The European Union announced a new €12.5 million project to support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in leading recovery efforts, enhancing security and helping communities in Southern Lebanon rebuild. The project will be implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The official launch ceremony, held at the LAF Headquarters in Yarzeh, was attended by LAF Commander General Rodolph Haykal, EU Ambassador to Lebanon Ms. Sandra De Waele, UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon Ms. Blerta Aliko, and representatives from UNSCOL.

This EU-funded project responds to the ongoing impact of the 13-month war, which continues to claim lives and damage infrastructure and public services across the country.

It will help the Lebanese Armed Forces support communities in Southern Lebanon to recover and rebuild. This includes clearing rubble and unexploded ordnance, repairing critical infrastructure—such as water networks and public health centres—and strengthening cooperation with local communities.

In his remarks, Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal stated, that "this project represents a critical milestone for the military institution, which bears immense responsibilities at the national level. The army continues to exert tremendous efforts to uphold the authority of the state across all Lebanese territory, implement international resolutions—particularly Resolution 1701—and safeguard the country’s security and monitor its borders." "The project strengthens the army’s capacity and sustainability, contributing directly to Lebanon’s security and stability and to the safety of its people,” General Haykal added.

EU Ambassador Sandra De Waele said, “This project – along with our longstanding partnership with Lebanese security institutions – reflects the European Union’s unwavering commitment to Lebanon and to promoting peace and stability across the country. Together with EU Member States, we are providing over $600 million in support to conflict-affected areas in Lebanon, underscoring this commitment. These efforts complement our diplomatic work to push for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and for all parties to abide by the November 2024 ceasefire agreement.”

“We at UNDP will continue to support LAF and local communities—because stability is the foundation upon which lasting peace, recovery, and inclusive development must be built,” said Blerta Aliko, UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon. This project is part of the Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding signed in May 2025 by the Ministry of National Defense, UNDP, and UNSCOL, to coordinate international assistance for the Lebanese Armed Forces.