EU foreign ministers agreed on Monday to establish a new mission in Lebanon with both civilian and military teams. It could begin work within a few months. The teams will train Lebanese security forces and support the police in their everyday duties. Their tasks will include protecting borders, improving security at sea and dealing with drones, which are aircraft without pilots on board.
The decision comes as the United Nations prepares to end its peacekeeping operation in Lebanon. The UN force, known as UNIFIL, has helped keep Israel and Lebanon apart, but its mandate ends in late 2026. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has asked for the operation to continue. EU officials say their mission is intended to strengthen Lebanon’s own security forces, not replace UNIFIL.
Unlike the UN force, the EU mission will not operate in southern Lebanon, where Israel continues its military campaign against Hezbollah, a group supported by Iran. The mission’s exact responsibilities, staffing and leadership still need to be agreed. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Lebanese authorities welcomed the plan.
