The European Union is preparing to launch a mission to train the Lebanese army in the coming months, officials confirmed, emphasizing that the initiative will complement, not replace, the United Nations peacekeeping force currently deployed in southern Lebanon. The proposal was discussed at a recent meeting of EU defense ministers held in Ireland.

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), established in 1978, currently comprises roughly 7,500 personnel from nearly 50 countries. Despite its long-standing presence, southern Lebanon has continued to experience recurrent conflicts, particularly involving confrontations between Israel and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah. The situation escalated notably in March 2026, when Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on Israel, prompting a major Israeli bombing campaign in the region.

Last August, the UN Security Council, influenced by pressure from the United States, decided that UNIFIL’s mandate would end on December 31, 2026. This development has raised concerns about the future stability and security of southern Lebanon.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stated that the bloc is focusing on bolstering Lebanon’s own security capabilities. “We are investing in Lebanon’s capacity to provide security for itself,” she said, adding that the planned mission will include training and advisory roles for the Lebanese armed forces, with a focus on border and maritime security.

Kallas noted that planning for the mission is advancing well, with about 10 EU member states expressing interest in participating. The EU aims to reach a formal decision to launch the operation by October.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has emphasized the need for some form of continued peacekeeping presence in Lebanon after UNIFIL’s mandate concludes. In addition to the EU proposal, France and Italy have expressed interest in forming a multinational coalition to succeed the existing UN force.

As Lebanon faces ongoing regional tensions and internal challenges, the international community is seeking new approaches to maintain security and stability in the country beyond 2026. The EU’s proposed training mission marks a shift toward capacity-building efforts intended to empower Lebanon’s military amid a complex and volatile environment.