President of the European Council from Beirut: Lebanese Sovereignty Bars Unofficial Arms

10 January 2026, 5:18 AM

0 123 2 minutes read

المجلس الأوروبي والمفوضية في بيروت ولقاء مع الرئيس عون - The European Council and Commission in Beirut meet with President Aoun — Lebanese Presidency

European Council stresses the need to extend Lebanese state authority across all territories

The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, stated that “there is no place for unauthorized armed groups in Lebanon,” emphasizing the European Union’s commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its readiness to provide support to strengthen stability in the country. Costa’s remarks came during a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, following their meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun at the Presidential Palace in East Beirut on Friday.

Costa highlighted that Lebanon’s stability is essential for the entire region, welcoming measures taken by the Lebanese government to centralize arms under state control, including those held by Hezbollah. The Lebanese army recently announced the completion of the first phase of its plan to centralize weapons, which covered the south of the Litani River.

President of the European Council emphasizes the necessity of Lebanon's stability — Lebanese Presidency

Von der Leyen stated that the EU is ready to strengthen cooperation with Lebanon, welcoming reforms implemented by the government across various sectors, including the banking sector, and affirming support for Lebanese security institutions and the army. She also stressed the need to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and fully disarm Hezbollah, while developing the partnership between the European Union and Lebanon.

Earlier on Friday, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Salam received the European delegation at Beirut Airport as part of a Middle East tour covering Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. Salam discussed with Costa and von der Leyen the reforms carried out by the government since its formation in February 2025, including the preparation of a financial regularization law and deposit recovery, as well as progress in extending state authority across all Lebanese territories.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office, Salam also discussed EU support for the Lebanese army and plans for the post-mandate phase of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) at the end of 2026, emphasizing the importance of continued European participation in southern Lebanon.

The European officials welcomed the financial reforms implemented by the Lebanese government and commended the work undertaken across multiple sectors. Von der Leyen highlighted the need to further develop the partnership between the EU and Lebanon, according to the government statement.