donor Conference Prime Minister’s Office   PM Speech, June 2025 Approve legal framework for compensation and service fee exemptions Parliament   PM Speech, 10 June 2025; Al Modon, June 2025 Establish legal basis and governance framework for Reconstruction Fund Council of Ministers + Parliament - Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025 Amend Decision 4/12/2024 to create oversight body Council of Ministers - Youth4Governance Policy Brief, Feb 2025 Issue decree making MoE guidelines binding MoE + Council of Ministers - MoE Presentation, Feb 2025 Launch CDW database & public dashboard MoE + Municipalities - MoE Presentation, Feb 2025 Legal amendment to link Law 444/2002 to CDW violations Parliament - Youth4Governance Policy Brief, Feb 2025 Finalize National Rubble Management Policy Prime Minister’s Office - Youth4Governance Policy Brief, Feb 2025 Public Disclosure of Reconstruction Contracts Court of Audit - News Report Launch of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) Ministry of Environment - Public Works Studio Report, May 2025   Implementation Bottlenecks & Required Actions Bottleneck Official Explanation Required Immediate Action Source Incomplete damage valuation framework No standardized law or formula exists to determine compensation; surveys exist, but payout mechanisms stalled Finalize law, issue implementing decrees, publish regional damage cost tables Al Modon, June 2025 Government reconstruction efforts trail CSO initiatives CSOs have outpaced the government in rebuilding homes; state risks losing credibility and coordination Launch national housing plan with timeline and funding strategy PM Speech; Al Modon, June 2025 No EIA-linked enforcement of contractor actions Contractors avoid UXO detection, environmental separation due to lax oversight Mandate environmental audits, enforce via MoE, LAF, UNDP joint protocols UN Debris Taskforce Statement (May 2025); Council of the South, "An-Nahar", 20 April 2025 No designated treatment sites in some areas Temporary dumping sites approved; final environmental screening pending Finalize vetting of sites (e.g. Cana, Naqoura); enforce site-specific disposal protocols UN Debris Taskforce Statement (May 2025) Rubble with iron prioritized by contractors Contractors cherry-pick recyclable debris, leaving hazardous rubble untreated Supervise rubble sorting at source; enforce equal removal of all CDW categories UN Debris Taskforce Statement (May 2025); Council of the South, "An-Nahar", 20 April 2025 No dedicated reconstruction fund Fund is politically committed but not yet established; legal and fiscal framework needed. Issue decree to establish fund and governance board; pass enabling legislation in Parliament Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025 No Enforcement of MoE Guidelines MoE issued a circular on December 4, 2024, but it lacks legal force. The guidelines are not binding and not incorporated in current contracts. MoE lacks enforcement power or legal mandate to penalize non-compliance. Link to Law 444/2002, make it enforceable Youth4Governance Policy Brief, Feb 2025 Lack of Centralized Coordination/Dispersed Mandates among Actors No central authority exists. The Council of Ministers delegated responsibilities to several entities (MoE, MoIM, HRC, municipalities) without a unifying strategy, leading to fragmented execution. Establish a centralized authority or task force to oversee and coordinate all rubble removal and reconstruction activities, ensuring adherence to national standards and efficient resource utilization. Youth4Governance Policy Brief, Feb 2025 Contractors dictate disposal by convenience/Absence of contractor compliance audits. Contractors decide disposal routes post-contract due to lack of monitoring or compliance audits. Procurement mechanisms do not embed MoE guidelines or environmental safeguards effectively. No monitoring of environmental safeguards in awarded contracts. Embed MoE standards in tenders and monitor execution. Empower oversight bodies to audit tender execution, enforce sanctions. Youth4Governance Policy Brief, Feb 2025; LCPS-TI Reform Monitor Stakeholders & Roles Entity Core Function Primary Contact Point Ministry of Environment Policy, guidelines, EIA, environmental monitoring Environment Directorate Ministry of Public Works Infrastructure rehabilitation, permitting CDW Technical Committee Council of Ministers Coordination, policy setting, regulatory reform Secretary General Higher Relief Council Emergency rubble response, fund allocation President of the HRC South Lebanon Council Local rubble clearance and contractor coordination   Southern Suburb Union of Municipalities Manages disposal sites independently of MoE   Municipalities Local implementation and oversight Union of Municipalities Environment Police Intended oversight role; lacks mandate and resources   Lebanese Armed Forces UXO removal, debris site security Army Engineering Command UN Debris Taskforce Inter-agency coordination on CDW; standards, EIA, rights-based recovery UN Resident Coordinator Donors (EU, WB, UNDP) Technical, financial support Lebanon Recovery Platform Legal & Policy Framework Instrument Status Key Provisions Implementation Note Circular No. 6/1 (MoE, 2024) In force (non-binding) Provides environmental guidelines for rubble handling, including mandatory use of quarries, hazardous material separation, and reuse of debris Requires legal decree or regulatory amendment to be binding Law No. 444/2002 (Environment) In force Establishes environmental protection and penalties for pollution Needs linkage to CDW violations Law No. 80/2018 (Solid Waste) Partially operational Calls for integrated solid waste management and authority CoM decree approved in Jan 2024 MoE Circular on CDW (Dec 2024) Advisory only Guidelines on disposal, quarry use, hazard handling Requires decree to be binding Decision 4/12/2024 In effect Delegates removal mandates, lacks coordination or enforcement tools Needs amendment for centralized authority Decree No. 5605/2019 In force Governs hazardous waste separation and disposal Referenced in MoE’s CDW guidelines Decree No. 5606/2019 In force Enforces sorting of waste at the source Needed to operationalize rubble sorting procedures Law No. 64/1988 In force Regulates hazardous and toxic waste Applicable to asbestos, UXO, and chemical debris   Official Sources and Reference Materials Instrument Source Ministerial Statement (25 Feb 2025) Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025 CDW Policy Brief (AUB Nature Center, Nov. 2024) CDW Policy Brief (AUB Nature Center, Nov. 2024) MoE Presentation on Debris Management (Feb. 2025) MoE Presentation, Feb 2025 Youth4Governance Policy Brief (Feb 2025) Youth4Governance Policy Brief, Feb 2025 3RF Recovery Framework for Beirut and Lebanon (2023–2024) 3RF Recovery Framework for Beirut and Lebanon (2023–2024)     List of Acronyms – Rubble Removal and Reconstruction Reform Tracker Acronym Full Form CDW Construction and Demolition Waste CDR Council for Development and Reconstruction CoM Council of Ministers EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EU European Union HRC Higher Relief Council LAF Lebanese Armed Forces LCPS Lebanese Center for Policy Studies MoE Ministry of Environment MoF Ministry of Finance MoIM Ministry of Interior and Municipalities MoPWT Ministry of Public Works and Transport MoPH Ministry of Public Health NGO Non-Governmental Organization PCM Presidency of the Council of Ministers PMO Prime Minister’s Office SOGIESC Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (Used in other trackers – anticipate use) UN United Nations UNDP United Nations Development Programme UXO Unexploded Ordnance WB World Bank 3RF Reform, Recovery and Reconstruction Framework   [1] All reform data presented here is based on official Lebanese government sources, such as laws, decrees, strategies, and verified public data. Where possible, each update is linked to a document, gazette entry, or institutional publication.

Social Protection Reform Tracker[1] Reform Area: Universal, rights‑based & shock‑responsive Social Protection System Last Updated: August 2025 Citizen Impact Summary Dimension Snapshot Source Who Is Affected? All Lebanese citizens across the lifecycle; highest gains for ≈ 2 million people now under, or near, the monetary poverty line, esp. children, older persons, persons with disabilities (PwDs), informal‑economy workers, and female‑headed households. National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS) 2023 executive summary; World Bank Poverty and Equity Assessment 2024 Financial Burden? Extreme poor households spend ~80% on food, rent, health; pensions eroded by currency collapse; high out-of-pocket health costs; informal workers lack social protection. ESSN Project Reports; UN Lebanon Position Paper; IMF Conditionality Evidence Summary Public Services? Health, education, and social services severely degraded; NSSF coverage reaches ~50% of formal workers; DAEM registry improves targeting but major gaps remain. National Social Protection Strategy; ESSN–AMAN Updates; UN System Reports Mental‑Health Toll? High stress among families, especially women and older persons; exclusion worsens social isolation; caregivers under strain; children’s well-being under threat. National Strategy for Older Persons 2020–2030; Overview & Objectives Goal Transition from fragmented, donor-driven safety nets to a universal, rights-based, shock-responsive, and fiscally sustainable social protection system that guarantees dignity, inclusion, and resilience across the life cycle. Strategic Importance Central to rebuilding the social contract, reducing multidimensional poverty and inequality, supporting informal workers, and stabilizing vulnerable communities in the context of protracted crises. Key Reform Priorities (2024‑26) 1- Enact the Social Protection Framework Law (2024/302) and implement Pension Reform Law (319/2023) through decrees, institutional restructuring, and fiscal integration. 2- Introduce and scale up universal non-contributory social pensions for persons aged 65+ and disability allowances in line with CRPD. 3- Integrate NPTP, ESSN, and other transfers under a unified National Safety Net using the DAEM-SPIS platform and lifecycle-based targeting. 4- Reform NSSF pension and health schemes to expand voluntary enrollment, especially for informal workers, and ensure sustainability. 5- Approve a domestic financing roadmap (0.7% of GDP) for long-term sustainability, reducing dependency on external grants and humanitarian pipelines. 6- Enhance governance through SPCU coordination, DAEM 2.0 rollout, and enforcement of data governance and third-party monitoring protocols. Reform Actions & StatusSpecific Reform Actions & Accountability Reform Action Required Current Status (May 2025) Lead Authority Implementing Body Oversight / Supporting Actors Primary Source 1. Finalize scope of Unified Social Registry Terms of Reference approved; State Council resolved data privacy concerns; decree pending Council of Ministers vote PCM MOSA + PCM Technical Unit EU Delegation, UNICEF, ILO National Social Protection Policy Paper ARI, Oct 2024 2. Draft NSPS Action Plan Action plan not yet finalized; no formal circulation or costing validation publicly confirmed Inter-ministerial SP Committee MOSA World Bank, UNDP “Commitment to Develop a Resilient Social Protection System” 2025 3. Activate Pension Law 319/2023 Law approved; executive decrees under preparation; fiscal impact study pending cabinet review Council of Ministers Ministry of Labour / NSSF ILO, IMF, Parliament National Social Protection Policy Paper ARI, Oct 2024 4. Secure Domestic Financing Plan Ministry of Finance–PCM working group completed 0.7% GDP financing proposal; awaiting Cabinet endorsement Council of Ministers Ministry of Finance World Bank, IMF National Social Protection Policy Paper ARI, Oct 2024 5. Initiate scale-up of Disability Allowance Pilot launched in 2023; scale-up roadmap under technical finalization MoSA MoSA + SPCU UNICEF, ILO “Commitment to Develop a Resilient Social Protection System” 2025 6. Transition from End-of-Service Indemnity to Contributory Pension Scheme (Law 319/2023) Law adopted; executive decrees pending; actuarial and fiscal transition scenarios under review Parliament / Council of Ministers Ministry of Labour + NSSF ILO, IMF, WB An-Nahar, May 2025 7. Establish Unified Social Health Protection Scheme Fragmented schemes mapped; roadmap to consolidate under a unified scheme under technical design MoPH + Council of Ministers NSSF + CSC + Army Health WHO, ILO, UNICEF An-Nahar, May 2025 8. Modernize and Digitize Social Development Centers (SDCs) ISOSEP project rehabilitated 30+ centers; expansion and digital services integration ongoing MoSA MoSA + AICS + EU EU, Italian Cooperation An-Nahar, May 2025 9. Strengthen coordination via reactivation of Social Affairs Committee Committee inactive; reform proposal under review within MoSA PCM MoSA + MoPH + MoL + MEHE UNDP, ESCWA, EU Delegation An-Nahar, May 2025 10. Expand AMAN Emergency Cash Program Coverage expanded to 800,000 individuals; additional funding secured PCM + MoSA MoSA + SPCU WB, UN agencies PM Speech, June 2025 11. Launch 4-year multisector recovery plan (South) Multi-sector strategy co-designed with UN agencies; includes social protection pillar PCM MoSA + UNCT UNRCO, UNDP, UNICEF PM Speech, June 2025  Reform Roadmap Timeline & Critical PathRecent Milestone Date Description Critical Path Status Source July 9, 2025 Social Protection Expenditure Review 2017‑2024 launched, highlighting fiscal gaps and sustainability roadmap. Strategic milestone MoF & Basile Fleihan Institute 2025 10 June 2025 PM announces expanded AMAN coverage and outlines Lebanon’s 3.0 vision including integrated social justice and protection Strategic vision milestone PM Speech, June 2025 12 May 2025 Pension Law 319/2023 fiscal impact study submitted to CoM Awaiting cabinet scheduling National Social Protection Policy Paper ARI, Oct 2024 20 Apr 2022 Government adopts National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS) with five foundational pillars Completed on‑time National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS) 2023 executive summary 05 Jan 2025 DAEM Social Registry v2 launches with expanded modules and data linkages Completed National Social Protection Policy Paper ARI, Oct 2024 15 December 2023 Parliament passes Pension Law as part of elderly care reform Completed UN, 2023  Next Steps – Transparency and Accountability Calendar Action Responsible Entity Target Date Cabinet approval of Unified Social Registry decree & data governance protocol PCM + MoSA Pending Cabinet approval of Domestic Financing Plan (0.7% GDP) MoF + CoM Awaiting endorsement Finalize and launch 4-year South Recovery Plan including Social Protection pillar PCM + UN Agencies + MoSA N/A Publish NSPS Annual Implementation Report 2024 SPCU N/A Develop NSPS into an integrated Social Development Plan with decentralization lens MoSA + Council of Ministers N/A Restructure and activate the Inter-ministerial Social Affairs Committee CoM, MoSA, MoPH, MoL, MEHE Pending reform proposal Design national job activation and decent work programs MoL + CDR + Donor Partners   Parliament vote on Health Coverage Law for retirees and toward universal retirement-age health Parliament Health Committee + Parliament General Assembly Stalled Reform institutional governance of social protection institutions CoM + Parliament + NSSF Board   Ensure equitable integration of fragmented health coverage systems MoPH + NSSF + CSC + Army Health Directorate   Approve domestic financing plan for NSPS Council of Ministers + Ministry of Finance N/A Scale-up of Disability Allowance with OPD consultation MoSA + SPCU + UNICEF/ILO Technical prep underway Finalize governance protocol for Social Protection Information System (SPIS) PCM + MoSA N/A  Implementation Bottlenecks & Required Actions Bottleneck Official Explanation Required Action Source Fiscal space constraints High debt burden; limited domestic revenue Adopt domestic reallocation plan (0.7% GDP) and explore earmarked funding under NSPS financing plan National Social Protection Policy Paper ARI, Oct 2024 Political turnover risk Cabinet reshuffles delaying law approvals Build inter-party consensus and fast-track key parliamentary votes National Social Protection Policy Paper ARI, Oct 2024 Data-sharing and privacy gaps Ministries hesitant to share sensitive databases Finalize and issue data governance protocols under Unified Social Registry decree National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS) 2023 executive summary Fragmented governance Multiplicity of actors with weak inter-agency links Consolidate coordination under SPCU; clarify mandates through legal frameworks “Commitment to Develop a Resilient Social Protection System” 2025 Humanitarian-to-national transition gaps Parallel humanitarian pipelines bypass national systems Integrate humanitarian caseloads via DAEM-SPIS interoperability, with donor alignment enforced National Social Protection Policy Paper ARI, Oct 2024 Public trust / corruption perception Low confidence in cash transfer transparency Expand third-party monitoring and grievance mechanisms under NSPS framework National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS) 2023 executive summary; CAMEALEON & ARI, Oct 2024   Stakeholders & Roles Entity Core Function Contact Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) Sector lead; oversees NSPS, ESSN, NDA; hosts and chairs the SPCU info@socialaffairs.gov.lb Ministry of Finance (MoF) Leads NSPS financing and fiscal risk assessments; co-chairs financing working group with PCM infocenter@finance.gov.lb National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Administers contributory pensions and health coverage; implementing Pension Reform Law 319/2023 info@cnss.gov.lb Central Inspection Office / IMPACT Manages DAEM Social Registry platform, MIS integration, data quality assurance, and inter-agency access protocols info@cib.gov.lb SPCU (Social Protection Coordination Unit, within MoSA) Coordinates NSPS implementation, monitors results, prepares reports, and liaises with donors and technical partners   Committee on Public Health, Labor, and Social Affairs Oversees legislative review of social protection