The Council of the European Union approved on Monday, 12 October 2026, the creation of a new support mission in Lebanon to assist the Lebanese army and internal security forces. Its initial mandate will run for three years and focus on strengthening territorial control, border security and internal security.
European mandate for mission to support Lebanese institutions
The mission, named the European Union Support Mission in Lebanon, falls under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy. It will provide advice and assistance to Lebanon’s military and security institutions to develop their capabilities in areas related to territorial control, border management and maintaining internal security.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said the mission would provide advice and assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces and internal security forces to strengthen territorial control, border security and internal security, stressing that Europe was committed to Lebanon’s future.
Kallas links mission to Resolution 1701
During a visit to Beirut on 8 October, Kallas announced that planning for the mission had been completed and that the EU had received a formal invitation from the Lebanese authorities to proceed with its creation. She said the mission would operate in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and would not be limited to southern Lebanon. The European official stressed that the new mission was not a replacement for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL.
The mission will focus on training Lebanese institutions and providing them with advice and assistance to support their ability to assume security responsibilities and enforce state authority across Lebanese territory. The decision follows months of consultations and preparations within EU institutions and with the Lebanese authorities.
Preparatory proposals for the mission focused on supporting land border regiments, gendarmerie units and mobile forces, as well as developing surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, strengthening maritime security, and managing security at borders and ports. The mission adds to European support programmes for Lebanon’s military institution.
Since 2022, the EU has provided 182 million euros in assistance to the Lebanese army through the European Peace Facility, including a 100-million-euro assistance package approved by the Council on 4 June 2026.
The latest support is intended to develop the army’s capabilities in five areas: territorial control, multi-domain operational awareness, maritime security, protection of critical military sites and healthcare. It also forms part of the EU’s efforts to help Lebanese institutions monitor and secure the country’s territory and strengthen civilian protection.
