The European Union has established a new three-year support mission in Lebanon to strengthen the country’s defence and security institutions, reaffirming its commitment to the country’s sovereignty, stability and state authority.
The EU Council adopted the decision on Monday to establish the EU Support Mission in Lebanon (EUSM Lebanon), which aims to contribute to peace and security in the country in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
The mission will focus on building the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces, while also supporting maritime security governance.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc’s foreign ministers had agreed to launch the initiative, which will advise and assist Lebanon’s security institutions in strengthening territorial control, border protection and internal security.
“With this new mission — a major update of our security ties — we continue to support the country’s institutions in restoring full sovereignty and building lasting stability for the Lebanese people,” Kallas said.
Military and civilian pillars to strengthen security
The mission will operate through two complementary pillars — military and civilian — under a unified political mandate.
The military component will advise and train the Lebanese Armed Forces, with priorities including land and maritime border security, surveillance, intelligence, counter-smuggling, and operational coordination.
The civilian component will support the Internal Security Forces through specialised training and advisory assistance to improve operational capabilities and develop sustainable training structures.
Operational planning will continue following the EU Council’s decision, ahead of the mission’s deployment.
Aoun welcomes European backing for state institutions
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the decision, describing it as a sign of Europe’s “steadfast European commitment to Lebanon’s security and stability,” according to a statement from the presidency.
He said the mission would provide expertise, training and advice to strengthen legitimate institutions, extend state authority throughout Lebanese territory and secure the country’s borders.
Aoun added that the initiative was consistent with the Lebanese government’s decisions and its official policy of restricting the possession of weapons to legitimate forces.
He said the EU decision reflected confidence in the army and the Internal Security Forces as the two legitimate bodies responsible for protecting Lebanon and its citizens.
Thanking the EU and its member states, Aoun pledged that Lebanon would provide “all necessary cooperation to ensure the success of the mission’s work.”
He described European support as an additional pillar in efforts to consolidate stability and reinforce state institutions.