laws, including the Framework Law and Pension Law amendments   ILO & UNICEF Provide technical support for pension design, disability allowance, child grant, data protection, and costing beirut@unicef.org; beirut@ilo.org EU Delegation to Lebanon Provides financial and technical support for registry development, legal reform, and governance mechanisms   World Bank ESSN PMU Manages financing, fiduciary controls, and TA for ESSN program; coordinates with DAEM and SPCU     Legal & Policy Framework Instrument Status Key Provisions Implementation Note National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS, Cabinet Decision 69/2022) In force (since 2023) Establishes a national framework with 5 pillars, including lifecycle protection, social insurance, social assistance, employment links, and governance; sets roadmap 2023–2030; creates SPCU Guides actions across all line ministries; implementation coordinated by SPCU under PCM Universal Social Pension (proposed under NSPS) Policy proposal (under NSPS) Plans to introduce a universal, non-contributory social pension for persons aged 65+ to ensure minimum income security; benefit level to be indexed; design aligned with lifecycle protection pillar Requires legal drafting, Cabinet and parliamentary approval, and secured fiscal space; no draft decree yet prepared Disability Allowance Decree Pilot operational since 2023; scaling planned 2025 Provides flat cash transfer plus disability service card; aligned with CRPD obligations and designed for phased scale-up Scaling plan under technical preparation with UNICEF and ILO support Child Grant Regulation Pilot operational (2024) Designed to be poverty-neutral and integrated under NSPS targeting framework Evaluation scheduled December 2025 to assess performance and inform broader rollout NSSF Law Amendments (2024) Enacted Expands NSSF to allow voluntary enrollment for informal sector workers; strengthens contributory social insurance coverage Actuarial caps established; full implementation pending issuance of detailed board decrees and administrative measures Pension Law 319/2023 Adopted (Dec 2023); awaiting decrees Replaces end-of-service indemnity with contributory retirement scheme; mandatory for new workers & <49 y/o; phased transition model Executive decrees under drafting; fiscal impact study submitted to Council of Ministers May 2025 Health Coverage Law (Parliament Committee Draft) Under discussion in Health Committee; stalled Extends NSSF health coverage to retirees over 64; aims for universal retirement-age health protection Referred to Parliament plenary; no vote scheduled as of May 2025   Official Sources and Reference Materials   Instrument Source National Social Protection Strategy 2023 National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS) 2023 executive summary WB Poverty & Equity Assessment 2024 World Bank, “Lebanon Poverty and Equity Assessment 2024 – Weathering a Protracted Crisis” ILO “Extending Social Health Protection” 2024 ILO, “Extending Social Health Protection to Informal Economy Workers in Lebanon,” 2024 ESSN Stakeholder Engagement Plan 2023 World Bank / ESSN Project Management Unit, “ESSN Stakeholder Engagement Plan,” 2023 UN/ILO/UNICEF Position Paper 2020 UN, ILO, UNICEF, “Joint Position Paper on Social Protection Floors in Lebanon,” 2020 HelpAge / ILO Brief on Older Persons 2022 HelpAge International and ILO, “A Glimmer of Hope amidst the Pain,” 2022     List of Acronyms – Social Protection Reform Tracker   Acronym Full Term ARI Arab Reform Initiative CAS Central Administration of Statistics CoM Council of Ministers CRPD Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities DAEM Social Registry Platform ESSN Emergency Social Safety Net EU European Union GDP Gross Domestic Product ILO International Labour Organization IMF International Monetary Fund IMPACT Inter-Ministerial and Municipal Platform for Assessment, Coordination and Tracking MIS Management Information System MoF Ministry of Finance MoL Ministry of Labour MoSA Ministry of Social Affairs NASS National Strategy for the Advancement of Older Persons (assumed from context) NDA National Disability Allowance NPTP National Poverty Targeting Programme NSSF National Social Security Fund NSPS National Social Protection Strategy OPDs Organizations of Persons with Disabilities PCM Presidency of the Council of Ministers PMU Project Management Unit PwDs Persons with Disabilities SP Social Protection SPCU Social Protection Coordination Unit SPIS Social Protection Information System TA Technical Assistance TOR Terms of Reference UN United Nations UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund WB World Bank   [1] All reform data presented here is based on official Lebanese government sources, such as laws, decrees, strategies, and verified public data. Where possible, each update is linked to a document, gazette entry, or institutional publication.

Public Procurement Reform Tracker[1] Reform Area: Public Procurement Last Updated: August 2025 Citizen Impact Summary Dimension Snapshot Source Who Is Affected? All ministries, municipalities, public institutions, SOEs, citizens, and private suppliers dependent on fair, efficient public spending and infrastructure recovery. Status of Implementation of Lebanon’s Public Procurement Law 244-2021 and Assessment of Skills’ Gaps and Training Needs : Summary Report Financial Burden? 78% funding gap for national strategy; implementation suffers from delayed decrees, weak staffing, and currency devaluation impacting bid pricing and procurement planning. Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023 Public Services? Municipal and sectoral procurements stalled or conducted outside legal frameworks due to lack of tools, standard documents, and functioning e-platform. Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023 Mental‑Health Toll? Chronic uncertainty in public tenders, lack of grievance redress, and elite interference contribute to reform fatigue and institutional demoralization. World Bank Lebanon - Systematic country diagnostic, Summer 2024; Technical Note on the Amendments brought to Law 244/2021; Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023 Overview & Objectives Goal Establish a transparent, competitive, and accountable procurement system aligned with international standards. Strategic Importance Public procurement is a foundational anti-corruption and fiscal reform, highlighted in CEDRE, IMF SLA (2022), and the 3RF recovery framework. Key Reform Priorities 1. Finalize secondary legislation (internal, financial, staffing decrees for PPA & CA). 2. Operationalize PPA and establish Complaints Authority. 3. Publish Standard Procurement Documents and guidelines. 4. Launch full national e-procurement system. 5. Institutionalize certified procurement cadres across public entities. Reform Actions & Status Specific Reform Actions & Accountability Reform Action Required Current Status Lead Authority Implementing Body Oversight / Supporting Actors Primary Source Establish Public Procurement Authority (PPA) President appointed; 4 board members still pending. PPA operating with only 8 staff (5 auditors) despite legal mandate of 83. Internal and financial regulations remained unapproved for 2.5 years, limiting institutional activation. PPA president confirmed that progress is constrained by HR shortages and delayed appointments. Council of Ministers Ministry of Finance / IoF Parliament, Donor Coordination Group Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023; Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025; Nidaa Al Watan, 26 Feb 2025; NNA, 12 June 2025 Create Complaints Authority (CA) Not yet established. Legal and institutional framework pending; board formation stalled. Lack of CA undermines grievance mechanisms and erodes public trust. Council of Ministers To be determined PPA, Ministry of Finance Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023; Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025 Launch e-Procurement Platform Technical architecture in place. A revamped PPA website launched in June 2025 as the first building block of the national e-platform. However, full e-tendering and centralized supplier registration systems remain pending. Development continues with support from EU and Expertise France. PPA PPA WB, IoF, EU/OECD SIGMA Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023; Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025; Nidaa Al Watan, 26 Feb 2025; NNA, 12 June 2025 Adopt Decrees on PPA Internal & Financial Regulations Adopted in Dec 2024 after 2.5 years of delay. Decrees had been submitted by PPA in July 2022 and remained pending in CoM. Council of Ministers PPA Inter-ministerial Committee Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023; Nidaa Al Watan, 26 Feb 2025 Appoint trained procurement officers in all entities Institutional framework developed but skills and staffing gaps persist across ministries, municipalities, and SOEs. Law-mandated procurement cadre remains incomplete. Ministry of Finance / PPA Procuring Entities IoF, UNDP, WB Status of Implementation of Lebanon’s Public Procurement Law 244-2021 and Assessment of Skills’ Gaps and Training Needs : Summary Report Set up Technical Support Unit at PPA and CA Not yet operational. No dedicated staff assigned to technical support or capacity-building. Requires budget line and formal hiring. Ministry of Finance PPA / CA Donors Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023; Nidaa Al Watan, 26 Feb 2025 Reform Roadmap Timeline & Critical Path Recent Milestone Recent Milestone Date What Happened Status on Critical Path Source EDL HQ Rehabilitation Tender Suspended July 27, 2025 Court of Audit suspended tender 30 minutes before opening financial bids due to appeals by excluded companies; PPA and DPA reviewing legality and transparency Shows active application of Law 244/2021 oversight; delays infrastructure recovery Al-Modon, 2 August 2025 PPA presents progress to EU June 12, 2025 PPA shared reform updates with EU delegation; highlighted launch of new website and upcoming annual report Signals forward momentum in implementation NNA, 12 June 2025 Decrees for PPA and CA finalized Dec 2024 CoM approved PPA internal and financial regulation decrees after 2.5 years of delay since July 2022 Achieved Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023; Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025 Law 244/2021 enters into force July 2022 Public Procurement Law became legally binding Achieved Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023 Law 309/2023 (Amendments to Public Procurement Law) April 2023 Controversial amendments affecting procurement committees and eligibility; referred for constitutional review Achieved Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023   Next Steps – Transparency and Accountability Calendar Action Responsible Entity Target Date Source Resolve EDL HQ tender suspension & relaunch transparent process EDL / Court of Audit / PPA / DPA Aug 2025 (est.) Al-Modon, 2 August 2025 Issue first PPA annual report identifying procurement implementation gaps and reform needs PPA - NNA, 12 June 2025 Appoint 4 remaining PPA Board Members Council of Ministers - Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023; Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025 Recruit full PPA staffing (83 positions) to replace stopgap staffing of 8 employees (incl. 5 auditors) Civil Service Board / Council of Ministers - Nidaa Al Watan, 26 Feb 2025 Establish Complaints Authority (CA) CSB / CoM - Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023 Finalize national e-procurement platform OMSAR / MoF / PPA - Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023; Nidaa Al Watan, 26 Feb 2025 Launch procurement profession competency IoF / CSB / PMO - Status of Implementation of Lebanon’s Public Procurement Law 244-2021 and Assessment of Skills’ Gaps and Training Needs : Summary Report; Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025 Clarify and codify emergency procurement rules to prevent abuse of Article 46 exceptions and ensure ex post accountability. This includes formalizing thresholds, publishing post-crisis contracts, and defining “urgent need” criteria in alignment with Memo No. 8/2024. Parliament / MoF / PPA - Nidaa Al Watan, 22 Nov 2024; Memo 8/2024; Hura7.com, 28 Dec 2024 Enforce post-war audit of exceptional procurements conducted under Article 46(2) (emergency clause) to assess legality, necessity, and abuse Public Procurement Authority (PPA) / Court of Accounts / Central Inspection Upon cessation of hostilities Nidaa Al Watan, 22 Nov 2024 Issue remaining implementing decrees of the Public Procurement Law following political consultations between Speaker of Parliament and PPA President Parliament (Speaker’s Office) / Council of Ministers / PPA - LBCI News; March 2025 (Meeting between Speaker Berri and PPA President Jean Alia)   Implementation Bottlenecks & Required Actions Bottleneck Official Explanation Required Immediate Action Source Political interference in appointments Delayed formation of collegial PPA and CA weakens reform impact CoM to prioritize appointments via transparent, merit-based process Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023 Budget shortfalls Inadequate allocations in 2023 budget for PPA and CA operations Ensure 2025 budget includes full funding for both bodies Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023 Technical capacity gaps Procurement officers lack adequate training and clarity on roles Launch national training and qualification scheme Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023   Stakeholders & Roles Entity Core Function Primary Contact Point Public Procurement Authority (PPA) Regulatory oversight of public procurement; develops standard templates and guidelines; manages capacity building and monitoring; provides guidance to procuring entities. President of the PPA (currently Judge Jean Alia) Complaints Authority (planned) Independent body for reviewing procurement complaints and appeals; ensures legal redress and fairness; not yet operational. To be appointed by Council of Ministers (under Article 78 of Law 244) Institute of Finance Basil Fuleihan (IoF) Technical coordination of procurement reform; leads training programs, MAPS assessments, and capacity gap studies; advisor to Ministry of Finance. Director of IoF – Ministry of Finance Council of Ministers (CoM) Political and administrative authority for adopting decrees (e.g., on PPA, CA, financial rules); responsible for key appointments and funding allocations. General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR) Technical lead for e-procurement system development (together with PPA); manages IT infrastructure and inter-operability aspects. Director General of OMSAR Ministry of Finance (MoF) Parent ministry for procurement reform policy; responsible for budgeting PPA and CA; coordinates donor support and public financial management (PFM) integration. Director General of Finance Civil Service Board (CSB) Oversees recruitment of procurement officers and validation of organizational structures; participates in approving procurement cadre framework. President of the Civil Service Board Donor Coordination Platform (EU, WB, UNDP, AFD, etc.) Provides financial and technical assistance; monitors implementation progress and alignment with international standards. Chaired by EU Delegation to Lebanon (rotating lead among partners) Procuring Entities (Ministries, Municipalities, SOEs) Responsible for planning, executing, and reporting on procurement activities in compliance with Law 244/2021. Procurement Focal Points / Directorate of Administrative Affairs Court of Accounts / Central Inspection Audits public spending including procurement; monitors compliance and flags violations. President of Court of Accounts / Head of Central Inspection   Legal & Policy Framework Instrument Status Key Provisions Implementation Note Law 244/2021 (Public Procurement Law) In force since July 2022 Applies to all public entities; e-platform; PPA & CA establishment Core reform pillar aligned with UNCITRAL and OECD guidelines Decree on PPA internal regulation Adopted (Dec 2024) Governance, structure, HR and internal processes Approved by Council of Ministers Decree on PPA financial regulation Adopted (Dec 2024) Budget and financial procedures Still pending full implementation with MoF coordination Amendments (Law 309/2023) Controversial Changes to bidder eligibility and committee appointment standards Constitutional appeal submitted; viewed as undermining original reform   Official Sources and Reference Materials   Instrument Source Ministerial Statement (25 Feb 2025) Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025 Public Procurement Reform Strategy 2022–2024 Public Procurement Reform Strategy 2022–2024 Paving the way for Sustainable Public Procurement in Lebanon Paving the way for Sustainable Public Procurement in Lebanon Technical Note on Amendments to Law 244/2021 Technical Note on the Amendments brought to Law 244/2021 Progress Report – Jan 2024 Public Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023 World Bank Summary Report on PPL Implementation – Dec 2024 Status of Implementation of Lebanon’s Public Procurement Law 244-2021 and Assessment of Skills’ Gaps and Training Needs : Summary Report     List of Acronyms – Public Procurement Reform Tracker Acronym Full Name PPA Public Procurement Authority CA Complaints Authority MoF Ministry of Finance IoF Institute of Finance Basil Fuleihan CoM Council of Ministers OMSAR Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform CSB Civil Service Board SOEs State-Owned Enterprises WB World Bank EU European Union OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development SIGMA Support for Improvement in Governance and Management (joint EU–OECD initiative) UNDP United Nations Development Programme AFD Agence Française de Développement PMO Prime Minister’s Office MAPS Methodology for Assessing Procurement Systems UNCITRAL United Nations Commission on International Trade Law   [1] All reform data presented here is based on official Lebanese government sources, such as laws, decrees, strategies, and verified public data. Where possible, each update is linked to a document, gazette entry, or institutional publication.

