The European Union is considering the launch of a new mission to train the Lebanese army in the coming months, officials said, amid plans to end the longstanding United Nations peacekeeping force deployed in southern Lebanon. The initiative aims to strengthen Lebanon’s own security capabilities but will not replace the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

UNIFIL has maintained a presence in southern Lebanon since 1978, with around 7,500 peacekeepers drawn from nearly 50 countries. The force was established to oversee the ceasefire and maintain stability along the border between Lebanon and Israel. Despite its long tenure, the region has experienced recurrent violence, including multiple conflicts involving Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group.

In August 2025, the UN Security Council, influenced by pressure from the United States, voted to terminate UNIFIL’s mandate effective December 31, 2026. The decision has raised concerns about the security vacuum that might follow the withdrawal of international peacekeepers.

Speaking after a meeting of EU defense ministers in Ireland, the bloc’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said the EU’s proposed mission would focus on advising and training the Lebanese armed forces, particularly in areas such as border and maritime security. “The EU is not seeking to replace UNIFIL; rather, we are investing in Lebanon’s capacity to provide security for itself,” Kallas emphasized.

She added that plans for the EU mission were progressing well, with about ten member states expressing interest in participating. The EU hopes to reach a formal decision on launching the training operation by October.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has indicated that some form of peacekeeping presence will be necessary in Lebanon after UNIFIL’s withdrawal to help maintain stability in the region. France and Italy have also expressed their intention to establish a multinational coalition to take over security responsibilities once the UN mission ends.

Lebanon’s security situation remains fragile. The country became a focal point in the broader Middle East conflict after Hezbollah launched rocket attacks against Israel on March 2, 2026, triggering a widespread Israeli bombing campaign in southern Lebanon. Against this backdrop, the EU’s prospective mission seeks to bolster Lebanese military capabilities in order to prevent further escalation and enhance national security.