European Union foreign ministers agreed on Monday to create a new civilian and military mission in Lebanon. The team could begin working within months and will help strengthen the country's security forces. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Lebanese authorities welcomed the plan.
The mission will focus on protecting borders and the sea, dealing with drones, and training Lebanese security forces. It will also help police with their everyday work. However, officials have not yet decided its exact responsibilities, staff numbers, or leadership. The EU is considering sending about 150 people. The mission could initially last up to three years, with the possibility of an extension.
The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, is due to end its work at the end of 2026. It currently has roughly 7,500 peacekeepers. EU officials say their new mission will support Lebanon's own forces rather than replace UNIFIL. Unlike the UN force, the EU team will not operate in southern Lebanon, where Israel continues its military campaign against Hezbollah, a group supported by Iran. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has asked for the UN operation to continue.