Justice Reform Tracker[1] Reform Area: Judiciary Independence & Accountability Last Updated: August 2025 Citizen Impact Summary Dimension Snapshot Source Who Is Affected? Victims of the 2020 Beirut Port explosion, depositors impacted by the 2019 financial meltdown, and all Lebanese residents denied timely legal recourse due to a paralyzed judiciary. With the August 2025 passage of the Judicial Independence Law and signing of the judicial formations decree, judges gained operational independence, partially restoring citizens’ hope for accountability. Vulnerable litigants, particularly women, low-income families, and political dissidents, remain most affected by prior delays. HRW 2025; Amnesty 2025; World Bank Lebanon - Systematic country diagnostic, Summer 2024; An‑Nahar 31 July 2025 Financial Burden? High: delays in accountability prolong corruption and undermine fiscal justice. World Bank Lebanon - Systematic country diagnostic, Summer 2024 Public Services? The judiciary's historic lack of independence hindered the delivery of justice and eroded public trust, but passage of the Judicial Independence Law and activation of judicial formations are expected to improve service delivery and enable high-profile trials. World Bank Lebanon - Systematic country diagnostic, Summer 2024; L’Orient-Le Jour 1 Aug 2025 Mental Health Toll? Prolonged delays in justice, especially concerning the Beirut port explosion, have contributed to societal trauma and a sense of impunity. Recent reforms may begin to alleviate this public despair if investigations proceed without obstruction. HRW 2025; Amnesty 2025; L’Orient-Le Jour April 2025 Overview & Objectives Goal Establish a fully independent, impartial, and effective judiciary that guarantees access to justice and upholds the rule of law. Strategic Importance Judicial reform is central to rebuilding public trust, unlocking international financial support (e.g., IMF), and ending impunity for major crimes including the Beirut Port explosion and financial corruption. The EU, World Bank and UN have linked reconstruction aid to an “independent and transparent judiciary.” Key Reform Priorities ·        Implement newly enacted Judicial Independence Law (Aug 2025) ·        Activate judicial formations and newly appointed Court of Cassation and HJC members. ·        Protection of judicial investigations from political interference ·        Adoption of law on administrative courts ·        Digitalization and capacity development of courts ·        Unblock and finalize Beirut Port explosion investigation. Reform Actions & StatusSpecific Reform Actions & Accountability Reform Action Required Current Status Lead Authority Implementing Body Oversight / Supporting Actors Primary Source Enact law on judicial independence Adopted by Parliament on 31 July 2025 after seven years of obstruction; enacted as single-article law granting judges greater autonomy. Parliament, Justice & Administration Committee Justice & Admin Committee Justice Forum, Legal Forum for Justice, Venice Commission MTV August 2025; L’Orient-Le Jour 1 Aug 2025 Finalize general judicial appointments / formations PM Salam signed the full judicial formations decree on 1 Aug 2025 as prepared by the HJC; operationalizes judicial careers and case allocations. Council of Ministers HJC MoJ El Nashra 1 August 2025 Restore quorum at Court of Cassation April 2025 decree appointed the ten presidents of Cassation chambers, re-establishing quorum. Draft law introduces an automatic-enactment clause for future appointments to prevent deadlock. Court of Cassation Council of Ministers Justice Minister, President, Prime Minister NNA 2 May 2025; Al-Modon 4 May 2025 Finalize general judicial appointments Between April and mid-May 2025, the Cabinet appointed 7 members of the Higher Judicial Council (HJC), including prominent presidents of courts. Two additional members (Judges Rizkallah and Dakroub) were elected on 15 May by the Court of Cassation. The Council has now reached legal quorum and will begin partial judicial formations. The 10th and final member is pending appointment by decree. HJC President of the Republic, Council of Ministers, Court of Cassation Justice Minister NNA, 15 May 2025; An-Nahar, 15 May 2025 Adopt law on administrative courts Drafting by sub‑committee under Justice & Admin Committee Parliament Justice & Admin Committee Venice Commission, Legal Forum for Justice, Justice Forum Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025 Operationalize fair investigation of Beirut Port explosion and political crimes Legal quorum restored; with new law and formations, procedural barriers lifted; political immunities remain the primary obstacle. Court of Cassation, General Assembly, Investigative Judges Ministry of Justice, Judicial Investigating Unit UN Human Rights Council, civil society Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025; HRW 2025; Amnesty 2025; OJ C, C/2024/4000, 17.7.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/4000/oj Digitalize court case management Not started Ministry of Justice MoJ IT Dept. World Bank, UNDP World Bank Lebanon - Systematic country diagnostic, Summer 2024 Reform HJC appointment process Draft law with hybrid formula pending secondary amendments; interim relief achieved through August 2025 formations. Ministry of Justice Higher Judicial Council Parliament, Venice Commission, Lebanese Judges Assoc. Compilation of Venice Commission Opinions and Reports concerning Judges, 2025; Legal Agenda, 5–6 May 2025; Coalition for Judicial Independence Statement, 7 May 2025. Enforce anti-corruption measures within judiciary National Anti-Corruption Commission established; initial audits commenced. National Anti-Corruption Commission Judicial Inspection Authority UNDP, Transparency International UNDP 2025 Grant autonomy to Judicial Inspection Board Draft enhances independence and broadens nomination channels (HJC, Council of State, Court of Audit) but leaves procedural-appeal gaps. Ministry of Justice Judicial Inspection Board Higher Judicial Council OJ C, C/2024/4000, 17.7.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/4000/oj; Legal Agenda, 5–6 May 2025; Venice Commission, June 2022 opinion Launch courtroom operations in Roumieh prison First 20 hearings launched on 3 June 2025; 7 cases concluded. Minister Nassar hailed it as a step to reduce pre-trial delays and detention overcrowding. Ministry of Justice ISF, Judiciary Beirut Bar Association, civil society MoJ Press Statement Reform Roadmap Timeline & Critical PathRecent Milestone Date Description Critical Path Status Source 1 Aug 2025 PM Salam signed judicial formations decree, completing full HJC and Cassation appointments. Completed El Nashra 1 August 2025 31 July 2025 Parliament adopted Judicial Independence Law after seven-year delay; enacted as single-article law.   L’Orient-Le Jour 1 Aug 2025 June 17–18, 2025 Parliamentary committee session on judicial independence law ends in deadlock; conflict between Justice Minister and committee chair escalates Blocked Parliament Monitoring Observatory, 18 June 2025 June 3, 2025 First trial sessions held in Roumieh courtroom; 20 sessions, 7 verdicts rendered In progress MoJ Press Statement May 2, 2025 Cabinet approves final draft Law on Judicial Independence; Referral of Judicial Independence Law from Government to Parliament Pending; Parliament awaits formal submission from government. Completed Legal Agenda, 5–6 May 2025 May 7, 2025 Civil society calls for ratification and further amendments In progress Coalition for Judicial Independence Statement, 7 May 2025 May 15, 2025 Judges Rizkallah and Dakroub elected unopposed by the Court of Cassation to the Higher Judicial Council Completed NNA, 15 May 2025  Next Steps – Transparency and Accountability Calendar   Action Responsible Entity Target Date Source Publish implementing decrees and internal bylaws for Judicial Independence Law MoJ & HJC Q3 2025 An‑Nahar 31 July 2025 Expand in-prison court hearings to other facilities and publish quarterly stats MoJ & Judiciary N/A MoJ Press Statement Government to refer draft Judicial Independence Law to Parliament Council of Ministers Q2–Q3 2025 Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025; Legal Agenda, 5–6 May 2025 Parliament to begin review of judicial independence law to be finalized and adopted Justice & Admin Committee; Parliament; Conditional on government submission Q2–Q3 2025 Legal Agenda, 5–6 May 2025 Incorporate Venice Commission feedback in final amendments Justice & Admin Committee; Parliament Q2–Q3 2025 Legal Agenda, 5–6 May 2025; Coalition for Judicial Independence Statement, 7 May 2025 Conduct general judicial reshuffle, including transfers and appointments without delay Council of Ministers & Higher Judicial Council Expected Q2 2025, post-quorum Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025; NNA, 15 May 2025 Public hearings on judicial appointments and oversight roles Parliament + Civil Society 2025 Coalition for Judicial Independence Statement, 7 May 2025 Resume Beirut blast investigation Investigating Judges, HJC Immediate HRW 2025; Amnesty 2025; OJ C, C/2024/4000, 17.7.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/4000/oj Nominate final HJC member Minister of Justice (via President of Republic) Immediate NNA, 15 May 2025; An-Nahar, 15 May 2025 Remove executive barriers delaying Beirut blast investigations Government of Lebanon Immediate Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025 Digitalize court processes and case access including publishing feasibility roadmap for digital case management Minister of Justice 2025–2026 Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025  Implementation Bottlenecks & Required Actions Bottleneck Official Explanation Required Action Source Committee obstruction and institutional conflict Committee chair rejected government’s endorsed draft, blocked Justice Minister participation, and reverted to older 2023 version Reinstate government-endorsed draft on the agenda and resume participatory review process in line with Article 35 and 38 of internal regulations Legal Agenda, 12 June 2025; Parliament Monitoring Observatory, 18 June 2025 Partial adherence to Venice Commission recommendations Cabinet adopted only 1 out of 8 recommendations fully Parliament to incorporate Venice Commission advice during review phase Venice Commission (2022); Legal Agenda, 5–6 May 2025 Lack of HJC independence and politicized appointments Political interference in judiciary persistently blocks reform Enact HJC law reforming composition, insulation from politics HRW 2025; Amnesty 2025; World Bank Lebanon - Systematic country diagnostic, Summer 2024 Delays in judicial appointments and transfers Administrative backlog and political vetoes Expedite judicial formations via clear timelines Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025 Obstruction of key investigations and stalled port blast investigation Legal and administrative barriers lifted (Cassation quorum restored); Abuse of immunities and refusal to appear before judiciary; political immunity, legal loopholes Lift immunities, permit international inquiry support; enable unimpeded access to judicial process for lead investigators Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025; Kataeb.org, 3 May 2025 Draft judicial laws remain unratified Delayed legislative action Parliament to pass laws in line with Venice Commission advice Legal Agenda, 5–6 May 2025; Coalition for Judicial Independence Statement, 7 May 2025 Low digital capacity across courts Absence of a unified digital platform for case tracking; No digital infrastructure. Adopt phased rollout of court digitalization Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025; World Bank Lebanon – SCD, Summer 2024   Stakeholders & Roles Entity Core Function Ministry of Justice Drafts judicial policy, countersigns decrees Higher Judicial Council Governs judicial careers & appointments Court of Cassation Final civil/criminal appeals; elects HJC members Parliament Justice & Admin Committee Prepares judiciary bills National Anti-Corruption Commission Investigates and prosecutes corruption within public institutions Justice Forum (منتدى العدالة) National participatory platform (launched Feb 2024) coordinating judicial reform roadmap; includes judiciary, executive, legislative branches, bar associations, civil society, and academia. Supported by UNDP and EU. Legal Forum for Justice (الملتقى القانوني للعدالة) Technical legal platform convened by MoJ and Venice Commission to align draft judicial laws with international standards. Focused on legislative reviews (e.g., Judicial Independence Law). Venice Commission Technical/legal advisory body (Council of Europe) Coalition for Judicial Independence CSO-led coalition advocating for legal, transparent, and merit-based reform of the judiciary. Issues alerts and position papers to track political interference.   Legal & Policy Framework Instrument Status Key Provisions Implementation Note Draft Law on Judicial Independence Approved by Cabinet (2 May 2025); pending referral to Parliament Introduces merit-based appointments, election of HJC members, limits on arbitrary transfers, and expanded judges' rights. Draft reviewed by Legal Forum (MoJ + Venice Commission). Civil society urges further amendments on financial autonomy, appointment neutrality, and disciplinary protections. Venice Commission Recommendations Issued Provides benchmarks for judicial independence, appointment procedures, structural autonomy, and disciplinary safeguards. Only one out of eight core recommendations fully implemented in the current draft. Full alignment pending. Law on Beirut Port Blast Investigation Not passed Would establish a special tribunal and legal protections for investigating judges. Investigations continue to face obstruction due to political immunities and legal loopholes. Cabinet Decree (8 May 2025) appointing 10 Cassation presidents Enforced Reinstates quorum at the Court of Cassation by appointing all 10 Presidents. Decree signed by President, Prime Minister, and Ministers of Justice and Finance; unlocks progress on pending high-level cases. 2024 Justice Forum Recommendations Endorsed Outlines a national reform roadmap including judicial independence, expanded judicial representation, procedural justice, and transparency. Not codified in law yet. Recommendations were developed through multi-stakeholder working groups, including civil society, judiciary, and donors. EU Parliament Resolution (2023) Political support Demands accountability in the Beirut Port case, structural independence of the judiciary, and international involvement. Continues to serve as diplomatic pressure for reform and anti-impunity efforts.   Official Sources and Reference Materials   Instrument Source Ministerial Statement (25 Feb 2025) Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025 Amnesty Intl. Statement on Judicial Reform (Jan 2025) Amnesty 2025 Human Rights Watch Letter to PM Salam (Jan 2025) HRW 2025 Situation in Lebanon – European Parliament resolution of 12 July 2023 on the situation in Lebanon (2023/2742(RSP)) OJ C, C/2024/4000, 17.7.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/4000/oj Compilation of Venice Commission Opinions and Reports concerning Judges, 2025 Compilation of Venice Commission Opinions and Reports concerning Judges, 2025; World Bank Lebanon - Systematic Country Diagnostic, Summer 2024 World Bank Lebanon - Systematic country diagnostic, Summer 2024   List of Acronyms – Justice Reform Tracker Acronym Full Name HJC Higher Judicial Council MoJ Ministry of Justice HRW Human Rights Watch UNDP United Nations Development Programme EU European Union IMF International Monetary Fund UN United Nations CAS Central Administration of Statistics 3RF Reform, Recovery, and Reconstruction Framework OJ C Official Journal of the European Union, Series C ELI European Legislation Identifier Amnesty Amnesty International NGO Non-Governmental Organization   [1] All reform data presented here is based on official Lebanese government sources, such as laws, decrees, strategies, and verified public data. Where possible, each update is linked to a document, gazette entry, or institutional publication.

