Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Union, on January 21, 2025, announced a €60 million support package for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).
The Council of the European Union today approved a third assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF) worth €60 million to the benefit of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).
As reported by the European Union, this assistance effort will contribute to supporting the capabilities of the LAF to help them in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701 to redeploy, maintain and secure stability in the South of Litani Sector of the nation.
The package will further contribute to the safety of the civilian population in the area. The assistance measure will also improve the LAF’s operational abilities and usefulness to contribute to national and regional security and strength, thereby permitting displaced civilians on both flanks to return to their homes.
How does the EU-Lebanon partnership address regional challenges?
In her remarks, Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said,
“This new assistance marks a significant uptake in the EU’s support to the Lebanese Armed Forces under the European Peace Facility, at a critical juncture for the implementation of the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel. The LAF are essential to regional and domestic stability, and deserve all our support in performing their critical mission. The EU and its member states are strongly committed to supporting Lebanese state institutions and to renewing the EU-Lebanon partnership.”
What are the EU’s long-term goals for supporting Lebanon?
The European Union has, over the years, rendered huge aid to Lebanon, mainly during humanitarian and economic crises. In May 2024, the EU made an announcement about providing a €1 billion aid package to Lebanon, in order to help strengthen the economy of the country and handle challenges due to the hosting of Syrian refugees. The amount was meant to be released over three years, with approximately €736 million for support towards Syrian refugees and vulnerable people in Lebanon.
