The European Union and Lebanon held the ninth meeting of the EU-Lebanon Association Council today in Brussels. Both sides reviewed the state of their relations and reaffirmed their mutual commitment to strengthening the partnership within the framework of the Association Agreement and its priorities.

The European Union reiterated its support for the reforms initiated by President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and the new Lebanese government.

It also reaffirmed its continued commitment to supporting Lebanon’s democratic institutions and strongly endorsed measures to reinforce state sovereignty, including ensuring that the use of force remains exclusively in the hands of legitimate state authorities.

In this context, the European Union and Lebanon emphasized the utmost importance of continuing efforts to disarm all groups outside state authority throughout Lebanese territories, particularly Hezbollah and Palestinian armed groups inside and outside the camps, and the full implementation of all UN Security Council resolutions.

The European Union reaffirmed its complete support for Lebanon's sovereignty, governmental authority, territorial integrity, political independence, and stability, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Both parties expressed deep concern about the continuous violations by the Israeli army of the ceasefire agreement concluded in November 2024, especially the targeting of UNIFIL personnel, civilians, and civilian infrastructure. They called on Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territories and respect international humanitarian law.

Additionally, both sides welcomed the European Union's longstanding commitment and support for Lebanon's main security institutions, particularly the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces, which remain essential pillars for national and regional sovereignty and stability. They expressed their readiness to continue supporting the Lebanese security sector through the full use of EU tools, including the European Peace Facility, Neighborhood Development, and International Cooperation Instrument programs, and exploring possibilities for potential participation in future Common Security and Defense Policy programs.

The European Union and Lebanon discussed the political and socio-economic situation in the country. The EU commended the progress made by Lebanese authorities in stabilizing the economic situation and improving access to justice and public services, noting the value of the strong bilateral cooperation that supported these efforts.

Both sides also underscored the urgent need for more comprehensive reforms in governance, rule of law, public financial management, and the functioning of state institutions, acknowledging their fundamental role in supporting stability, economic recovery, and facilitating access to international aid, including advancing towards the implementation of an IMF program.

The EU affirmed its readiness to accompany Lebanon's efforts to stabilize the economy, strengthen institutions, drive reforms, and support the government's plans for post-conflict recovery and reconstruction.

Lebanon reaffirmed the importance of conducting parliamentary elections according to the announced timeline and in line with constitutional and international standards, as a key element of democratic accountability and institutional legitimacy. Also, the Lebanese authorities requested the EU to dispatch a team to monitor the elections.

The European Union and Lebanon also discussed the situation of refugees and displaced persons. The EU acknowledged the significant challenges Lebanon continues to face in hosting a very large number of refugees and reaffirmed its ongoing support for vulnerable Lebanese, internally displaced persons, and refugees.

Flag of the European Union (sites).

The European Union will continue to work with Lebanon and collaborate with UN agencies to facilitate the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of refugees to Syria, in line with international law and humanitarian law. The EU and Lebanon are committed, within a reasonable timeframe, to continuing to work with all concerned groups to reach permanent solutions that enable Syrians to 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 a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as the only viable foundation for lasting peace. They stressed the importance of protecting civilians in Gaza and ensuring unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid. Discussions also covered Lebanon-Syria relations, border management cooperation, the issue of persons forcibly disappeared by the Assad regime, and security and humanitarian matters. The EU welcomed increased coordination and cooperation between Lebanon and Syria on priority joint issues and encouraged continued bilateral efforts.

Additionally, the EU and Lebanon expressed their readiness to continue contemplating the modernization of the partnership agreement and exploring available options to further enhance bilateral relations, including the potential development into a strategic and comprehensive partnership, in parallel with sustainable progress in the reform process.

The meeting was chaired by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Foreign Minister Youssef Raji, with the participation of European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica and EU foreign ministers. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the EU-Lebanon partnership and working together for a stable, secure, and prosperous Lebanon.