 Reform Area: Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Last Updated: August 2025Citizen Impact Summary Dimension Snapshot Source Who Is Affected? All women and girls, including persons with disabilities, elderly women, refugees, migrant & undocumented women, prisoners and SOGIESC communities. Lebanon’s legal framework maintains structural discrimination in nationality, inheritance, family law, and pensions, particularly under Article 9 of the Constitution. National Strategy for Women in Lebanon 2022-2030 – National Action Plan 2024‑2026; GJS Country Brief – Lebanon (2024) Financial Burden? Execution of reforms relies heavily on donor financing because of Lebanon’s fiscal collapse and limited public‑sector operating budgets. National Strategy for Women in Lebanon 2022-2030 – National Action Plan 2024‑2026 Public Services? Gender-responsive services in protection, health, and employment remain fragmented and underfunded, especially for refugees, migrants, and SOGIESC populations. National Strategy for Women in Lebanon 2022-2030 – National Action Plan 2024‑2026; GJS Country Brief – Lebanon (2024) Mental‑Health Toll? Persistent GBV, economic hardship and discrimination heighten psychological distress—especially for women, migrant workers and SOGOESC persons. GJS Country Brief – Lebanon (2024) Overview & Objectives Goal Achieve de‑jure and de‑facto gender equality through: 1) repeal of discriminatory statutes & reservations; 2) institutionalization of gender‑responsive governance; 3) economic & social protection for every woman and girl; 4) parity in decision‑making; 5) rights‑based cultural change. Strategic Importance The 2025 ministerial statement pledges a rights‑and‑equality lens, positioning gender justice as a prerequisite for national recovery and inclusive growth. Key Reform Priorities 1. End gender‑based violence & implement Laws 293/2014, 204‑205/2020. 2. Expand social‑protection, labour and care‑economy measures for women. 3. Political participation: enact municipal Gender‑Quota Bill (30 – 50 % seats). 4. Remove legal discrimination (Penal Code, Personal‑status, Nationality). 5. Abolish/replace kafala; extend labour‑law coverage to migrant & domestic workers. 6. Mainstream gender & SOGIESC data in all public budgets & statistics. 7. Institutionalize women’s participation in decision-making beyond numeric representation by integrating gender equity across ministerial portfolios and appointments. 8. Reform political party nomination rules to mandate equitable inclusion of women and penalize exclusionary practices. Reform Actions & StatusSpecific Reform Actions & Accountability Reform Action Required Current Status (May 2025) Lead Authority Implementing Body Oversight / Supporting Actors Primary Source Gender‑Quota Bill for municipal councils (30 – 50 %) Ten MPs signed; in relevant parliamentary committees Parliament Parliamentary Committees UNDP, UN Women, Fifty‑Fifty, Gov. of Canada UNDP/UN Women round‑table 19 Feb 2025 Comprehensive review & amendment of discriminatory laws (Penal Code, Personal‑status, Nationality) Pledged in Ministerial Statement; review to start Q3 2025 Ministry of Justice (MoJ) MoJ/NCLW legal team Parliament Women’s Caucus, CSOs Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025 Legislative reform of Penal Code Art. 534 (criminalising same-sex relations) Conflicting bills introduced: repeal (July 2023); re-criminalisation and expansion (Aug 2023) MoJ Parliament NCLW, LGBTQI+ coalitions, Proud Lebanon GJS Country Brief – Lebanon (2024) Reform kafala & include migrant domestic workers under Labour Law Stalled Ministry of Labour (MoL) Labour Inspectorate ILO, Migrant‑sending Govts., NGOs GJS Country Brief – Lebanon (2024) Enforce Law 205/2020 on sexual harassment (workplace compliance) Partial – criminal penalties exist; employer obligations absent MoJ & MoL Employers, ISF Women’s‑rights NGOs Law 205/2020 Ensure gender equality in National Social Security Fund (NSSF) family allowance and health benefit entitlements Administrative guidance referenced; enforcement lagging; Existing law favors male breadwinners; reform proposals under study NSSF NSSF, MoSA Gender Units in ministries, NCLW, ILO UN WOMEN, Social Protection in Lebanon, From a Gender Perspective Introduce paid paternity and increase maternity leave Maternity leave below ILO standards; no paternity leave MoL Parliament CSOs, UN Women Labor Law, Articles 28-29, World Bank Lebanon 2024 Integrate gender equity into ministerial appointments and public board nominations No binding criteria; elite networks and confessional loyalties prevail PCM OMSAR NCLW, UN Women, CSOs Independent Arabia, 16 Feb 2025 Reform Roadmap Timeline & Critical PathRecent Milestone Milestone Date What Happened Status on Critical Path Source National Action Plan (NAP) 2024‑2026 adopted Jan 2024 15 impact areas agreed by 21 ministries & stakeholders Baseline National Strategy for Women in Lebanon 2022-2030 – National Action Plan 2024‑2026 Repeal of Penal Code Art. 522 (rapist‑marriage) Aug 2017 Article allowing rapists to escape punishment by marrying their victims abolished Completed UN WOMEN Sexual‑Harassment Law 205 enacted Dec 2020 One of first in MENA Enforcement ongoing Law 205/2020 Gender‑Quota round‑table catalyses bill Feb 2025 Stakeholders demand expedited vote Building momentum UNDP/UN Women round‑table 19 Feb 2025 Five women appointed as ministers in new government Jan 2025 Highest female representation (21%) in any Lebanese cabinet; marks numeric gain but structural gaps in gendered policymaking persist Symbolic step; lacks policy traction Independent Arabia, 16 Feb 2025  Next Steps – Transparency and Accountability Calendar (Expected Q2–Q3 2025) Action Responsible Entity Target Date Source Complete legal scan of all gender discriminatory provisions MoJ / NCLW - Ministerial Statement, 25 Feb 2025 Committee reports & amendments on Quota Bill → plenary vote Parliamentary Committees - UNDP/UN Women round‑table 19 Feb 2025 Introduce civil pension scheme for private-sector workers Ministry of Labour / NSSF - UN WOMEN, Social Protection in Lebanon, From a Gender Perspective Submit amendment to NSSF survivor and family allowance scheme MoL / NSSF - UN WOMEN, Social Protection in Lebanon, From a Gender Perspective  Implementation Bottlenecks & Required Actions Bottleneck Official Explanation Immediate Action Fiscal constraints limit execution of NAP actions Collapsed revenues, donor dependence Embed gender lines in 2025‑26 budgets; mobilise 3RF, IMF & Canada/UN pooled funds Personal‑status laws under 15 religious courts Art. 9 of Constitution protects sectarian jurisdiction Form national commission to draft optional civil code; negotiate with religious authorities Law 205 lacks employer‑level enforcement tools Penal focus without compliance duties Amend law to mandate internal policies, reporting & labour‑inspection powers Migrant workers outside labour‑law coverage Kafala supersedes Labour Law Cabinet‑level decree to extend labour protections; ratify ILO C189 Gender bias in NSSF family benefits Survivor pensions and health benefits are not equally granted to male and female contributors Amend NSSF Law and align with gender parity principles Gaps in maternity/paternity leave protections Current law mandates 10 weeks’ maternity leave, no paternity leave Update Labour Code to align with ILO Convention 183 Ministerial and board appointments lack gender parity standards Confessional and partisan interests override merit-based gender inclusion   Adopt a gender-responsive appointments policy; track female appointments across all levels  Stakeholders & Roles Entity Core Function Contact NCLW Strategy coordination, monitoring Office of NCLW President Ministry of Justice Draft & steer legal reforms Minister’s Legal Desk Ministry of Labour Labour‑law revision, kafala reform Director‑General Parliamentary Women & Children Committee Scrutinise gender bills Committee Secretariat Fifty‑Fifty / civil‑society coalition Quota advocacy & public campaigns NGO Coordination Unit UN Women / UNDP / ILO Technical & financial support Beirut Country Offices  Legal & Policy Framework Instrument Status Key Provisions Implementation Note National Strategy for Women 2022‑2030 Active Five strategic objectives Guides all sectoral plans National Strategy for Women NAP 2024‑2026 In progress 15 impact targets incl. VAW, health, leadership Needs sustained funding Draft laws on Art. 534 (2023) Conflicting bills pending One bill to repeal Article 534 (decriminalise); two bills to expand penalties for promotion/facilitation Reform progress at risk due to political and religious backlash Ministerial Statement (25 Feb 2025) In force Commits to eliminate discrimination & secure parity Sets whole‑of‑government mandate Gender‑Quota Bill (Municipal) In committee (2025) 30 % (9‑&‑12‑member councils) / 50 % (15+ seats) Expected overall 40 % female share Law 205/2020 (Sexual ‑ Harassment) In force Criminalises harassment; lacks employer compliance Enforcement guidelines pending Labour Code Art. 28 & 29 In force 10-week maternity leave, no paternity leave Below ILO minimum; employer liability discourages hiring NSSF Law (Family/Survivor benefits) In force Unequal entitlements for women contributors Reform needed to ensure gender-neutral benefits Social‑Security Amendment 2023 In force Equal health & family benefits for men & women CNSS enforcement lagging CEDAW Ratified 1997 (reservations) Periodic reporting; Feb 2026 7th report due Advocacy for reservation withdrawal  Official Sources and Reference Materials Instrument Source Ministerial Statement (25 Feb 2025) MMinisterial Statement, 25 Feb 2025 National Strategy for Women in Lebanon 2022-2030 – National Action Plan 2024‑2026 National Strategy for Women in Lebanon 2022-2030 – National Action Plan 2024‑2026 GJS Country Brief – Lebanon (2024) GJS Country Brief – Lebanon (2024) 3RF Recovery Framework for Beirut and Lebanon (2023–2024) 3RF Recovery Framework for Beirut and Lebanon (2023–2024)   List of Acronyms – Gender Reform Tracker Acronym Full Form CEDAW Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women CSO Civil Society Organization GBV Gender-Based Violence GJS Gender Justice Strategy ILO International Labour Organization ISF Internal Security Forces LGBTQI+ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex and others MoJ Ministry of Justice MoL Ministry of Labour MoSA Ministry of Social Affairs MPs Members of Parliament NAP National Action Plan NCLW National Commission for Lebanese Women NSSF National Social Security Fund SOGIESC Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics UNDP United Nations Development Programme UN United Nations UN Women United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women VAW Violence Against Women 3RF Reform, Recovery and Reconstruction Framework  

Banking Sector Reform Tracker[1] Reform Area: Banking Sector Restructuring & Transparency Last Updated: August 2025 Citizen Impact Summary Dimension Snapshot Source Who Is Affected? Every depositor and account holder in Lebanon; real GDP has already contracted 37 % between 2018‑2022, wiping‑out 15 years of growth and pushing large parts of the middle‑class into poverty. Haircuts on FX deposits estimated at 60–80%, with 2.5 million accounts under $200K losing ~$15B. World Bank Lebanon Economic Monitor, Spring 2023; World Bank Lebanon - Systematic country diagnostic, Summer 2024 Financial Burden? Headline inflation averaged 171 % in 2022 (150 % in 2021; 218 % in H1‑2022) and forced‑deposit “lirafication” is imposing 60‑80 % hair‑cuts on savers. Banking sector is effectively insolvent, with estimated losses over US$70 billion. 75% of assets are with BdL and 3% with government securities; 70% of loans are non-performing. Cash now constitutes 46% of GDP. This shift undermines anti-money laundering frameworks and deepens informality. World Bank Lebanon Economic Monitor, Spring 2023; World Bank Lebanon - Systematic country diagnostic, Summer 2024 Public Services? A 7‑fold drop in real primary spending since 2018 has led to an “acute collapse of public‑service delivery”, including electricity, water, education and health. World Bank Lebanon Economic Monitor, Spring 2023 MentalHealth Toll? Living‑standards keep eroding, poverty is spiralling and a “precarious environment” prevails, fuelling anxiety, emigration and social fragmentation. World Bank Lebanon - Systematic country diagnostic, Summer 2024 Overview & Objectives Goal Restore solvency, liquidity, and trust in the banking sector. Rebuild financial intermediation. Strategic Importance Rebuilding financial intermediation capacity is critical to economic recovery. Without restructuring, credit will continue contracting, informal cash use will grow, and anti-money laundering risks will deepen. Key Reform Priorities 1️. Adopt a comprehensive bank restructuring strategy to recognize and allocate losses transparently and equitably. 2️. Conduct externally assisted bank-by-bank evaluations to identify losses and inform resolution paths (mergers, acquisitions, liquidation). 3. Recapitalize viable banks based on independent AQRs and rigorous valuation methods; Exit non-viable banks. 4. Rehabilitate the financial safety net including prudential regulation, resolution, lender-of-last-resort, and deposit insurance. 5. Reform Banque du Liban and the BCC to regain monetary authority and improve supervision. 6. Introduce formal capital controls and a unified exchange rate. 7. Operationalize data-sharing between SIC and PPA in line with Law No. 1/2025. 8. Publish a transparent loss-allocation and recapitalization strategy, including asset recovery. 9. Implement reforms to avoid FATF grey-listing in the 2026 review. 10. Amend the bank secrecy law to meet international transparency standards. Reform Actions & StatusSpecific Reform Actions & Accountability Reform Action Required Current Status Lead Authority Implementing Body Oversight / Supporting Actors Primary Source Bank Restructuring Law Adopted July 31, 2025. Execution suspended until Financial Gap/Deposit Recovery Law passes. Establishes 2‑chamber Higher Banking Authority; depositors gain special status in liquidation committees. Parliament / CoM MoF, BdL, BCC IMF, WB, EU Parliament session 31 Jul 2025; LBCI; Asharq Al‑Awsat 31 Jul 2025 Bank-by-bank assessments - AQRs (Asset Quality Reviews) Pending; ToR not signed; IMF recommends using SDRs to fund international auditors. CoM, BdL BdL, BCC IMF, WB World Bank Lebanon - Systematic country diagnostic, Summer 2024; CoM, 8 Apr 2025; IMF Comments on Bank Resolution Draft, May–June 2025 Recapitalization of Viable Banks Stalled. Based on independent Asset Quality Reviews (AQRs) and rigorous valuation methods. Non-viable banks to exit. Awaiting results of AQRs and clarity on loss-allocation. No recapitalization mechanisms implemented yet. BdL, MoF Banks IMF, WB AlJoumhouria, May 2025; IMF Comments on Bank Resolution Draft, May–June 2025 Resolution of Non-Viable Banks Enabled by new law but frozen until Financial Gap Law; process to include depositor participation and loss hierarchy enforcement. CoM, Parliament BdL, MoF IMF World Bank Lebanon - Systematic country diagnostic, Summer 2024; LBCI 28 Jul 2025 Amend Bank Secrecy Law (to meet FATF/IMF criteria) Partial reform enacted, further amendments pending. Law No. 1/2025 grants Special Investigation Commission (SIC) full access, but implementation lags due to lack of a BdL circular regulating procedures. Still allows discretionary opacity; obstructs SIC and AQR data access. The practical ability of institutions to act without political interference; The lack of automatic enforcement without further decrees; Concerns about appeal mechanisms that may delay or dilute effectiveness. Parliament MoF, BdL FATF, IMF, EU World Bank Lebanon - Systematic country diagnostic, Summer 2024 Formal Capital Controls & Unified Exchange Rate Not in place; informal restrictions continue. Draft in Parliament; not IMF-compliant. The draft includes retroactive clauses and suspends judicial rulings, breaching IMF Art. VIII compliance. Formal capital controls to defend reserves. Unified, market-driven exchange rate. Parliament BdL, MoF IMF, ABL Al-Modon, 8 May 2025; Asharq Al-Awsat, 30 Dec 2023 Loss Recognition & Allocation Plan Stalled; no agreement between key actors, and due to unresolved debate between MoF and PMO over burden-sharing between state and depositors. Recognize and allocate financial losses transparently and equitably. MoF / BdL BdL IMF World Bank Lebanon - Systematic country diagnostic, Summer 2024; Judicial Accountability for Financial Crimes Limited enforcement; political obstruction persists. BDL announced internal anti-corruption purge in April–May 2025. Cooperating with European law firms to pursue embezzlement and illicit enrichment cases involving former and current officials. Judiciary MoJ, Courts EU, WB, CSOs World Bank Lebanon - Systematic country diagnostic, Summer 2024; L'Orient Today, 22 May 2025 Rehabilitation of Financial Safety Net Reform prudential regulation, resolution, lender-of-last-resort, and deposit insurance. Weak regulation, no functioning deposit insurance mechanism. BdL BdL, BCC IMF, WB World Bank Lebanon - Systematic country diagnostic, Summer 2024 Reform of Banque du Liban (BdL) and Banking Control Commission (BCC) BdL to regain monetary authority and safety net functions. Stronger banking supervision and licensing. Parliament BdL, BCC IMF World Bank Lebanon - Systematic country diagnostic, Summer 2024 Reform Roadmap Timeline & Critical PathRecent Milestone Recent Milestone Date What Happened Status on Critical Path Source Banking Reform Law Adopted 31 Jul 2025 Parliament passed law on bank restructuring and depositor prioritization. Completed – execution pending LBCI; Asharq Al‑Awsat 31 Jul 2025 Committee Approval (Finance & Budget) 28 Jul 2025 Finance Committee approved final amended draft after 6‑hour session; linked law to deposit recovery bill. Completed Parliament minutes IMF Comments on Draft Bank Resolution Law 12 May 2025 IMF issued detailed technical comments on the draft law, citing concerns over depositor protections, weak resolution safeguards, and legal ambiguity. Feedback under review by Parliament IMF Comments on Bank Resolution Draft, May–June 2025 Subcommittee begins hearings on competing restructuring law draft 6 Jun 2025 Finance & Budget Subcommittee opened discussions on competing ideas: one favors an independent authority; the other, BDL control over restructuring. Ongoing debate – risks delay LP June 