The European Union is planning a military and civilian support mission for Lebanon's armed forces and police aimed at helping the country extend state authority across its territory, according to a concept paper seen by dpa on Wednesday.
The proposal, drafted by the EU's diplomatic service, envisages a mission lasting at least three years to improve the operational capabilities and readiness of Lebanon's security forces through advice, training and capacity-building.
The goal is to enable Lebanese forces to exercise control over the entire country and enforce the state's exclusive right to bear arms.
Parts of Lebanon remain under the influence of the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia. Hezbollah attacks on Israel recently triggered a renewed Israeli military offensive in Lebanon.
While the Lebanese government has repeatedly pledged to disarm Hezbollah, it has so far failed to implement the move. Israel has said it will not withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon until such a step is carried out.
The size and composition of the proposed EU mission would be determined during subsequent operational planning, according to the concept paper.
The overall number of personnel would also depend on support from the Lebanese authorities. No cost estimates have yet been provided.
The proposal is due to be reviewed in the coming weeks by EU member states' ambassadors responsible for security affairs in Brussels.
If approved, foreign ministers from the bloc could formally establish the mission in the autumn.
The current United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL, is due to end at the close of the year.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius recently signalled openness to exploring alternative forms of support. Building capable Lebanese armed forces would remain crucial for stabilizing the country, he told Germany's parliament in May.
The UN Security Council decided in August 2025 to terminate the entire UNIFIL mission. The force was established in 1978 to monitor the border area between Israel and Lebanon.
After its withdrawal, the Lebanese army is expected to assume responsibility for security in the area.
