FEMISE is proud to launch its latest series of policy briefs, stemming from insightful conference papers presented at the FEMISE annual conference. These briefs are rooted in scientific research and offer actionable political recommendations to address critical challenges in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
The objective if this new series of Policy Briefs is to provide policy makers, international organisers, researchers and stakeholders in the EU-Med region with research-based policy recommendations that: advocate a better EU-Med integration; promote mobilization of investments towards green transition and sustainable economies; empower young people through innovation and entrepreneurship advocacy; and facilitate a better and more equal integration of youth and women, aiming to create pathways for decent employment.
These Policy Briefs aspires to drive impactful dialogue and action across the EU-Med region.
Context
Lebanon and Syria face significant challenges in transitioning to a green economy. Weak regulatory frameworks, political instability, and a lack of sustainable financing hinder the growth of green entrepreneurship. However, with the right policies and investments, the green energy sector can drive economic development, environmental sustainability, and job creation.
This policy brief explores the key barriers preventing green business growth in both countries, including outdated legislation, financial constraints, and skill shortages. It also highlights actionable policy recommendations, such as blended finance models, stronger regulatory frameworks, and enhanced collaboration between academic institutions, NGOs, and the private sector. By addressing these gaps, Lebanon and Syria can unlock the potential of green entrepreneurship, fostering resilience and innovation in the energy sector.
Summary
This policy brief examines the challenges posed by fragile ecosystems that obstruct entrepreneurial initiatives in the green transition sector. It specifically aims to highlight policy deficiencies in Southern Mediterranean countries, with a focus on Lebanon and Syria. Both nations face critical barriers, including minimal government intervention, political instability (particularly due to the conflict in Syria), outdated or insufficient regulatory and legislative frameworks, inadequate infrastructure, weak ecosystems, limited access to sustainable financing, and low public awareness. These challenges significantly hinder progress toward a green transition in the region. The policy brief underscores the vital role of entrepreneurship as a catalyst for transformative change, particularly when supported by long-term investments and strategic guidance.
In this context, the policy brief highlights key stakeholders that are essential for implementing the proposed recommendations. These include donors, international nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions, innovation centers, and financial institutions. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable funding mechanisms, advocating for the development of blended financial models to effectively address financing barriers. It also underscores the critical role of universities and innovation centers in fostering entrepreneurship through awareness initiatives and the integration of relevant curricula. Furthermore, it calls for the establishment of robust regulatory frameworks to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems in the region. Ultimately, the policy brief stresses the need for comprehensive, targeted policies to tackle the complex challenges hindering the green transition in Southern Mediterranean countries.
Read the full Policy Brief no.5 here
This Policy Brief is part of the FEMISE Policy Brief Series and is based on the FEMISE Conference Paper no.6. entitled: «Towards Sustainable Green Transition In Lebanon And Syria: Identifying Policy Gaps And Spotting Opportunities To Design Sustainable Policies» with the same authors.
The opinions and contents of this document are the sole responsibility of the authors and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of FEMISE, IEMED, ERF or the AECID