Kaja Kallas announces EU mission for Lebanon and opposes EEAS reform

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has announced plans for a new EU mission to advise and train the Lebanese Armed Forces. The initiative aims to strengthen Lebanese state institutions and security capacities, including border and maritime security, without replacing the existing UNIFIL peacekeeping force. Kallas noted that more than 10 countries are prepared to contribute personnel and resources, with a goal to reach a Council decision by October.

Separately, Kallas addressed proposed structural reforms to the European External Action Service (EEAS) advocated by France and Germany. She opposed a deep reorganization of the EU's diplomatic service, arguing that the primary issue is not the institutional structure or treaties, but rather the implementation of existing rules. Kallas stated that most member states support the current institutional framework and that existing competencies for foreign policy coordination should be fully utilized rather than restructured.