Brussels, 10 October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Union is preparing to formally establish a new security support operation in Lebanon, with foreign ministers expected to consider the proposal on 12 October. The EU Lebanon military mission is intended to strengthen Lebanese armed and internal security forces as the country prepares for the planned withdrawal of United Nations peacekeepers.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed during her visit to Beirut on 8 October that operational planning had been completed and Lebanese authorities had formally invited the bloc to proceed.
The development marks a significant step in European security cooperation with Lebanon, although the mission has not yet received its expected formal approval.
EU Security Mission Moves Towards Formal Approval
The proposed operation would operate under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy framework.
Its responsibilities would include advising and assisting the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces in strengthening territorial control, border security and domestic security capabilities.
The mission would support Lebanon’s national institutions rather than assume the responsibilities of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Council documents dated 8 October identify a proposed decision concerning the European Union Support Mission in Lebanon, confirming that the initiative has entered the EU’s formal decision-making process.
Kaja Kallas Confirms Mission Preparations Are Complete
Speaking alongside Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji in Beirut, Kallas confirmed that preparations had reached an advanced stage.
“Planning for our new European Union support mission [in Lebanon] is now completed,” she said, according to Agence Europe.
Kallas explained that the operation would strengthen Lebanon’s ability to manage its territory and borders while supporting internal security institutions.
She also stressed that the initiative would not replace UNIFIL and would not be restricted to southern Lebanon.
Rajji welcomed the proposal as an investment in Lebanese state institutions and called for continued European support for the country’s security capabilities.
UNIFIL Withdrawal Raises Regional Security Concerns
UNIFIL has operated in southern Lebanon since 1978, monitoring security conditions and supporting stability near the Israeli border.
Its current mandate is scheduled to expire on 31 December 2026, with an orderly withdrawal to follow.
Kallas warned against leaving a security vacuum and said discussions were continuing about a possible international presence after UNIFIL’s departure.
She also linked Lebanon’s long-term security to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and strengthening the Lebanese state’s authority throughout the country.
European Union Expands Financial and Defence Assistance
The EU Lebanon military mission would complement substantial existing European assistance.
During her Beirut visit, Kallas confirmed that European Peace Facility support for Lebanon had reached €182 million since 2022.
She also highlighted a €505 million assistance package announced in September, completing the broader €1 billion commitment made in 2024.
The funding is intended to support economic recovery, security improvements, border management and essential public services.
These commitments demonstrate that the proposed operation forms part of a wider European strategy combining institutional reform, financial assistance and security cooperation.
What Happens Next for EU-Lebanon Security Cooperation?
EU foreign ministers are expected to consider formally establishing the mission on Monday, 12 October.
If approved, the operation would move towards implementation, with further operational arrangements and personnel commitments to be confirmed.
The decision would expand European engagement with Lebanon’s security institutions during a period of uncertainty surrounding the future international presence in southern Lebanon.
For Brussels and Beirut, the immediate priority remains strengthening national security capabilities while avoiding a gap in international support.
