Brussels, Aug 30 (DPA) The European Commission Wednesday unveiled an aid package worth euro 42 million (about $54 million) for rebuilding Lebanon following a 34-day devastating confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah fighters in the south of the country.

European Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner said she would pledge the money at an international donor meeting on Lebanon to be held in Stockholm Thursday.

The commission - which oversees joint aid efforts by the 25-nation European Union - said that in line with requests from the Lebanese government, the EU package included technical assistance for the reconstruction process, focusing on infrastructure and environment, support for improved internal security and backing for the Lebanese private sector to help relaunch the economy.

The EU has so far collectively donated euro 100 million, including humanitarian assistance, to Lebanon.

"The key to Lebanon's successful recovery will be the full empowerment of a sovereign and independent Lebanese government," Ferrero-Waldner told reporters.

"Clearly, the physical challenges facing Lebanon can only be addressed in a meaningful way in the context of a durable peace."

European governments have deployed about 7,000 peacekeeping troops in southern Lebanon to monitor a ceasefire between Israel and the Hezbollah militia.