Germany Proposes EU Peacekeeping Mission to Replace UNIFIL in Lebanon

Germany Proposes EU Peacekeeping Mission to Replace UNIFIL in Lebanon

Germany Proposes EU Peacekeeping Mission to Replace – German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul suggested that the European Union should assume responsibility for peacekeeping in Lebanon after the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) completes its mission. The proposal comes as the UNIFIL mandate is set to expire in June, following a parliamentary decision in late June to extend Germany’s military involvement in the mission until December 31, 2026.

EU’s Role in Stabilizing Lebanon

Wadephul emphasized the need for the EU to evaluate how to prevent a security gap once UNIFIL’s mission ends, as reported by ANTARA. He noted that Lebanon is currently showing early signs of stability and stressed that Germany, as part of Europe, must “do everything it can to ensure the process continues positively.”

“We should examine in the EU whether we can ensure that no security vacuum arises with a European mandate following the UNIFIL mission,” Wadephul stated during an interview with RND media.

Phased Withdrawal of UNIFIL

The UN Security Council extended UNIFIL’s mandate until the end of 2026 in late August 2025. This decision initiates a one-year process for the mission to gradually reduce its presence. At present, the UNIFIL contingent includes more than 10,000 personnel from 48 countries.

EU Mission Objectives

Kaja Kallas, EU Foreign Policy Chief, mentioned in April that the EU was exploring the possibility of deploying a separate mission to southern Lebanon once UNIFIL’s mandate concludes. The goal of the EU’s proposed initiative would be to create conditions enabling Israeli armed forces to withdraw and to block Hezbollah from regaining its foothold.

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