European Union plans mission to train Lebanese Armed Forces

The European Union is advancing plans for a new mission to advise, train, and strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces. The initiative aims to bolster Lebanon's capacity to manage border and maritime security, as well as provide security across its entire territory.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced that more than ten member states have already expressed willingness to contribute personnel and resources to the mission. A formal decision to launch the program is expected in October, with potential deployment occurring in late 2026 or early 2027.

The mission is being developed in anticipation of the expiration of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate, which is set to end in 2026 or 2027. Kallas emphasized that the EU does not intend to replace UNIFIL, but rather to invest in the Lebanese state's ability to maintain its own security.