President Joseph Aoun on Friday said Lebanon rejects being used as a “negotiating card” in regional conflicts, stressing that Beirut is pursuing diplomacy strictly in defense of its sovereignty and national interests.

Speaking at an informal meeting of European Union heads of state and government in Nicosia, attended alongside leaders from the EU’s southern neighbourhood, Aoun said Lebanon has entered a diplomatic process under U.S. sponsorship, with the support of the European Union and Arab states, aimed at reaching a lasting settlement.

He said the objective of these efforts is to halt Israeli military operations, secure a full Israeli withdrawal behind internationally recognised borders, and enable the Lebanese state to extend its authority across all its territory.

“Lebanon rejects being a bargaining chip in regional conflicts. It negotiates on its own behalf, in defense of its national interests and sovereignty,” Aoun said.

He added that Lebanon shares with other regional countries a strong interest in de-escalation, arguing that “diplomacy, not escalation, is the only path to a sustainable solution.”

The president said the government has taken “decisive steps” in recent months to reinforce sovereignty, including affirming the state’s exclusive authority over war and peace and restricting weapons to state institutions.

Humanitarian and economic toll

Aoun outlined what he described as the severe humanitarian and economic consequences of continued Israeli strikes, accusing Israel of violations of international law through attacks on medical teams, hospitals, schools, journalists and places of worship, as well as the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure and villages aimed at preventing displaced residents from returning.

He warned of a deepening crisis, citing more than 1,300 evacuation orders affecting 311 towns and over 6,800 airstrikes recorded by April 11. He said the conflict has resulted in more than 10,000 casualties, including large numbers of women, children and people with disabilities.

More than one million people have been displaced inside Lebanon, he said.

Citing a preliminary World Bank assessment, Aoun said infrastructure and housing damage reached about $1.4 billion in just one month, excluding losses from a major escalation on April 8 involving more than 100 airstrikes in under ten minutes. He said around 38,000 housing units have been destroyed, with more than 150,000 people expected to be left without homes once the conflict ends. Total losses from earlier phases of conflict were estimated at $14 billion.

He said Lebanon’s economy has shifted from growth to contraction, with GDP expected to fall by 7.5% and inflation rising to around 15%, alongside continued social deterioration.

Despite the crisis, Aoun said state institutions remain functional and reform efforts are continuing, supported by digital systems aimed at improving transparency.

Syrian refugees and reconstruction appeal

The president also highlighted the burden of displaced Syrians in Lebanon, calling for coordination with Syrian authorities and international partners to facilitate their “safe and dignified return.” He said Syria’s relative stabilisation offers a “real opportunity” for gradual and organized progress on the issue.

Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to economic reform and to strengthening ties with the European Union, saying the partnership should go beyond financial assistance to include investment and strategic cooperation.

He urged the EU to convene an international conference dedicated to reconstruction and recovery, increase humanitarian funding, and reactivate a long-delayed conference in support of the Lebanese army, which he described as a pillar of national unity and regional stability. He also called for continued European participation in UNIFIL and suggested exploring a possible future EU mission in Lebanon after its mandate ends.

Lebanon’s strategic role

Aoun stressed Lebanon’s strategic importance to Europe, particularly on issues of regional stability, migration, counterterrorism and energy security.

He said Lebanon could serve as a logistical and commercial hub in the Eastern Mediterranean due to its geographic location, ports and proximity to regional markets.

He called for deeper EU-Lebanon cooperation in energy and economic integration, arguing that stability in the region is essential for global energy markets and maritime security.

Bilateral meetings

On the sidelines of the summit, Aoun held a series of bilateral meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, and Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.

He briefed Macron on Lebanon’s diplomatic efforts and internal situation, thanking France for its continued political and humanitarian support.

Macron reaffirmed France’s backing for Lebanon, saying Paris would continue its diplomatic engagement and humanitarian assistance.

Meloni also expressed Italy’s support for Lebanon and its diplomatic track, including ongoing negotiations, and said Rome was ready to assist stabilisation efforts and continue providing support.