![EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell in Moscow, Russia on 5 February 2021 [RU Foreign Ministry/Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/d2.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sergey-Lavrov-Josep-Borrell-press-conference-in-Moscow_14.jpg?fit=920%2C613&ssl=1)
The European Union today warned of a possible collapse of Lebanon if the country’s leaders fail to form a government, Anadolu Agency reports.
In a meeting, Ralph Tarraf, the EU envoy to Beirut, gave President Michel Aoun an urgent letter from EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urging the formation of a government as soon as possible and the implementation of reforms needed to extricate Lebanon from its current crisis, said the Lebanese Presidency in a statement.
Borrell also reportedly said the EU could discuss providing aid to Lebanon after the formation of a new government.
He added that Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati must agree on a new government “for the interest of the people.”
“We feel extreme concern about the rapid escalation of the economic, financial, security, and social crises,” Tarraf told a press conference after meeting with Aoun.
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Mikati was assigned to form a government by Aoun on July 26 after Saad Hariri failed over a period of nine months to form a government over differences with Aoun.
The Arab country has been unable to form a new administration since the resignation of Diab’s Cabinet on Aug. 10, 2020, six days after the massive Beirut port blast.
Lebanon is facing a severe economic crisis, with the local currency losing nearly all of its value against the dollar, and streets witnessing massive protests and rallies.