BRUSSELS — The European Union on Monday called for a credible and accountable government to be formed in Lebanon without delay following the nomination of Najib Mikati as Prime Minister-designate earlier in the day.

"It is now of crucial importance that a credible and accountable government is formed in Lebanon without delay, one that is able to address the severe economic and social crises the country is facing," said Nabila Massrali, EU spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, in a statement this evening.

"We call on the Lebanese political leaders to cooperate and allow for the swift formation of a credible and capable government, in the interest of the people of Lebanon," she said.

The statement stressed that implementing key governance and economic reforms remains of utmost urgency, as called for by the International Support Group for Lebanon, the EU and other members of the international community for a long time now.

The EU called for effective talks aiming at an early agreement with the International Monetary Fund to start immediately to avoid a financial collapse in Lebanon.

Preparations for the 2022 elections must commence in earnest to ensure that such elections take place on schedule, it said.

"The EU remains ready to assist the people of Lebanon, but it is imperative that the Lebanese leadership fulfills its political responsibilities and opens the way for a quick resolution of the crisis," added the EU statement. — KUNA