2025 Bank Secrecy Final Amendment (Law 1/2025) 24 Apr 2025 Adopted by Parliament on 24 April 2025 and published in the Official Gazette on 25 April 2025. Expands authority to lift secrecy for oversight, auditing, and restructuring purposes. BdL, BCC, and the National Deposit Guarantee Institute can now request full access to banking records for restructuring and auditing without needing to specify individual accounts. Requests may be challenged before an urgent matters judge. Requires a decree from the Council of Ministers upon recommendation by the finance minister, following BdL input. Completed – prerequisite for IMF PriorAction #2 Official Gazette No. 17, 25 Apr 2025 CoM Approval of Bank Reform Draft 12 Apr 2025 Full law finalized by CoM; to be transmitted to Parliament. Urgent – referenced as “over‑due” CoM Minutes IMF Art. IV – Staff concluding statement 23 Mar 2025 Re‑affirms need for restructuring & capital controls Urgent – referenced as “over‑due” IMF press‑release 23‑3‑2025 PPA internal & financial regulations adopted 18 Dec 2024 Enables transparent disposal of bank assets/contracts Completed Decree No. 27 dated 28 January 2025 – Financial Regulations of the Public Procurement Authority; Decree No. 28 dated 28 January 2025 – Internal Regulations of the Public Procurement Authority  Next Steps – Transparency and Accountability Calendar Action Responsible Entity Target Date Source Submit Financial Gap & Deposit Recovery Law MoF / PMO Q3 2025 Parliamentary Finance Committee, Jul 2025 Constitute Higher Banking Authority (2‑chamber) BdL / MoF / Judiciary Q3 2025 LBCI News, 2 Aug 2025; Asharq Al‑Awsat, 31 July 2025 Sign decree approving AQR ToR; start fieldwork BdL Governor & Finance Minister N/A N/A First SIC public report on bank data disclosure requests SIC N/A N/A MoF publishes loss allocation simulation (baseline) MoF N/A N/A Parliament Finance/Justice joint session on Capital Control law Speaker of Parliament N/A N/A   Implementation Bottlenecks & Required Actions Bottleneck Official Explanation Required Immediate Action Source IMF identifies flaws in final restructuring law Draft law deviates from international standards, including weak depositor protections and unclear RA independence Revise law based on IMF’s 9-point critique IMF Comments on Bank Resolution Draft, May–June 2025 Competing Proposals for Restructuring Authority CoM draft removes ABL and empowers new body; BdL draft centralizes authority in BDL Parliament must reconcile competing ideas; CSOs should demand independent oversight Now Lebanon, May 2025 Financial Gap Law not submitted MoF hesitant to define loss-sharing terms Urgently draft and submit law to define loss distribution MTV June 2025 Cabinet deadlock over loss sharing formula MoF & PMO disagree on treating large depositors vs. state asset fund. Convene tripartite MoF PMO IMF mediation workshop. - AQR budget unfunded BdL cites FX shortage; MoF hesitant to authorize use of SDRs. Sign ToRs and approve use of IMF SDR allocations for international AQR auditors. - Capital Control law constitutional concerns Some MPs oppose retro‑active clauses. Amend draft to include sunset clause + judicial review article. - Legal Fragmentation Conflicting laws (e.g., capital control vs. judicial rulings) risk legal chaos. Amend legal text to include judicial oversight and sunset clauses. - Elite Resistance Powerful stakeholders resist equitable loss distribution highlight regressive effects of delay. -   Stakeholders & Roles Entity Core Function Contact Council of Ministers Reform adoption & law submission Presidency of CoM Banque du Liban (BdL) Bank supervision, macro-oversight BdL Governor’s Office Banking Control Commission Regulatory oversight & assessment implementation BCC Parliament Legislative approval of laws Finance & Admin Committee IMF / World Bank Technical assistance and monitoring IMF Resident Office Association of Banks (ABL) Sector representation & negotiation ABL CSOs / Depositor Groups Advocacy, accountability Legal Agenda, Depositors Union   Legal & Policy Framework Instrument Status Key Provisions Implementation Note Bank Secrecy Law (1956) as amended by 306/2022 & 1/2025 In force Full look through for SIC, tax & judicial bodies; no BdL veto. BdL circular on procedures pending. Monetary & Credit Law – Art 150 (amended 2022 & 2025) In force BdL must report FX reserve position quarterly to Parliament’s Budget Committee. - Draft Bank Restructuring Law Cabinet draft (May 2025) Loss hierarchy; bridge bank tool; depositor bail in limits. Needs Cabinet approval then FastTrack to Parliament. Capital Control Bill (9014/2023 & MP draft) Committee stage Temporary FX controls; withdrawal ceilings; dispute resolution panel. Must align with IMF Art VIII by‑laws.   Official Sources and Reference Materials   Document Where to access Statement of Ministerial Policy (Feb 2025) Statement of Ministerial Policy (Feb 2025) World Bank Lebanon - Systematic Country Diagnostic, Summer 2024 World Bank Lebanon - Systematic country diagnostic, Summer 2024 World Bank Lebanon Economic Monitor, Fall 2022 World Bank Lebanon Economic Monitor, Fall 2022 IMF 2023 Staff Concluding Statement IMF 2023 Staff Concluding Statement Law No. 1/2025 (BankSecrecy amendment) - IMF Staff Concludes Visit to Lebanon IMF Staff Concludes Visit to Lebanon List of Acronyms – Banking Sector Reform Tracker Acronym Full Name ABL Association of Banks in Lebanon AQR Asset Quality Review BdL Banque du Liban (Central Bank of Lebanon) BCC Banking Control Commission CoM Council of Ministers CSOs Civil Society Organizations EU European Union FX Foreign Exchange IMF International Monetary Fund MoF Ministry of Finance MP Member of Parliament PPA Public Procurement Authority PMO Prime Minister’s Office SDR Special Drawing Rights (IMF reserve asset) SIC Special Investigation Commission (Anti-Money Laundering Unit) ToR Terms of Reference WB World Bank   [1] All reform data presented here is based on official Lebanese government sources, such as laws, decrees, strategies, and verified public data. Where possible, each update is linked to a document, gazette entry, or institutional publication.

Anti-Corruption Reform Tracker[1] Reform Area: Anti-Corruption, Integrity, and Transparency Last Updated: August 2025 Citizen Impact Summary Dimension Snapshot Source Who Is Affected? Lebanon’s entire population is impacted, with depositors facing de facto losses, vulnerable groups disproportionately affected by inflation, service collapse, and informalization, and the middle class shrinking from 57% to 40%. World Bank Lebanon - Systematic country diagnostic, Summer 2024 Financial Burden? The financial collapse, driven by systemic corruption and unregulated banking practices, has cost smaller depositors an estimated US$15 billion and rendered the sector insolvent with over US$70 billion in losses, while the public debt surged amid unchecked fiscal mismanagement. World Bank Lebanon - Systematic country diagnostic, Summer 2024 Public Services? Corruption has led to the deterioration of public services, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure, affecting the quality and accessibility of essential services for the population. OECD Open Government Scan of Lebanon Mental Health Toll? Widespread trauma, compounded by corruption, crises, and lack of accountability, has led to severe psychological distress, rising suicide risks, and untreated mental illness. Inadequate services, stigma, and impunity deepen public despair and erode resilience Farran, Natali. “Mental health in Lebanon: Tomorrow's silent epidemic.” Mental health & prevention vol. 24 (2021) Overview & Objectives Goal Establish a transparent, accountable governance system capable of preventing impunity, safeguarding public resources, and restoring citizen trust through institutionalized anti-corruption measures. Strategic Importance Meeting obligations under UNCAC, 3RF, and SDG 16; enabling fiscal integrity, public investment efficiency, and donor confidence. Key Reform Priorities 1. Legislative Framework: Enact and enforce anti-corruption laws aligned with international standards. 2. Integrity in Public Office: Institutionalize merit-based appointments and codes of ethics across the public sector. 3. Procurement Reform: Operationalize the Public Procurement Authority and reduce systemic vulnerabilities. 4. Judicial Independence: Strengthen the judiciary’s autonomy and capacity to prosecute corruption. 5. Oversight Bodies: Modernize and empower institutions such as the Court of Accounts, Central Inspection, and Ombudsman. 6. Civic Engagement: Promote public participation, awareness, and media accountability in anti-corruption efforts. 7. Sectoral Prevention: Mainstream corruption risk management in key sectors and promote private sector integrity. Reform Actions & StatusSpecific Reform Actions & Accountability Reform Action Required Current Status (up to date) Lead Authority Implementing Body Oversight / Supporting Actors Primary Source Subject Casino du Liban, Middle East Airlines, and Régie to Public Procurement Law & ex-post CoA audit Draft law discussed in Economy Committee; recommendation for joint study by CoA & PPA within 1 month Parliament (Economy Committee) CoM & Line Ministries Court of Accounts (CoA), Public Procurement Authority (PPA) LP Minutes 9 Jul 2025 Lift parliamentary immunity and launch judicial investigations in high-profile corruption cases Immunity lifted for ex-Minister George Bouchikian; 3 telecom ex-ministers under parliamentary investigation Parliament Public Prosecution Judiciary, NACC, Media Parliament Session Records Jul 2025; LP, NNA Operationalize judicial proceedings for corruption in telecom and industry sectors Investigations ongoing; arrest warrants for 4 ministry employees; Interpol alert for director abroad Public Prosecution Judiciary / SIC NACC, Ministry of Justice Al-Bayan 25 Jul 2025 Integrate integrity education in curricula and public awareness campaigns MoU signed between NACC & Center for Educational Research and Development (CERD) to integrate anti-corruption content NACC CERD UNDP, GIZ, CSOs NACC Press Release 2 Jul 2025 Fund the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Internal regulations adopted (early 2024); operating budget line approved in 2024 and 2025 budgets; Treasury advance of 13.8 billion LBP released Dec 2024. Council of Ministers NACC (upon activation) UNDP,  MoF Al Hura Newspaper, April 2025 Comprehensive Civil Service Census LFF-funded project approved; blocked over privacy & outsourcing issues; resolve data‑privacy reservations and decide whether to contract a private firm; issue start decree. Council of Ministers / OMSAR OMSAR Central Inspection, Civil Service Board NNA, May 2025 Launch transparent, merit-based appointment framework for first-category civil service posts Pledged in Feb 2025 ministerial statement; implementation mechanism pending Council of Ministers OMSAR / Civil Service Board Central Inspection Statement of Ministerial Policy (Feb 2025) Appoint or activate boards of key oversight bodies (e.g. telecom, aviation, media) Declared commitment; no timelines or decrees issued yet Council of Ministers Line Ministries Court of Accounts Statement of Ministerial Policy (Feb 2025) Operationalize international judicial cooperation in anti-corruption investigations Political pledge; legal framework and MOUs needed Ministry of Justice Judiciary / SIC NACC, International Partners Statement of Ministerial Policy (Feb 2025) Operationalize Public Procurement Authority (PPA) Internal & financial regulations adopted (18 Dec 2024); legal staff recruited; transfer 2025 budget allocation & complete e‑procurement roll‑out. Council of Ministers / MoF Public Procurement Authority Court of Accounts, World Bank, GIZ NACS Outcomes; Statement of Ministerial Policy (Feb 2025) Access-to-Information Law enforcement Decree No. 6940 (2020) remains poorly implemented. According to the NACC’s 2025 report: only 40% of administrations publish information proactively, fewer than 50% of national administrations and only 25% of local ones have appointed information officers. 76% of ATI requests were fulfilled at the national level, and 63% locally. Enforcement mechanisms remain weak, with NACC’s binding decisions often ignored. Council of Ministers Line ministries OMSAR, Central Inspection NACS; NACC Annual Report on ATI Implementation, 3 April 2025 – launched at UNESCO Conference; supported by UNDP, EU, and Danish Government Whistle-blower Protection System  Law in force (2018, amended 2020); Reception Office remains inactive. Ministry of Justice NACC (upon activation) UNDP,  Parliament NACS Outcomes; Statement of Ministerial Policy (Feb 2025) Asset Recovery Law implementation Law 214/2021 adopted; executive decrees pending; draft decrees; set up asset‑tracing task‑force. Ministry of Justice SIC / Public Prosecution NACC (post-activation), Central Bank NACS Enforce asset declaration obligations under Law 189/2020 NACC received over 20,000 declarations (as of April 2025); verification ongoing. Declarations remain confidential. TI-Lebanon recommends making them public for high-risk sectors. Civil Service Board, NACC NACC Parliament, Judiciary NACC ATI Report (April 2025); TI-Lebanon, Nidaa Al-Watan, 13 Feb 2025 Reform Roadmap Timeline & Critical PathRecent Milestone Date Description Critical Path Status Source Jul 2025 Parliament lifts immunity for ex-Minister Bouchikian and forms a committee to investigate 3 telecom ex-ministers Breakthrough in judicial accountability for corruption Parliament Records 23 Jul 2025 Jul 2025 Economy Committee approves draft law to subject Casino, MEA, and Régie to Public Procurement & CoA oversight Expands procurement transparency to major state-linked enterprises LP Minutes 9 Jul 2025 Jul 2025 NACC–CERD MoU signed to integrate anti-corruption awareness into curricula and extracurricular activities Public awareness & preventive education milestone NACC Press Release 2 Jul 2025 Dec 2023 Fund the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC): NACC bylaws approved by Council of Ministers NACC bylaws approved by Council of Ministers NACC Operationalization Dec 2024 Operationalize Public Procurement Authority (PPA): Council of Ministers adopted three key decrees for the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) PPA legal framework finalized Procurement Reform In Lebanon Progress Note – For The Period May – December 2023 Feb 2025 Asset Declarations (NACC / Law 189/2020): Prime Minister and President submitted financial disclosures to NACC. While legally compliant, this is symbolic; systemic enforcement and follow-up remain lacking. Formal step under asset declaration obligations NNA; Presidency of Lebanon, Feb 2025; PCM, Feb 2025 April 2025 Access-to-Information Law enforcement: NACC released first annual report on implementation of Right to Information Law Identifies 76% of information requests were answered nationally, compared to 63% locally UNDP-Backed Report via NACC (3 April 2025)  Next Steps – Transparency and Accountability Calendar Action Responsible Entity Target Date Source Pass law to include Casino, MEA, and Régie under Public Procurement Law Parliament & CoM Q3 2025 LP Economy Committee Recommendation Launch judicial proceedings and asset-freezing for ex-ministers and implicated directors Public Prosecution / SIC / Judiciary Q3–Q4 2025 Parliament Records Launch NACC-CERD nationwide integrity education program NACC & CERD Q4 2025 NACC Press Release 2 Jul 2025 Comprehensive Civil Service Census: Approve decree launching civil-service census and confirm contractor Council of Ministers (CoM), OMSAR - NACS Outcome 2 Fund the NACC: Include NACC funding in 2025 draft budget CoM, Ministry of Finance - NACS Outcome 1; Progress Report on NACS Whistle-blower Protection System: Approve SOPs and launch whistle-blower hotline Ministry of Justice, NACC - NACS Outcome 1; Progress Report on NACS Asset Recovery Law implementation: Adopt asset-recovery decrees and task force plan MoJ, SIC, NACC, Council of Ministers - NACS Outcome 1; Law No. 214/2021; NACS Outcomes Matrix  Implementation Bottlenecks & Required Actions Bottleneck Road‑Map Diagnosis Required Counter‑measure Comprehensive Civil Service Census: Census privacy stalemate Objection from CSB & unions Use GDPR style safeguards; outsource only data capture, keep analytics in OMSAR Weak enforcement of Access to Information (ATI) Law Less than 50% of national administrations and only 25% of local administrations appointed information officers; low rate of proactive disclosure. Despite NACC’s legal authority, its decisions under the ATI Law are not universally enforced. Mandate appointment of trained information officers; enforce legal timelines; and amend the ATI Law to mandate penalties for institutions that fail to comply with lawful information requests and NACC directives. Dysfunctional NACC operations Institutional paralysis due to lack of administrative staffing, over-reliance on externally seconded staff, and legal ambiguity over mandate Approve and fund NACC's staffing plan via Civil Service Board; clarify its role through legislative amendments; transition from donor-reliant operations to state-funded independence   Stakeholders & Roles Entity Core Function Primary Contact Point National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Lead agency for receiving complaints, initiating investigations, and issuing integrity reports (activation pending). Council of Ministers Secretariat Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR) Coordinates implementation of NACS and leads public sector reform initiatives. Minister of State for Reform Court of Accounts Conducts external audits on public expenditures; ensures compliance with legal frameworks. President of the Court of Accounts Central Inspection (CI) Performs administrative inspections, evaluates service delivery, and enforces internal controls. Inspector General Public Procurement Authority (PPA) Oversees procurement transparency, approves tendering processes, and manages e-procurement systems. President of the PPA European Union Delegation (EU DEL) Provides policy guidance, technical assistance, and budget support for governance and justice reforms. Governance & Rule of Law Attaché United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Supports NACS implementation, capacity-building for oversight institutions, and civic engagement initiatives. UNDP Governance Team, Lebanon CO World Bank (WB) Provides analytical support and financing for procurement