The EU decided to establish a new mission to strengthen defense and security institutions in Lebanon

In the written statement made by the EU Council, it was stated that the Council today accepted the decision to establish the mission to be established within the scope of the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) and the initial term of office of the mission was determined as 3 years.

In the statement, it was stated that the new mission aims to contribute to peace and security in Lebanon, support the strengthening of state institutions and promote permanent stability in line with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution 1701.

It was stated in the statement that the mission will contribute to the development of the capacities of the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces, and will also support the strengthening of maritime security management.

The mission will consist of two legs: military and civilian.

In the statement, it was stated that the EU Lebanon Support Mission will consist of two separate legs, military and civilian, that will operate under a common political mission framework.

It was stated in the statement that these two structures will carry out complementary tasks within their respective areas of authority, and it was emphasized that the military leg of the mission aims to strengthen the country's capacity in the fields of border and maritime security by providing consultancy and training support to the Lebanese Armed Forces.

In the statement, it was stated that support will be provided in the areas of surveillance and control of land borders, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities, fight against smuggling and operational coordination.

It was stated in the statement that the civilian side will provide consultancy and specialized training support to the Internal Security Forces, and that in this way, it is aimed to increase the operational capacity of the forces and develop sustainable training structures.

In the statement, it was emphasized that combating cybercrime and preventing smuggling are among the duties of the civilian leg, and it was stated that support will be provided to strengthen the management of port security, including the Port of Beirut.

EU support for Lebanon will be coordinated

The statement stated that the mission will facilitate and complement the EU assistance provided through the European Peace Fund (EPF), and that the mission will also work in close coordination with EU institutions, member states, the UN and other international partners supporting Lebanon's security sector.

It was stated in the statement that operational planning studies for the future deployment of the mission to the field will continue after the establishment decision, and that the decision regarding the actual launch of the EU Lebanon Support Mission will be separately accepted by the EU Council after the completion of the operational planning.