EU establishes new security support mission in Lebanon

The European Union on Monday established a new support mission in Lebanon to strengthen the country’s defense and security institutions, reaffirming its commitment to Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty and state institutions.

The EU Council adopted a decision establishing the EU Support Mission in Lebanon (EUSM Lebanon), with an initial mandate of three years, according to a statement.

The mission aims to contribute to peace and security in Lebanon, strengthen state institutions and promote lasting stability in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

It will focus on enhancing the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Internal Security Forces, as well as supporting maritime security governance.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said foreign ministers had agreed to launch the new mission, which will advise and assist Lebanon’s armed forces and internal security forces in strengthening territorial control, border security 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,” she said.

The mission will operate through two pillars, military and civilian, under a unified political mandate, with each carrying out complementary tasks within its respective area of responsibility.

The military pillar will provide advisory support and training to the Lebanese Armed Forces, focusing on border and maritime security, land border surveillance and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, counter-smuggling and operational coordination.

The civilian pillar will support the Internal Security Forces through advisory assistance and specialized training to strengthen operational capabilities and develop sustainable training structures.

Following the EU Council’s decision, operational planning will continue ahead of the mission’s deployment.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the decision, saying it reflected “a steadfast European commitment to Lebanon’s security and stability,” according to a presidency statement.

He said the mission would provide expertise, training and advice to strengthen legitimate institutions, extend state authority across Lebanese territory and secure its borders.

Aoun added that the mission’s work was consistent with the Lebanese government’s decisions and its official policy of restricting possession of weapons to legitimate forces.

The European decision reflected “confidence in the army and the Internal Security Forces as the two legitimate bodies tasked with protecting the country and its citizens,” he said.

Thanking the European Union 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 strengthen state institutions.