reform, fiscal transparency, and integrity systems. Governance Practice Lead, MENA Region International Monetary Fund (IMF) Sets anti-corruption structural benchmarks and advises on financial transparency and institutional reform. IMF Lebanon Mission Team GIZ / AFD / SIDA Fund targeted reform programs (e.g., procurement, judiciary, civil service) and support institutional strengthening. Country Programme Leads   Legal & Policy Framework Instrument Status Key Provisions Implementation Note Law No. 28 (2017), amended by Law No. 233 (2021) (Access to Information) In force Grants public access to official information; broadens access rights and narrows exceptions Implementation decree No. 6940 issued in 2020; national guide and training initiated; most ministries non-compliant; law not yet enforced uniformly Law No. 83 (2018) (Whistleblower protection) In force Establishes protections and incentives for whistleblowers Dependent on NACC activation; interim mechanism through Public Prosecution at Court of Cassation; Reception Office for Whistleblowers established Law No. 182 (2020)            (Amends whistleblower law     - Expands legal safeguards) In force Allows Court of Cassation to receive disclosures in absence of NACC; ensures protection for whistleblowers and their families SOPs and reception office created; staff trained; digital system in development with UNDP/UNODC support Law No. 189 (2020)            (Asset declarations and illicit enrichment) In force Mandates periodic asset declarations and enhances penalties for illicit enrichment Enforcement initiated; asset registry system being digitized; compliance follow-up under way by Civil Service Board and judiciary Law No. 214 (2021)            (Asset recovery law) In force Establishes mechanisms for recovering illicitly gained assets; allows settlements Implementation decrees pending; task force and recovery fund under development Law 244/2021 (Public Procurement) In force Establishes the Public Procurement Authority (PPA); mandates e-procurement system Decrees on internal structure and financial regulations adopted; operationalization ongoing Law 214/2021 (Asset Recovery) In force Defines procedures for seizing and returning illicit assets to the Lebanese state Requires implementing decrees and coordination with judiciary and anti-corruption bodies Law 1/2025 (Bank Secrecy Amendment) In force (April 2025) Lifts secrecy for anti-money laundering and asset recovery investigations Enables SIC, NACC, and oversight entities to access financial data without prior hurdles   Official Sources and Reference Materials Instrument Source Statement of Ministerial Policy (Feb 2025) Statement of Ministerial Policy (Feb 2025) National Anti-Corruption Strategy OMSAR Strategy PDF 3RF Governance Priorities World Bank 3RF Framework National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2020 - 2025 NACS World Bank Lebanon - Systematic Country Diagnostic, Summer 2024 World Bank Lebanon - Systematic country diagnostic, Summer 2024   List of Acronyms – Anti-Corruption Reform Tracker   Acronym Full Name AFD Agence Française de Développement BCC Banking Control Commission BdL Banque du Liban (Central Bank of Lebanon) CAS Central Administration of Statistics CI Central Inspection CoM Council of Ministers CSB Civil Service Board EU DEL European Union Delegation ERA Electricity Regulatory Authority GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit HJC Higher Judicial Council IMF International Monetary Fund MoE Ministry of Environment MoF Ministry of Finance MoJ Ministry of Justice MoSA Ministry of Social Affairs MoEW Ministry of Energy and Water NACC National Anti-Corruption Commission NACS National Anti-Corruption Strategy NSPS National Social Protection Strategy OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development OMSAR Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform PPA Public Procurement Authority PMO Prime Minister’s Office SIC Special Investigation Commission SIDA Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency SOGIESC Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics SOPs Standard Operating Procedures ToRs Terms of Reference UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNODC United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime WB World Bank   [1] All reform data presented here is based on official Lebanese government sources, such as laws, decrees, strategies, and verified public data. Where possible, each update is linked to a document, gazette entry, or institutional publication.

Electricity & Energy Reform Tracker[1] Reform Area: Electricity & Energy – Infrastructure, Service Delivery, Sector Governance Last Updated: August 2025 Citizen Impact Summary Dimension Snapshot Source Who Is Affected? 83% of households rely on neighborhood diesel generators; ~19% have members needing electricity for medical equipment; poorest households face ~11 hrs/day blackout. Human Rights Watch, “Cut Off From Life Itself,” March 2023 Financial Burden? Private generator sector worth ~$3 billion; medium-sized generators generate $17,000–22,000/month; large mega-generators generate $160,000–211,000/month. Human Rights Watch, “Cut Off From Life Itself,” March 2023 Public Services? ~85% of households report water access disruptions due to electric pump failures; over 33% report daily cooking/heating disruption; 80%+ report multiple daily activity impacts. Human Rights Watch, “Cut Off From Life Itself,” March 2023 MentalHealth Toll? Residents describe blackouts as worsening anxiety, family tension, emotional exhaustion; mothers report children crying, rising family stress. Human Rights Watch, “Cut Off From Life Itself,” March 2023 Overview & Objectives Goal Secure 24 h · day affordable, reliable, cleaner electricity by 2026 while eliminating the fiscal deficit of the power sector by 2027. Strategic Importance Cornerstone of IMF & donor packages (IMF SBA, WorldBank Power Sector Policy Loan 2025). Enables industrial revival, job creation, and reduces US$ outflow for diesel. Key Reform Priorities 1. Increase & diversify supply (gas imports, 3 × 825 MW CCGT, 2.1 GW solar/wind). 2. Restore financial sustainability (tariff indexation 2022, CostRecovery Plan). 3. Slash non‑technical losses from 30 % (2023) to ≤ 20 % (2026) via anti‑theft + smart‑meters 4. Stand‑up independent ERA & unbundle EDL into G/T/D with PPPs for Distribution. 5. Modernise transmission (NCC rebuild, 220 kV loops) to integrate new capacity. 6. Roll‑out Cash Waterfall for transparent cash‑flow. Reform Actions & Status Specific Reform Actions & Accountability Reform Action Required Current Status Lead Authority Implementing Body Oversight / Supporting Actors Primary Source EDL HQ & NCC Reconstruction Tender Suspended for Investigation Tender suspended Aug 2025 after objections; PPA & Court of Audit investigating for transparency; re-tender expected Q4 2025. EDL CDR PPA · Court of Audit · MoEW Al Modon Aug 2025 Review of Service Provider (DSP) Contracts Highlighted by WB and media as corruption-prone; recommended termination or redesign for efficiency. MoEW EDL WB · IOB (3RF) Al Modon Aug 2025 National Emergency Plan (Oct 2022) Approved; formed the basis for CRP design. CoM MoEW · EDL MoF · Parliament Budget Committee World Bank, Project Appraisal Document, September 2024 CostRecovery Plan (CRP 20242028) execution Approved by EDL Board (4 July 2024), MoEW (21 July 2024), and submitted to World Bank (19 Aug 2024); tariff adjusted Feb 2023. CoM MoEW · EDL MoF · Parliament Budget Committee World Bank, Project Appraisal Document, September 2024 Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM) Concept designed by EDL & MoEW; endorsed by BDL on 18 Aug 2024; operational manual under development. BdL EDL Treasury MoEW · MoF World Bank, Project Appraisal Document, September 2024 Audited Financial Statements (AFS) 2020 AFS disclosed (8 Aug 2024); auditor recruited to complete 2020–2022 statements and establish opening balances. EDL EDL Finance MoEW · MoF World Bank, Project Appraisal Document, September 2024 Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) establishment The proposal for the ERA’s president and four members was endorsed by the Ministry of Energy and Water (MoEW), with the Council of Ministers responsible for issuing the final decree under Article 8 of Law 462/2002. The application window officially opened on 23 April 2025, with forms available via OMSAR and MoEW platforms. As of June 2025, Minister Sadde confirmed that the ERA will become operational within weeks. A total of 317 eligible applications are under review, with oral interviews underway. Final appointments, required as a disbursement condition for World Bank Sub-component 2.1, are expected to be approved by the Cabinet in Q3 2025. CoM MoEW · OMSAR Eval. panel (MoEW, OMSAR, CSB + 3 experts) MoEW press 22 and 23 Apr 2025; Sadde Interview, 20 Jun 2025 New EDL Board of Directors Work on forming a new EDL Board of Directors publicly announced by MoEW on 26 March 2025, with implementation to follow the mechanism approved by the Council of Ministers; no formal public date provided for nomination file submission or shortlist milestones. CoM MoEW Presidency of CoM MoEW presser 26 Mar 2025 Antitheft / loss reduction incentive campaign Policy to combat illegal grid connections (“non-technical losses”) announced by MoEW on 26 March 2025; measures include launching enforcement campaigns, applying incentive schemes for compliant areas, and coordinating with Internal Security Forces; pilot implementation planned for the coming period, but no formal public dates provided for Q2 2025 mapping. MoEW EDL · ISF MoI · MoD MoEW presser 26 Mar 2025 Settlement of state entity arrears (≈ US$ 200 m) MoEW announced on 26 March 2025 its intent to recover approximately US$ 200 million in overdue payments from state entities; ministry committed to following up with the Ministry of Finance for inclusion in the Draft Budget 2025; no formal public confirmation found for a dated MoEW letter or MoF review status. MoF Line ministries CoM MoEW presser 26 Mar 2025 World Bank IBRD Power Sector Loan (US$ 250 m) Loan agreement signed in April 2025 between Lebanon and the World Bank to finance the Renewable Energy and System Reinforcement Project (P180501), covering the National Control Center rebuild, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) rollout, and ~150 MW of grid-connected solar PV; Parliamentary ratification is required, with completion anticipated in the second half of 2025. MoF MoEW · EDL World Bank World Bank, Project Appraisal Document, September 2024 EDL headquarters & National Control Centre reconstruction Tender suspended Aug 2025 after objections; PPA & Court of Audit investigating for transparency; re-tender expected Q4 2025. EDL CDR PPA · Court of Audit · MoEW Al Modon Aug 2025 Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) Law (Dec 2023) – secondary regulations Ratified by Parliament; secondary regulations to be developed by ERA after its constitution, including net metering and peer-to-peer sale rules. ERA (once seated) EDL RenewableEnergy Dept. MoEW World Bank, Project Appraisal Document, September 2024 Smart meter / AMI pilot (loss reduction) World Bank loan funds the establishment of EDL’s AMI center, including Meter Data Management (MDM), Customer Information System (CIS), billing systems, and consumer portals; the procurement and installation of smart meters themselves are handled under separate DSP contracts; no formal public timeline is explicitly stated for detailed rollout completion or the initial 50,000-unit deployment. EDL DSP contractors WB · MoEW World Bank, Project Appraisal Document, September 2024 Activate gas-based PPP power plants Minister Sadde confirmed gas plants as key energy transition target; feasibility studies to be launched with private sector by end of 2025 MoEW PPP Council IFC · MoF Sadde Interview, 20 Jun 2025 Reform Roadmap Timeline & Critical Path Recent Milestone   Date Description Critical Path Status Source March 2022 MoEW 5-Year Policy Statement & Least-Cost Generation Plan endorsed Completed MoEW Policy Statement (Mar 2022) November 2022 First tariff indexation since 1994 introduced Completed EDL tariff record (Nov 2022) July 2024 Government approves Cost-Recovery Plan (CRP 2024–2027) Completed World Bank, Project Appraisal Document, September 2024 August 2024 Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM) concept endorsed by MoEW, EDL, BdL Completed World Bank, Project Appraisal Document, September 2024 26 March 2025 Minister launches ERA recruitment, EDL board renewal, and anti-theft plan Completed MoEW Press Release (26 Mar 2025) 23 April 2025 ERA call for applications opened Completed MoEW Announcement (23 Apr 2025) Aug 2025 EDL HQ & NCC tender suspended for anti-corruption review In Progress (Critical) Al Modon Aug 2025   Next Steps – Transparency and Accountability Calendar   Action Responsible Entity Target Date Source Re-issue EDL HQ & NCC tender post-investigation CDR / EDL / PPA Q4 2025 Al Modon Aug 2025 Appoint 5-member ERA board via CoM decree Council of Ministers N/A Sadde Interview, 20 Jun 2025 Close ERA application portal & publish long-list OMSAR 6 May 2025 MoEW Press (23 Apr 2025) Issue tender for EDL HQ & NCC reconstruction CDR / EDL May 2025 MoEW Site Visit Statement (11 Apr 2025) Finalise & approve CWM Operations Manual BdL / EDL N/A World Bank, Project Appraisal Document, September 2024 Appoint 5-member ERA board via CoM decree Council of Ministers N/A World Bank, Project Appraisal Document, September 2024 Launch anti-theft campaign phase-1 (pilot areas) EDL / ISF N/A MoEW Press (26 Mar 2025) Commission CCGT1 (825 MW) and reach 20–24 h/day supply MoEW / EDL / IPP Partners 2026 EDF Least-Cost Plan; MoEW Roadmap Sector achieves full cost-recovery; eliminate subsidies MoEW / MoF / ERA 2027 Cost-Recovery Plan (CRP 2024–2027)   Implementation Bottlenecks & Required Actions   Bottleneck Official Explanation Required Action Source Grid unprepared for RE scaling Lack of network reinforcement Expedite NCC upgrades and ERA guidance for RE integration Sadde Interview, 20 Jun 2025 85 % vacancy in MoEW Grade I‑II cadre Hiring freeze since 2019 Fast‑track DG appointment package announced by minister; needs CoM approval MoEW Policy Statement (Mar 2022) Non‑technical loss ≈ 30 % (US$ 200 m in 2023) Widespread illegal connections; weak enforcement Enforce incentive + penalty plan; deploy smart meters (WB loan) MoEW Policy Statement (Mar 2022) Publicentity arrears US$ 200 m Public bodies not budgeting for bills MoF to embed arrears line in 2025 budget & CWM priority MoEW presser 26 Mar 2025 Unfinished Law 462 revision Draft never finalised MoEW legal cell to table draft amendments 2025 MoEW Policy Statement (Mar 2022) Financing gap for CCGTs Investors wait for governance signals Package PPP with WB/IFC guarantee once ERA seated World Bank, Project Appraisal Document, September 2024   Stakeholders & Roles Entity Core Function Contact MoEW Policy, ERA/EDL nominations Minister Joe Saddi CoM Decrees, budgets Cabinet Secretariat OMSAR ERA recruitment portal EDL Grid & singlebuyer DG K. Hayek BdL Cash Waterfall & FX Treasury Directorate MoF Budget, WB loan Minister Y. Jaber ISF Anti‑theft field ops Ops Command Economic Bodies Privatesector liaison Chair M. Choucair World Bank US$ 250 m loan, TA Reg. Dir. J‑C Carré   Legal & Policy Framework Instrument Status Key Provisions Implementation Note Policy Statement (March 2022) In force (2022) 5‑year reform plan 2022–2026 MoEW Policy Statement (Mar 2022) Law 462/2002 (Electricity Law) In force (since 2002) Establishes ERA, mandates unbundling, sets tariffs Law 462/2002 Cost Recovery Plan 2024–2027 Adopted (July 2024) 10 h supply → sector break-even by 2027 Distributed Renewable Energy Law (2023) In force (2023) Net-metering, peer-to-peer (P2P) energy sales, RE permitting Distributed Renewable Energy Law 2023 World Bank IBRD Loan (US$ 250 m) Signed (April 2025) Rebuild NCC, deploy AMI, 150 MW solar, hydro rehab, grid upgrades Ratification by Parliament & first disbursement pending (Q3 2025) Cash Waterfall Concept Note Endorsed (August 2024) Revenue escrow, automated FX payments World Bank, Project Appraisal Document, September 2024   Official Sources and Reference Materials   Instrument Source Policy Statement (March 2022) Ministry of Energy and Water, Policy Statement March 2022, official PDF. Law 462/2002 (Electricity Law) Law No. 462 of 2002, Republic of Lebanon Official Gazette; reaffirmed in MoEW statements. (AR – EN) CostRecovery Plan 2024–2027 Government of Lebanon, Council of Ministers Decision July 2024 Distributed Renewable Energy Law (2023) Lebanese Parliament, Distributed Renewable Energy Law 2023; implementation status flagged in MoEW communications World Bank IBRD Loan (US$ 250 m) World Bank and Ministry of Finance, WB–MoF Joint Loan Announcement April 2025; loan conditions and project scope detailed in WB project sheet Cash Waterfall Concept Note Banque du Liban + Ministry of Energy and Water, Concept Note August 2024, endorsed per and MoEW follow-up briefings MoEW Press Releases (2024–2025)   Ministry of Energy and Water official press portal       List of Acronyms – Electricity & Energy Reform Tracker Acronym Full Term AFS Audited Financial Statements AMI Advanced Metering Infrastructure BdL Banque du Liban (Central Bank of Lebanon) CCGT Combined Cycle Gas Turbine CDR Council for Development and Reconstruction CIS Customer Information System CoM Council of Ministers CRP Cost Recovery Plan CSB Civil Service Board CWM Cash Waterfall Mechanism DG Director General DRE Distributed Renewable Energy DSP Distribution Service Provider EDL Électricité du Liban ERA Electricity Regulatory Authority FX Foreign Exchange HRW Human Rights Watch IBRD International Bank for Reconstruction and Development IFC International Finance Corporation IMF International Monetary Fund IPP Independent Power Producer ISF Internal Security Forces MoD Ministry of Defense MoEW Ministry of Energy and Water MoF Ministry of Finance MoI Ministry of Interior NCC National Control Center OMSAR Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform PPP Public-Private Partnership RE Renewable Energy SBA Staff-Level Agreement (IMF Stand-By Arrangement) TA Technical Assistance WB World Bank [1] All reform data presented here is based on official Lebanese government sources, such as laws, decrees, strategies, and verified public data. Where possible, each update is linked to a document, gazette entry, or institutional publication.

