EU chief Ursula von der Leyen announced on Thursday an extensive aid package of $1 billion to support Lebanon in addressing the issue of illegal migration. However, concerns have been raised by rights groups regarding the potential for forced returns to Syria.

According to Fox News, the European Union has already reached agreements with Egypt, Tunisia, Mauritania, and other countries to address that issue of irregular migration.

EU Pledges $1 Billion in Aid for Lebanon

The EU chief said the aid was intended to bolster essential services like education and health amid a dire economic crisis. Europe has pledged its support to Lebanon's army, emphasizing its commitment to providing equipment and training for border management.

According to the EU Commission's spokesman in Brussels, the aid will be provided in the form of grants. A significant portion of 736 million euros has been allocated to assist Lebanon in addressing the Syrian crisis.

According to his statement, a significant amount of 264 million euros will be allocated towards bilateral cooperation. This funding will primarily be directed towards bolstering security services, particularly in the area of border management.

Von der Leyen emphasized the EU's dedication to upholding "legal pathways open to Europe" and resettling refugees. She also stressed the importance of cooperation in preventing illegal migration and combating migrant smuggling.

READ NEXT: Maui Wildfires: Officials Sue Cell Carriers for Failing to Send Alerts During Deadly Lahaina Fire 

Lebanon's Economic Crisis

Lebanon experienced a severe economic collapse in late 2019, increasing migrants using it as a starting point for dangerous journeys to Europe. Lebanese citizens are now joining Syrians and Palestinian refugees in these perilous voyages.

Lebanon has become home to approximately two million individuals from neighboring Syria, making it the country with the highest number of refugees per capita worldwide. Among them, nearly 785,000 are registered with the United Nations.

AP News said von der Leyen further mentioned that the EU has provided Lebanon with a significant sum of 2.6 billion euros to help their hosting efforts.

The conflict in Syria began in 2011 when the government responded violently to peaceful pro-democracy demonstrations. Since then, it has resulted in the loss of over half a million lives and forced approximately half of the population to flee their homes.

Before von der Leyen visited Beirut, eight significant rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, issued a warning about the safety of returning to Syria.

READ MORE: Young Americans Under 40 Are Richer Over the Last 4 Years