Europe must act in the face of Lebanon's collapse, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said, adding that he would push for a meeting of EU FMs to discuss a solution to the economic and political crisis in Beirut, Reuters reported.

Paris has spearheaded an international effort to save the former French protectorate from its worst crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war, but after seven months it has not yet succeeded in convincing Lebanese politicians to accept a reform plan or to form a new government to receive international assistance.

The crisis has intensified in recent days: the currency has plummeted in value, and some grocery stores have temporarily closed due to lack of goods. Later on Monday, President Michel Aoun will meet with Prime Minister-designate Saad al-Hariri to try to break the deadlock in forming a government.

France wants us to discuss the issue of Lebanon, Le Drian said at the meeting of EU foreign ministers.

He noted that the country is moving away, divided, crumbling, Europe must be ready.

French and Western diplomats said that after months of stalemate, France is ready to discuss the prospect of sanctions at the EU or national level against senior Lebanese officials, although this is unlikely to happen in the near future.