VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has backed in principle a new European Union mission to strengthen Lebanon’s security forces but has yet to decide whether to participate.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry said a decision would depend on further assessment, including Malta’s constitutional neutrality obligations and available resources.
EU foreign ministers agreed on 11 October to establish the EU Support Mission in Lebanon (EUSM Lebanon), initially for three years. However, further discussions within the EU Foreign Affairs Council and operational planning are required before deployment.
The Ministry described the initiative as a peace effort focused on defensive training and non-lethal assistance.
The mission will have military and civilian components operating under a unified political mandate.
The military pillar will advise and train the Lebanese Armed Forces, focusing on border and maritime security, surveillance, intelligence, counter-smuggling and operational coordination.
The civilian component will support Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces through specialised training and advice, including in cybercrime and anti-smuggling operations. It will also help strengthen port security governance, including at the Port of Beirut.
Malta has previous experience in Lebanon through its participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), where a 10-member Armed Forces of Malta contingent served alongside Irish and Polish troops for several years.
UNIFIL is due to wind down by the end of this year following the expiry of its mandate.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the new mission reflected the bloc’s continued commitment to 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,” she said.
No timeline has been announced for Malta’s decision on participation.
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