European Peace Facility Allocates £15 Million for Lebanese Armed Forces Support.

Brussels: The Council has approved a new assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF), allocating £15 million to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). This initiative aims to bolster the LAF's capabilities in military medical, engineering, and logistics operations. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, this decision underscores the EU's commitment to its partnership with Lebanon, particularly amidst a volatile regional security environment. The European Council's conclusions on April 18, 2024, reaffirmed the EU's dedication to supporting Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and state institutions, including the LAF. Established in March 2021, the European Peace Facility finances actions under the EU's common foreign and security policy to prevent conflicts and enhance international security. Specifically, the EPF enables the EU to fund initiatives that build the military and defense capacities of third states and organizations. Prior to this measure, a £6 million EPF support was provided to Lebanon in 2022.