EU Announces Three-Year Support Mission to Strengthen Lebanon's Security Forces

The European Union has announced a three-year support mission aimed at boosting the capabilities of Lebanon's defense and security institutions, in a move the bloc says underscores its commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty, independence and the authority of the state. The EU Council on Monday approved the establishment of the "EU Support Mission in Lebanon" (EUMS Lebanon), in line with a UN Security Council resolution and as part of efforts to support peace and stability in Lebanon. The mission's main objectives are to increase the capabilities of the Lebanese army and civilian security forces, and to further strengthen the maritime surveillance system. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the foreign ministers of member states had agreed to launch the mission. She noted that the effort would help strengthen Lebanon's regional control, protect regional borders and maintain internal security, with Lebanese security forces receiving the technical assistance and advice they need. "With this new step in our security partnerships, we will further strengthen our support to the country's institutions to help Lebanon regain full sovereignty and establish sustainable stability," Kallas said. The mission is to be carried out under a single political framework, with military and civilian tracks coordinated. On the military side, priority will be given to providing soldiers with the training and technical advice they need. This includes maintaining land and sea borders, gathering and monitoring intelligence, preventing the smuggling of goods, and strengthening cooperation between institutions. On the civilian side, specialized training will be provided to security forces, and assistance will be given to put in place sustainable training systems. With the EU Council's decision, all necessary preparations and arrangements for the mission to begin operating on the ground have now been initiated. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has warmly welcomed the decision, describing it as a sign of the importance Europe attaches to Lebanon's security and stability. He said the move would help strengthen legal institutions, extend state authority across the entire country and secure regional borders, and would facilitate the technical assistance and training needed to do so. He also noted that the step is fully consistent with the official policy of the Lebanese government to restrict the use of weapons to legal forces alone. Aoun further said the decision is evidence of the trust placed in the soldiers and civilian forces who carry the responsibility of protecting the country and its people, and he thanked the EU and its member states. Expressing confidence that Lebanon will give its full support to carrying out the mission successfully, he said the effort represents a very important boost for the country's stability and for strengthening the state's institutions.