Overview:   The Reform, Recovery, and Reconstruction Framework (3RF) in Lebanon involves the government, civil society, and the international community to address reform challenges, incentivize investments, and rebuild trust in governance. Initially launched to respond to the Beirut explosion, it now focuses on inclusive policy discussions, reforms, and long-term reconstruction efforts for sustainable economic recovery. The government prioritizes and implements reforms, civil society provides expertise, and the international community supports with knowledge and potential funding aligned with priorities. The 3RF's reform priorities are laid out across 16 thematic areas (click here to check all areas - https://www.lebanon3rf.org/) with working groups comprised of Civil Society Organizations, International Institutions, and Governmental Institutions that collectively set a roadmap to implement reform of critical importance for recovery across all sectors. Despite setbacks triggered by the reoccurring crises, all stakeholders involved in the process are still determined to proceed with the outlined reform and that was evident in the expansion of the scope of work in the aftermath of the reconstruction phase. Rehub aims to shed light on the continued efforts invested by all stakeholders – with emphasis on civil society action – to catalyze the Framework’s reform agenda and integrate more non-3RF actors into the action needed for sustainable reform.   Strategic Importance: The strategic importance of the Reform, Recovery, and Reconstruction Framework (3RF) in Lebanon lies in its comprehensive, collaborative approach to addressing the country's pressing challenges and fostering sustainable recovery. Initially launched in response to the Beirut explosion, the 3RF has evolved into a critical platform for long-term recovery, integrating efforts from the Lebanese government, civil society, and the international community. This inclusive framework ensures that reforms are informed by diverse perspectives and expertise, aligning immediate recovery needs with broader goals for economic stability and infrastructure rebuilding. Furthermore, the 3RF’s structured priorities and the establishment of the Lebanon Financing Facility are pivotal in mobilizing and directing financial resources effectively. By pooling funds from various international donors and focusing on critical reform areas, the 3RF supports both urgent socio-economic interventions and long-term recovery efforts. This strategic approach not only facilitates the implementation of necessary reforms but also enhances transparency and coordination, ultimately paving the way for sustainable development and restoring public trust in governance.   Key Objectives:  The key objectives of the Reform, Recovery, and Reconstruction Framework (3RF) are:  People-Centered Recovery: To restore sustainable livelihoods for the affected population, enhance social justice for vulnerable groups including women and the poor, and ensure participatory decision-making in recovery efforts. This includes addressing urgent needs through policy measures, investments, and capacity-building.  Reform Implementation: To support the reconstruction process by implementing critical reforms that improve governance and accountability, thereby restoring public trust in state institutions. This objective emphasizes the necessity of concurrent reform efforts to ensure that reconstruction is effective and sustainable.  Reconstruction of Critical Assets and Services: To rebuild essential infrastructure and services that provide equal access to quality basic services, supporting sustainable economic recovery. This involves both the reconstruction of physical assets and the implementation of necessary reforms to facilitate long-term recovery.    Strategic Pillars:   Improving Governance and Accountability: To enhance transparency and effectiveness in governance and ensure that recovery efforts are accountable and well-managed.  Jobs and Opportunities: To create employment opportunities and support economic development, helping to stabilize and grow the economy.  Social Protection, Inclusion, and Culture: To strengthen social safety nets, promote inclusion, and support cultural initiatives, ensuring that recovery efforts benefit all segments of society.  Improving Services and Infrastructure: To invest in and upgrade essential services and infrastructure, making them more resilient and accessible to the population.  Stakeholders and Implementation: Consultative Group: The Reform, Recovery, and Reconstruction Framework (3RF) involves a diverse group of stakeholders, each playing a critical role in its implementation and oversight. At the core, the Government of Lebanon is responsible for leading the reform and reconstruction efforts, enacting necessary changes to improve governance, accountability, and overall recovery. This role includes passing and implementing the required reforms to restore public trust and support sustainable recovery. Civil society organizations (CSOs) are integral to the 3RF's operation, providing essential expertise and ensuring diverse perspectives are represented. These currently include:  Adyan Foundation, which manages diversity and promotes inclusive citizenship and education.  ALEF – Act for Human Rights, which documents and advocates for human rights in Lebanon.  AMAN, focusing on policies related to diversity, accessibility, and inclusion.  arcenciel, which works on sustainable development and inclusion for disabled individuals.  Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB), which advocates for women’s empowerment and professional development.  Lebanon Humanitarian & Development NGOs Forum (LHDF), facilitating coordination among local NGOs for effective humanitarian and development responses.  AUB Nature Conservation Center (AUB-NCC), focusing on environmental sustainability through academic and community-based initiatives.  Restart Center, which works on human rights legislation and anti-torture efforts.  SAIL for Change, applying scholarly expertise to community-focused projects in health, education, and environmental sustainability.   International organizations and development partners also play a vital role. The World Bank provides financial support through the Lebanon Financing Facility (LFF), a multi-donor trust fund that mobilizes and coordinates international financial support for Lebanon's recovery. The LFF is designed to support critical reforms and investments that are essential for the country's socio-economic recovery, focusing on areas such as infrastructure, social protection, and economic stability. It ensures that financial resources are directed towards priority sectors identified by the 3RF, with an emphasis on transparency and accountability.  The United Nations offers technical expertise and support aligned with 3RF priorities, while the European Union contributes funding and supports various 3RF initiatives. Additionally, the 3RF Secretariat and Technical Team facilitate the coordination of these efforts, including the selection of CSOs and development partners, organizing meetings, and tracking progress on action points. The Consultative Group Members, including rotating representatives from the listed CSOs, contribute to discussions, set priorities, and monitor the advancement of the 3RF’s objectives.  Working Groups within the 3RF play a critical role in the framework’s operation. Each Working Group is tasked with focusing on specific thematic areas, such as governance, social protection, public finance management, and infrastructure. These groups bring together stakeholders from the government, civil society, and international organizations to develop and implement action plans that address the most pressing challenges in their respective areas. The Working Groups are responsible for ensuring that the reforms are aligned with the 3RF’s overall goals and are implemented effectively. They serve as the primary mechanism for driving the reform agenda, facilitating collaboration, and ensuring that progress is regularly monitored and reported.  Independent Oversight Board (IOB): The Independent Oversight Board (IOB) is a crucial component of the 3RF, providing independent oversight to ensure effective implementation and accountability. The Board comprises six civil society representatives, who were selected through a transparent process. These representatives bring diverse expertise to ensure comprehensive oversight and adherence to the 3RF principles. The IOB's functions include delivering non-partisan assessments of 3RF processes, conducting independent reviews, monitoring the implementation of Consultative Group decisions, and providing policy recommendations. It also advises on mid-term reviews and final evaluations, offers technical recommendations on communications and citizen engagement, and promotes the use of grievance mechanisms. The Board communicates its findings and recommendations to the public and ensures transparency in its operations. Membership in the IOB is on a pro bono basis, with terms rotating annually to maintain continuity and introduce fresh perspectives.  Conclusion:   The Reform, Recovery, and Reconstruction Framework (3RF) represents a pivotal initiative in Lebanon's path to recovery, addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by the Port of Beirut explosion and the broader socio-economic crises. By engaging a diverse coalition of stakeholders—including the Lebanese government, civil society organizations, and international partners—the 3RF seeks to achieve a people-centered recovery, implement crucial reforms, and reconstruct critical infrastructure. The framework emphasizes an inclusive and transparent approach, ensuring that reforms and recovery efforts are responsive to the needs of all segments of the population, particularly the most vulnerable. Central to the 3RF’s success is its robust oversight mechanism, which includes the Independent Oversight Board. This body plays a critical role in maintaining accountability, transparency, and citizen engagement throughout the implementation process. By providing independent reviews, monitoring progress, and making policy recommendations, the Board helps to ensure that the framework’s goals are met effectively and equitably. As the 3RF evolves, its emphasis on continuous stakeholder involvement and adaptive strategies will be crucial in driving sustainable recovery and rebuilding trust in Lebanon's governance and public institutions.  Annex:  After the 3RF was launched and the key priorities were identified, these priorities were categorized and transformed into a tracking sheet to ensure continuous monitoring and progress reporting. This process was essential in maintaining a clear and organized approach to Lebanon's recovery, focusing on transparency and accountability. The tracking sheet, now a crucial part of the 3RF’s operational framework, allows stakeholders to monitor the implementation of reforms and their impacts across various sectors.  Before the main progress reports were released, an emergency response narrative was provided in 2022, detailing immediate actions taken to address urgent needs following the launch of the 3RF. This report highlighted the initial efforts to stabilize the situation and set the groundwork for longer-term recovery strategies.   Progress Report 2021  3RF Priorities Reform: The 3RF’s priorities were formed in response to the urgent and critical needs identified during the initial stages of Lebanon's recovery process. These priorities are continually reassessed and updated to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with the evolving challenges and opportunities in the recovery efforts. For more information on how these priorities are defined and managed, please refer to the following document:   3RF Priorities Reform: 3RF Monitoring Framework  Progress Reports:  The progress reports are critical documents that provide insights into the ongoing recovery efforts. These reports are published regularly to track the progress of reforms and the implementation of recovery strategies. They include detailed assessments of the progress made, challenges faced, and the adjustments needed to keep the recovery on track.   3RF Progress Report: 2022 Progress Report Lebanon Reform, Recovery, and Reconstruction Framework (3RF) 18-Month Progress Report 1 July 2022 – 31 December 2023 

Digital Transformation & Acceleration Sector Reform Tracker[1] Reform Area: Digital Transformation & Acceleration Last Updated: August 2025 Citizen Impact Summary Dimension Snapshot Source Who Is Affected? Digital reform affects all Lebanese citizens, residents, and the diaspora, as well as the private sector. At the 3 June 2025 “Smart Government, Diaspora Experts for Lebanon” conference, President Joseph Aoun stated: “Digital transformation is not a technical choice; it is a national project.” Lebanon has applied to join the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) but is not yet a member. Arab News Financial Burden? The Digital Transformation Strategy (2020‑2030) includes ~80 projects with US$60–100 million provisionally allocated by the World Bank for the DTS (2020–2030) plus USD 150M World Bank loan under the Lebanon Digital Acceleration Project. Funds are allocated but not fully disbursed. Investment gaps remain due to weak infrastructure, political gridlock, and a cash‑based economy. Legal Agenda, ITA (U.S. Dept. of Commerce) Public Services? Key projects: 1) National Digital ID, in design phase, implementation not started; 2) Dawlati e‑government portal, information services only, with planned authentication, e‑billing, e‑payment, and interoperability; 3) IMPACT platform, operational for social safety nets and COVID‑19 vaccination, but reliant on donor funding and affected by connectivity gaps; 4) Digital Acceleration Project adds cloud infrastructure, interoperability, cybersecurity, and e-signatures. Arab News, Legal Agenda, IMPACT open data MentalHealth Toll? Digital reform can reduce corruption and bureaucratic stress, but the digital divide, rural connectivity gaps, and cash-based economy burden vulnerable populations. Offline alternatives remain necessary for social assistance and health services. Arab News, World Bank (vaccination platform) Overview & Objectives Goal Implement the Digital Transformation Strategy (2020‑2030) and the Lebanon Digital Acceleration Project (USD 150M) to modernize governance, rebuild trust, reduce corruption, and ensure inclusive, interoperable digital services. Strategic Importance Success depends on whole-of-government reform, private sector partnerships, and inclusivity, addressing historic fragmentation, funding instability, and weak infrastructure. Key Reform Priorities 1) Implement DTS 2020‑2030 and integrate the Digital Acceleration Project with private sector participation. 2) Establish National Digital ID and e‑signature framework. 3) Issue implementing decrees for Law 81/2018 on electronic transactions and data protection. 4) Enforce Access to Information Law (2017/2021) to improve transparency and accountability. 5) Create National Cybersecurity Agency and consolidate fragmented cyber governance. 6) Expand digital payments, e‑KYC, and P2P transactions to enable financial inclusion. 