EU’s Costa says it is important that the Lebanese armed forces are able to disarm Hezbollah

EU’s Costa says it is important that the Lebanese armed forces are able to disarm Hezbollah

EU Emphasizes Strengthening Lebanon’s Security Forces to Facilitate Hezbollah Disarmament

The European Union is advancing plans to bolster Lebanon’s internal security capabilities as part of a broader strategy to enable the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to focus on disarming Hezbollah, a priority highlighted by EU officials. According to a document reviewed by Reuters, the EU is exploring options to provide advice, training, and capacity-building for Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces (ISF), aiming to free up the LAF for core defense tasks. This initiative aligns with the EU’s diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region amid a fragile truce between Lebanon and Israel, which remains under threat from Hezbollah’s rearmament activities.

The EU’s approach includes a scoping mission in early 2026 to assess potential assistance, with a focus on transitioning internal security responsibilities from the LAF to the ISF. This would allow the Lebanese army to concentrate on countering armed groups while the ISF handles domestic security and border control. The plan also emphasizes collaboration with Lebanese authorities, with a scheduled meeting between EU and Lebanese officials in December 2025 to finalize details.

High Representative Kaja Kallas underscored the urgency of Hezbollah’s disarmament during recent diplomatic discussions, noting the group’s destabilizing influence and the need for Lebanon to take decisive steps. The EU’s strategy avoids direct military intervention, instead prioritizing institutional support to strengthen Lebanon’s governance and security frameworks. This approach complements the impending drawdown of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), with the EU aiming to fill gaps in security oversight without replicating UNIFIL’s mandate.

Lebanon has expressed openness to international cooperation, including potential roles for U.S. and French troops in verifying ceasefire compliance, according to Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. The EU’s efforts reflect broader regional stability goals, as outlined in the European Council’s June 2025 conclusions, which stress the importance of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

While challenges persist, including Hezbollah’s resistance to disarmament and ongoing Israeli military operations, the EU’s conditional support underscores its commitment to a long-term resolution. Financial and technical assistance will depend on Lebanon’s progress in addressing security and governance reforms, ensuring alignment with EU strategic objectives.

Press remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas: Press remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas
Reuters, Dec. 8, 2025: Reuters, Dec. 8, 2025
European Council conclusions, June 2025: European Council conclusions, June 2025