Lebanon: EU establishes new CSDP support mission to strengthen defence and security institutions
The Council today adopted a decision establishing a European Union Support Mission in Lebanon (EUSM Lebanon) under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), reaffirming the EU's commitment to supporting Lebanon's stability, sovereignty and state institutions. The mission will have an initial mandate of three years.
The mission will contribute to peace and security in Lebanon, support the strengthening of state institutions, and promote lasting stability in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. In this context, the Mission will work to strengthen the capacities of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Internal Security Forces (ISF), as well as to support maritime security governance.
Today EU Foreign Affairs Ministers agreed to launch a new EU Support Mission in Lebanon. It will advise and assist the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces to strengthen territorial control, border security, and internal security. Europe is invested in Lebanon's future. With this new mission —a major update of our security ties— we continue to support the country's institutions in restoring full sovereignty and building lasting stability for the Lebanese people. Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
EUSM Lebanon will have a military pillar and a civilian pillar, operating under a unified political mandate while carrying out complementary tasks in their respective areas of competence.
The military pillar will provide advisory support and training to strengthen the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces, for border security and maritime security, including in land border surveillance and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, counter-smuggling and operational coordination.
The civilian pillar will support the Internal Security Forces through advisory support and specialised training aimed at strengthening operational capabilities and developing sustainable training structures for the ISF, including in areas such as cybercrime and anti-smuggling. It will also provide support to the strengthening of port security governance, including at the Port of Beirut.
The mission will also facilitate and complement EU assistance provided through the European Peace Facility and will coordinate closely with EU institutions, member states, the UN and other international partners supporting Lebanon's security sector.
Next step
Following today's decision, operational planning will continue with a view to the future deployment of the mission.
The Council will adopt a separate decision launching EUSM Lebanon once operational planning has been completed.
Background
In its conclusions of 19 June 2026, the European Council reaffirmed the EU's support for Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity and state institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces, and indicated that the EU would continue supporting the LAF through a possible CSDP mission and reinforced assistance under the European Peace Facility.
Against this background, and as part of the EU's broader engagement to promote lasting stability and support peace and security in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, the establishment of EUSM Lebanon follows the EU's gradual development of a CSDP response to the security situation in Lebanon, in light of the critical situation in the region.
On 24 July 2026, the Council approved a Crisis Management Concept for a possible CSDP mission in Lebanon. Following an invitation from the Lebanese authorities, the Council has now established EUSM Lebanon as a new Common Security and Defence Policy mission.
