EU plans new Lebanon mission as UNIFIL nears end

The European Union is preparing a potential new role in Lebanon as the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) approaches its expected end, but officials stress that any EU mission would differ fundamentally from the current peacekeeping model.

Rather than deploying large numbers of troops along the Israel-Lebanon border, discussions in Brussels are focused on a lighter, more flexible framework centred on training and strengthening Lebanese security forces.

“Europeans are willing to set up a mission to concretely help the Lebanese Armed Forces,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. She added that “a complementary initiative will also be needed” once UNIFIL’s mandate expires.

EU officials emphasise there is no intention or capacity to replicate the UN mission. “Some type of coordination can be offered, but not in a one-to-one replacement format. It is going to be a radically different mission,” one diplomatic source told Euractiv exclusively. Another confirmed: “There is no plan to replace the UNIFIL mission; there is neither the will among member states nor the capacity.”

The proposed approach would prioritise capacity-building for the Lebanese Armed Forces and internal security forces. “The stronger we make the Lebanese armed forces, the weaker we make Hezbollah,” Kallas said.

Military planners are also considering abandoning positions in southern Lebanon near the Israeli border. “UNIFIL, as we know it, is dead. It will end at the conclusion of its mandate in December,” an EU military source stated, adding it is “hard to believe that any EU troops will return south of the Litani River.”

The shift comes amid rising instability, including cross-border fire between Israel and Hezbollah and attacks affecting UN personnel. Italy, the largest troop contributor, is leading efforts to shape the transition. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto has insisted Italian forces will remain involved, while criticising the current UN framework.

Despite the planned transition, the UN may retain a reduced presence. “Some form of ongoing UN presence might continue,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, noting Lebanon wants continued international involvement, albeit on a smaller scale.

By Tamilla Hasanova