The Council of the European Union on 4 June 2026 adopted a EUR 100 million assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF) to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), bringing total EPF support to Lebanon to EUR 182 million. The measure aims to help the Lebanese state assert its monopoly on arms and disarm non-state actors such as Hezbollah, as well as to enhance the LAF's capacity to monitor, control and secure Lebanon's territory and protect civilians.
High Representative Kaja Kallas stated that the renewal of the cease-fire between Israel and Lebanon offers a tenuous chance to pull the country back from the brink, and that the new support package will significantly sharpen EU support for the LAF. The decision underscores the EU's continued engagement with Lebanon in promoting peace, stability and supporting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The comprehensive non-lethal support package is designed to enhance the LAF's capabilities across five key domains through the provision of military equipment and training: territorial control, multi-domain awareness, maritime security, protection of critical military sites, and healthcare.
Background and next steps
The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 to finance actions under the common foreign and security policy to prevent conflicts, preserve peace and strengthen international security and stability. This is the fourth bilateral assistance measure under the EPF in support of the LAF. The first three measures, worth EUR 6 million, 16 million and 60 million respectively, were adopted in December 2022, September 2024 and January 2025.
Impact on stakeholders
The measure directly strengthens the Lebanese Armed Forces, providing them with equipment and training to improve territorial control and security. It supports the Lebanese state's efforts to assert its monopoly on arms, potentially reducing the influence of non-state actors like Hezbollah. For the EU, the measure reinforces its role as a security actor in the Middle East and supports stability in a volatile region. However, the assistance may be seen as taking sides in Lebanon's internal political dynamics, potentially drawing criticism from groups that oppose the strengthening of the state's security apparatus at the expense of other armed groups. The impact on civilians is expected to be positive through enhanced protection and security, though the effectiveness depends on the LAF's ability to implement the capabilities provided.
Expected institutional follow-up
The Council will monitor the implementation of the assistance measure. Further EPF support to Lebanon may be considered depending on the security situation and the LAF's progress in asserting control over Lebanese territory.
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