DUBLIN, Ireland — The European Union is preparing to launch a mission to advise and train the Lebanese Armed Forces as the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon approaches its scheduled end.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Tuesday that defence ministers had discussed plans for a new EU mission focused on strengthening Lebanon’s ability to provide security, including along its borders and maritime territory.
“Ministers discussed our plans for a new EU mission to advise and train the country’s armed forces, including on border and maritime security,” Kallas said after a meeting of EU defence ministers in Ireland.
The proposed mission would not replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Kallas said, but would instead support Lebanon in developing its own security capabilities.
“The EU is not seeking to replace UNIFIL, we are investing in Lebanon’s capacity to provide security for itself,” she said.
EU targets October decision
Kallas said planning for the mission was progressing, with about 10 countries having expressed interest in participating.
The EU hopes to make a formal decision on launching the mission in October, she said.
The initiative comes as international discussions intensify over the future of peacekeeping and security arrangements in southern Lebanon.
UNIFIL currently has about 7,500 personnel from nearly 50 countries deployed in southern Lebanon. The force has operated in the country since 1978 and has played a role in monitoring the security situation and supporting implementation of UN Security Council resolutions.
Despite the peacekeeping presence, southern Lebanon has experienced repeated rounds of fighting, particularly between Israel and Hezbollah.
UNIFIL mandate set to expire
The proposed EU mission comes ahead of the planned expiry of UNIFIL’s mandate on December 31, 2026.
The UN Security Council decided in August last year to end the mission’s mandate following pressure from the United States.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has nevertheless said that an international peacekeeping presence will be needed in Lebanon after the current mission expires.
France and Italy have separately expressed interest in establishing a multinational force that could succeed UNIFIL.
The proposals have raised broader questions over how international security responsibilities in southern Lebanon will be handled once the UN mission leaves.
Focus on Lebanese security forces
The EU mission would have a different role from a traditional peacekeeping operation.
Rather than replacing UNIFIL’s deployment, the proposed EU force would advise and train Lebanese security personnel, with particular attention to border and maritime security.
The approach reflects efforts to strengthen Lebanese state institutions so that they can assume greater responsibility for securing the country’s territory.
The effectiveness of such a mission would depend on the extent of international participation, the resources provided and the ability of Lebanon’s security institutions to operate across areas affected by political and military tensions.
Lebanon caught in wider regional conflict
Lebanon has been repeatedly affected by the wider Middle East conflict because of fighting involving Israel and Hezbollah.
According to the report, Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel on March 2, triggering a broad Israeli bombing campaign and ground invasion.
More than 4,300 people have been killed, although the intensity of the violence has declined following a US-Iran deal and a Washington-sponsored framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel.
The reduction in fighting has not eliminated concerns over Lebanon’s long-term security, however, particularly as the country prepares for the possible departure of UN peacekeepers.
