EU to discuss new Lebanon mission and Strait of Hormuz security

EU defence ministers will meet on May 12 to discuss the creation of a new European mission in Lebanon following the end of the UNIFIL mandate, as well as the possible expansion of a naval operation in the Strait of Hormuz, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said ahead of the EU Defence Council meeting in Brussels, Report informs.

According to her, member states are considering ways to strengthen support for the Lebanese Armed Forces amid rising instability in the Middle East.

Kallas noted that European countries are ready to establish a new mission to support Lebanon's military, adding that discussions are underway on potentially replacing the current UNIFIL mission with a new EU-led format.

The second key topic will be maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and the future of the EU naval operation Aspides. Kallas said the mission could become more effective if additional vessels are provided by member states, stressing that "the structure is already in place" and only the operational mandate needs adjustment.

She also underlined the EU's focus on diplomacy in the region, saying Brussels is maintaining contacts with conflict parties and regional actors. According to her, consultations are ongoing with Gulf countries on the future security architecture of the Middle East after the current conflict phase.

Kallas added that Gulf states see a role for Europe in regional security cooperation, describing the region as part of Europe's broader neighbourhood.