Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/2296: EUSM Lebanon
The Council of the European Union has established the European Union Support Mission in Lebanon (EUSM Lebanon) under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). This mission aims to contribute to regional stability by strengthening the operational capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Internal Security Forces (ISF). The mission operates under a dual-pillar structure, integrating military and civilian components to enhance state authority, territorial control, and border security in alignment with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006).
Operational Mandate and Strategic Structure
EUSM Lebanon utilizes a scalable, modular approach to provide advisory support and training. The military pillar focuses on the LAF, specifically targeting land border regiments, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, and maritime security. The civilian pillar provides support to the ISF, focusing on operational capabilities, port security governance, and the development of a National Training Framework. The mission mandates the proactive mainstreaming of human rights, gender equality, and the protection of civilians in all strategic and operational planning.
Command and Control Framework
The Political and Security Committee (PSC) exercises political control and strategic direction under the responsibility of the Council and the High Representative. The mission maintains a unified chain of command while bifurcating strategic control between the Civilian Operation Commander and the Military Commander. A Joint Support Coordination Cell facilitates coherence between the two pillars, despite distinct financing mechanisms and reporting lines.
Regulatory and Compliance Matrix
| Category | Provision/Requirement |
|---|---|
| Statutory Authority | Articles 42(4) and 43(2) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) |
| Civilian Pillar Funding | Charged to the Union budget under Article 41(2) TEU |
| Military Pillar Funding | Borne by Member States per Decision (CFSP) 2021/509 (European Peace Facility) |
| Primary Strategic Oversight | Political and Security Committee (PSC) |
| Operational Scope | North of the Litani River; expansion south subject to political/security conditions |
| Key Compliance Standards | UNSCR 1701, 1325, 2250, and 1612 |
Financial and Administrative Provisions
Operational expenditure for the civilian pillar is managed through the Union budget. Military expenditure is governed by the European Peace Facility, with specific commitment and payment ceilings established under Article 51(2) of Decision (CFSP) 2021/509. The head of each pillar maintains administrative and disciplinary responsibility for their respective staff, while the Civilian Operation Commander retains overall responsibility for the Union’s duty of care regarding civilian personnel.
Table of Contents
COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2026/2296
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION
SECTION I GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 1
Article 2
Article 3
Article 38 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). That authorisation shall include powers to amend the planning
Article 4
SECTION II CIVILIAN PILLAR
Article 5
Article 6
Article 7
Article 8
Article 9
Article 10
SECTION III MILITARY PILLAR
Article 11
Article 12
Article 13
Article 14
Article 51(2) of Decision (CFSP) 2021/509 shall be 70 % for commitments and 35 % for payments. The financial reference
SECTION IV FINAL PROVISIONS
Article 15
Article 16
Article 17
Article 18
Article 19
Article 20
Article 21
K. KALLAS OJ L, 13.10.2026