The European Union and Lebanon held today in Brussels the ninth meeting of the EU–Lebanon Association Council. The two sides reviewed the state of EU–Lebanon relations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhancing the bilateral partnership within the framework of the Association Agreement and partnership priorities. The EU reaffirmed its support to the reforms initiated by President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and the new Lebanese government and reiterated its ongoing commitment to support Lebanon’s democratic institutions. It expressed strong support for the implementation of measures to reinforce state sovereignty, including ensuring the monopoly of use of force under legitimate state institutions. In this context, the EU and Lebanon stressed the utmost importance of pursuing efforts towards disarmament of all non-state armed groups over all Lebanese territory, notably Hezbollah and Palestinian armed groups inside and outside the camps, and the full implementation of all Security Council resolutions. The EU reaffirmed its full backing for Lebanon’s sovereignty, state authority, territorial integrity, political independence, and stability, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Both sides expressed serious concern about the continued violations by Israel Defence Forces of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement, in particular the targeting of UNIFIL personnel, civilians and civilian infrastructure. They called on Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territory and upholding international humanitarian law. Both sides welcomed the EU’s longstanding commitment and support to Lebanon’s key security institutions, notably the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Internal Security Forces (ISF), which remain essential pillars of sovereignty and national and regional stability, and expressed their willingness to further support the Lebanese security sector through the full use of EU tools, including European Peace Facility, NDICI programs and explore possible future CSDP engagement. The EU and Lebanon discussed the political and socio-economic situation in the country. The EU commended the progress made by the Lebanese authorities to stabilise the economic situation and improve access to justice and public services, noting the value of the strong bilateral cooperation that has supported these efforts. Both sides underlined the urgency of further comprehensive reforms in governance, the rule of law, public finance management and the functioning of state institutions, recognising their essential role in supporting stability, economic recovery and facilitating access to international assistance, including progress toward an IMF programme. The EU affirmed its willingness to accompany Lebanon’s efforts to stabilise the economy, strengthen institutions, and advance reforms and to support the government’s plans for post-conflict recovery and reconstruction, Lebanon reiterated the importance of holding general elections according to the announced timetable and in line with constitutional and international standards, as a key element for democratic accountability and institutional legitimacy. Lebanon has invited the EU to deploy an Election Observation Mission. The EU and Lebanon also discussed the situation of refugees and displaced persons. The EU acknowledged the substantial challenges Lebanon continues to shoulder in hosting a very large refugee population and reaffirmed its sustained assistance to vulnerable Lebanese, internally displaced persons and refugees. The EU will continue to work with Lebanon and cooperate with UN agencies to facilitate voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable returns of refugees to Syria, in line with international law and international humanitarian law. Within a feasible timeframe, the EU and Lebanon are committed to continue working with all relevant stakeholders for durable solutions where Syrians can rebuild their homeland and earn a dignified living in Syria. The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange views on regional and international developments. The EU and Lebanon reiterated their commitment to the two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict as the only viable basis for lasting peace. They stressed the importance of protecting civilians in Gaza and ensuring unhindered humanitarian access. Discussions also covered Lebanon’s relations with Syria and cooperation on border management, the issue of forcibly disappeared persons by the Assad regime, security and humanitarian matters. The EU welcomed the increased coordination and cooperation between Lebanon and Syria on files of shared priority and encouraged continued bilateral engagement. The EU and Lebanon expressed their willingness to continue reflecting on modernising the Association Agreement and to explore options for further strengthening bilateral relations, including the possibility of developing them into a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, in parallel with sustained progress in the reform process. The meeting was co-chaired by High Representative Kaja Kallas and Minister of Foreign Affairs Youssef Raggi, with the participation of Commissioner Dubravka Šuica and EU Foreign Ministers. Both sides reaffirmed the commitment to deepening the EU–Lebanon partnership and working together toward a stable, secure and prosperous Lebanon.
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