7) Embed inclusion and accessibility (gender, disability, rural access) in all services. Reform Actions & StatusSpecific Reform Actions & AccountabilityReform action required Current status (Aug 2025) Lead authority Implementing body Oversight/supporting actors Primary source Implement Digital Transformation Strategy (2020‑2030) Government approved the strategy on 12 May 2022. The strategy outlines an 80‑project roadmap with US$60‑100 million in provisional World‑Bank financing. Implementation is ongoing; governance model involves strategic, build and operate levels; linked with USD 150M Digital Acceleration Project for unified, high-impact rollout Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR) Ministries, public institutions, technical teams Prime Minister’s Office; World Bank and UNDP provide funding and technical assistance Legal Agenda, UNDP Develop Dawlati e‑government portal & interoperability platform The strategy translated into a shared portal to provide authentication, e‑billing, e‑payment, interoperability and transaction tracking. OMSAR’s team has progressed, using the Commercial Register online registration pilot to build interoperability. Expansion under Digital Acceleration Project OMSAR OMSAR technical team; ministries of Justice, Finance, Labour, Social Security (for interoperability) Prime Minister’s Office; World Bank Legal Agenda Issue implementing decrees for Law 81/2018 (Electronic transactions & personal data) Law 81/2018 equates e‑signatures and e‑documents with paper documents but requires implementing decrees for electronic authentication certificates and accreditation of certification service providers. As of Aug 2025, key decrees (e.g., for official electronic documents, domain name registry and data retention) remain pending. Ministry of State for Technology & Investment Lebanese Accreditation Council (COLIBAC); Central Bank (for e‑payments) Parliament; civil society advocates Compliance Alert, Legal Agenda Enforce Access to Information Law (2017) and Law 233/2021 amendments The 2017 law obliges state bodies to publish documents and allows any individual to request information. Amendments in 2021 removed capacity requirements and extended coverage to religious courts. However, implementation remains weak; ministries score poorly on TI Lebanon’s index and challenges persist. OMSAR; National Anti‑Corruption Commission (NACC) All public institutions Judiciary, civil society (monitoring compliance) LCPS Establish National Cybersecurity Agency & implement National Cybersecurity Strategy The national cybersecurity strategy proposes eight pillars (defense, education, industry, cooperation, etc.) and calls for a National Agency for Cybersecurity and Information Systems. As of Aug 2025, the agency has not been created; cybersecurity governance remains fragmented. To be reinforced by Digital Acceleration Project cybersecurity pillar Supreme Defense Council; Prime Minister’s Office Proposed national agency (not yet established) Security agencies; ICT ministry Legal Agenda Develop national digital ID system The digital transformation strategy prioritizes a national digital ID and e‑signature capability. World Bank published Lebanon ID Diagnostic and Digital ID Use Cases reports in 2024 to inform implementation. Quick wins, such as using the barcode on existing ID cards, could be implemented at minimal cost. The system is under design; implementation has not yet commenced. Quick wins via barcode on current IDs proposed OMSAR; Ministry of Interior Government ID authority (to be determined) World Bank (technical support), Digital Cooperation Organization World Bank blog, Arab News Expand IMPACT platform & digital health modules IMPACT (Inter‑Ministerial and Municipal Platform for Assessment, Coordination & Tracking) is operational; it collects data nationwide and provides open data to monitor government activities. The platform’s COVID‑19 vaccination module launched in Feb 2021 and improved transparency and trust. It now supports social safety‑net programs and other modules. Sustainability and digital‑divide challenges remain. Offline access and social program integration planned Central Inspection Bureau (CIB) CIB & collaborating ministries (Public Health, Social Affairs) World Bank (funding), donors IMPACT, World Bank vaccination blog Promote digital payments & e‑KYC The Central Bank allowed E‑KYC onboarding in 2020 and issued a circular in 2023 permitting person‑to‑person transfers. More circulars are needed to fully adopt electronic signatures and transactions; infrastructure and trust barriers persist. Central Bank of Lebanon (CBL) Banks & financial institutions CBL (oversight) ITA UNDP‑OMSAR partnership & digital readiness assessment On 1 Aug 2022 UNDP partnered with OMSAR to support the digital transformation strategy. The partnership includes a digital landscape and e‑readiness assessment and aims to unlock new initiatives and ensure inclusive participation in digital reform. OMSAR & UNDP UNDP technical team OMSAR; UN agencies UNDP press release Lebanon Digital Acceleration Project USD 150M WB loan; preparation phase under GFPP; ESCP finalizing; focus on inclusivity, private sector, anti‑corruption, and interoperability USD 150M WB loan; preparation phase under GFPP; ESCP finalizing; focus on inclusivity, private sector, anti‑corruption, and interoperability OMSAR + WB OMSAR + WB + Private Sector and CSOs OMSAR Apply to join the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) On 3 Jun 2025, President Joseph Aoun announced that Lebanon had applied to join the Digital Cooperation Organization, which promotes inclusive digital economies. Membership has not yet been confirmed. Government of Lebanon Ministry for Technology & AI (assumed) DCO Arab News Reform Roadmap Timeline & Critical PathRecent Milestone Recent milestone Date What happened Status on critical path Source Law 81/2018 enacted 10 Oct 2018 Parliament passed the Electronic Transactions and Personal Data Law (Law 81/2018), recognising e‑signatures and e‑documents. Legal framework exists but implementing decrees pending. Compliance Alert Right of Access to Information Law enacted 10 Feb 2017; amended 2021 Law 28/2017 obliges state bodies to publish documents and respond to information requests. Law 233/2021 removed restrictions on requesters and extended coverage. Implementation uneven; ministries score poorly; further enforcement needed. LCPS Launch of IMPACT COVID‑19 vaccination platform 14 Feb 2021 Government launched the IMPACT vaccination module to manage registration and data for COVID‑19 vaccines. Operational and expanded to social safety‑net programs, but sustainability and connectivity challenges remain. World Bank vaccination blog National Cybersecurity Strategy adopted 2020 (public release) Strategy includes eight pillars and calls for a National Agency for Cybersecurity. Agency not yet established; cybersecurity governance remains fragmented. Legal Agenda Digital Transformation Strategy approved 12 May 2022 Implementation ongoing with WB/UNDP support Implementation underway; funding from World Bank; governance model defined. UNDP press release UNDP‑OMSAR partnership signed 1 Aug 2022 UNDP and OMSAR signed an MoU to accelerate digital transformation and conduct a digital readiness assessment. Ongoing; assessment being conducted. UNDP press release World Bank publishes digital identity diagnostic 3 Jun 2024 World Bank released the Lebanon ID Diagnostic and Digital ID Use Cases reports to guide design of a digital ID system. Implementation design phase; quick win proposals identified. World Bank blog President emphasises digital reform & DCO application 3 Jun 2025 At the “Smart Government, Diaspora Experts for Lebanon” conference, President Joseph Aoun called digital transformation a “national project” to combat corruption and announced that Lebanon applied to join the Digital Cooperation Organization. Political commitment affirmed; membership pending; focus on diaspora engagement. Arab News   Next Steps – Transparency and Accountability Calendar     Action Responsible entity Target date Source Finalize ESCP & launch USD 150M Digital Acceleration Project OMSAR & WB 2025 OMSAR Draft and adopt implementing decrees for Law 81/2018 (electronic documents, authentication certificates, domain name registry) Ministry of State for Technology & Investment, COLIBAC, Council of Ministers Dec 2025 (decrees overdue since 2018) Compliance Alert, Legal Agenda Establish National Agency for Cybersecurity and enact unified cybersecurity law Supreme Defense Council & Parliament 2026 Legal Agenda Publish digital landscape and e‑readiness assessment OMSAR & UNDP 2025 UNDP press release Pilot national digital ID system and implement quick wins (use of barcode on existing IDs) OMSAR & Ministry of Interior with World Bank support 2025–2026 World Bank blog Expand Dawlati portal & interoperability platform to all ministries; launch shared services (e‑billing, e‑payment) OMSAR & relevant ministries 2025 Legal Agenda Strengthen enforcement of Access to Information Law and operationalize NACC OMSAR, NACC, Judiciary 2025 LCPS Issue additional Central Bank circulars to enable full digital payments and e‑signature Central Bank (CBL) 2025 ITA Secure sustainable funding and offline access for IMPACT platform; expand modules to social programs Central Inspection Bureau & Ministries 2025 World Bank vaccination blog Join Digital Cooperation Organization (complete membership process) Government of Lebanon 2025–2026 Arab News   Implementation Bottlenecks & Required Actions Bottleneck Official explanation Required immediate action Source Missing implementing decrees for Law 81/2018 Law 81/2018 recognizes e‑signatures but courts will decide evidentiary weight until authentication service providers are accredited; implementing decrees are needed. Draft and pass pending decrees on electronic document recognition, data retention and domain name registry; accredit certification service providers. Compliance Alert Weak compliance with Access to Information Law Despite the 2017 law and 2021 amendments, ministries often fail to publish information; the law lacks assistance provisions and is considered relatively weak. Empower the National Anti‑Corruption Commission and judiciary to enforce compliance; provide training and resources to ministries; update guidelines. LCPS Infrastructure limitations & digital divide Lebanon faces unreliable electricity, limited broadband, and a reliance on cash; these hinder digital adoption. For digital health platforms, connectivity issues exclude rural communities. Invest in power and telecom infrastructure; provide offline versions of digital services; subsidize connectivity for underserved areas. ITA, World Bank vaccination blog Fragmented cybersecurity governance The national cybersecurity strategy proposes a unified agency, but no law or agency has been established. Draft and pass a law creating the National Cybersecurity Agency; allocate budget; coordinate with security agencies. Legal Agenda Lack of planning & performance units in ministries The Minister of State for Administrative Reform noted that government lacks planning and monitoring units and must modernize human resources. Establish planning and performance units in each ministry and centralize monitoring; develop capacity-building programs. Arab News Financial sustainability of digital platforms The IMPACT vaccination platform relies on donor funding; long‑term funding is uncertain. Secure government budget allocations or public‑private partnerships to fund platform maintenance; integrate modules across sectors to increase value. World Bank vaccination blog Persistent cash economy and low trust in banking Reliance on cash reached 45.7% of GDP in 2022, and bank accounts per 100 adults fell from 77.3 in 2010 to 46.9 in 2021. Promote digital payment adoption through regulatory clarity, consumer protection and incentives; address trust issues in the banking sector. ITA Inclusion Gaps (Digital Divide) Gender, rural, elderly, and disability inclusion remain weak despite ongoing reforms Embed inclusion KPIs in project M&E, roll out offline/low‑bandwidth access, and ensure WCAG‑compliant design OMSAR Consultation Briefing, 28 Jul 2025 Funding Sustainability (WB Loan) WB loan requires measurable outcomes and local capacity building to maintain donor trust and ensure project continuity Establish robust M&E framework, tie disbursements to KPIs, and invest in local skills to reduce external dependency OMSAR Consultation Briefing, 28 Jul 2025   Stakeholders & Roles Entity Core function Contact (publicly available) Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR) Leads digital transformation strategy, develops Dawlati portal and interoperability standards. Email: info@omsar.gov.lb; Phone: +961 1 371 510 Central Inspection Bureau (CIB) Hosts IMPACT platform to collect and publish governmental data; monitors public administration. Website: impact.cib.gov.lb. Ministry of State for Technology & Investment Works on implementing decrees for Law 81/2018 and cyber‑policy reforms. Public contact via OMSAR. Central Bank of Lebanon (CBL) Issues circulars on digital payments and e‑KYC; regulates financial sector. Website: www.bdl.gov.lb. Ministry of Justice Works with OMSAR on legal and regulatory framework for digital ID and electronic transactions. Website: justice.gov.lb. National Anti‑Corruption Commission (NACC) Oversees implementation of access‑to‑information law and handles non‑compliance complaints. Website: http://www.nacc.gov.lb/. Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) Partner in digital health modules and vaccination platform. Website: www.moph.gov.lb. UNDP Lebanon Provides technical assistance and coordinates international support for digital transformation. Contact: registry.lb@undp.org World Bank Provides funding and technical advice on digital ID, digital payments and public infrastructure. Website: www.worldbank.org. Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) International organization promoting inclusive digital economies; Lebanon applied for membership. Website: www.dco.org.   Legal & Policy Framework Instrument Status Key provisions Implementation note Digital Transformation Strategy 2020‑2030 (DTS) Approved 12 May 2022. Provides a roadmap of ~80 digital projects with governance model (strategy, build, operate levels). Commits to open governance, security‑by‑default and readiness/risk management. Implementation underway; financed by World Bank grants (US$60‑100 m); requires inter‑ministerial coordination and infrastructure upgrades. Electronic Transactions & Personal Data Law (No. 81/2018) Enacted 10 Oct 2018; implementing decrees pending. Recognises electronic signatures and documents, defines domain‑name registry, sets data‑host liability, and introduces provisions for personal data protection. Courts must decide evidentiary weight until certification service providers are accredited; decrees on authentication certificates and domain names remain to be issued. Right of Access to Information Law (No. 28/2017) & Amendments (No. 233/2021) Law 28/2017 enacted; law 233/2021 amendments adopted. Obligates state administrations to publish budgets and decisions; allows individuals to request information online or via Information Officers. Amendments remove capacity requirement and expand coverage to religious courts. Implementation remains weak; ministries often non‑compliant and enforcement mechanisms require strengthening. National Cybersecurity Strategy Developed by Prime Minister’s Office and OMSAR; publicized around 2020. Eight pillars: defense/deterrence, international cooperation, capacity building, industrial development, export promotion, public‑private cooperation, strengthened intelligence services. Calls for a National Agency for Cybersecurity & Information Systems. Agency not yet established; strategy lacks legislative backing. UNDP‑OMSAR Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signed 1 Aug 2022. UNDP to provide technical assistance, conduct digital landscape and e‑readiness assessment, and coordinate UN support for digitization. Implementation ongoing; results of readiness assessment pending. Central Bank Circulars on E‑KYC & Digital Payments E‑KYC onboarding allowed in 2020; additional circular issued in 2023 for P2P transfers. Facilitates digital onboarding and limited P2P transfers; more regulations needed to fully enable electronic signatures and transactions. Regulatory environment still evolving; restrictions on cloud hosting and local data storage hamper innovation.   Official Sources and Reference Materials Document Where to access Digital Transformation Strategy 2020‑2030 (English) OMSAR: omsar.gov.lb – DT Strategy Lebanon Digital Acceleration Project OMSAR: omsar.gov.lb – DAP Project Electronic Transactions & Personal Data Law (No. 81/2018) Compliance Alert analysis: compliancealert.org Right of Access to Information Law & National Action Plan LCPS “Access to Information in Lebanon” article and OMSAR–UNDP–OECD comparative chart (2021) Legal Agenda article “Lebanon’s Digital Transformation … Shortcomings” legal-agenda.com World Bank blog “Digital identity: building the foundations of digital public infrastructure in Lebanon” World Bank – Arab Voices World Bank blog “Lebanon’s COVID‑19 vaccination digital platform promotes transparency & public trust” World Bank – Arab Voices International Trade Administration – Lebanon Digital Economy trade.gov UNDP press release “UNDP partners with OMSAR” undp.org Arab News report on digital transformation conference (3 Jun 2025) arabnews.pk IMPACT Open Data portal impact.cib.gov.lb   List of Acronyms – Banking Sector Reform Tracker Acronym Full name DTS Digital Transformation Strategy (2020‑2030) OMSAR Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform Dawlati Lebanon’s e‑government portal IMPACT Inter‑Ministerial and Municipal Platform for Assessment, Coordination & Tracking CIB Central Inspection Bureau E‑KYC Electronic Know‑Your‑Customer DT Digital Transformation NACC National Anti‑Corruption Commission DCO Digital Cooperation Organization DPI Digital Public Infrastructure ID Identity Document UNDP United Nations Development Programme CBL Central Bank of Lebanon   [1] All reform data presented here is based on official Lebanese government sources, such as laws, decrees, strategies, and verified public data. Where possible, each update is linked to a document, gazette entry, or institutional publication.