The European Union on Thursday called for the full disarmament of Hezbollah and all other non-state armed groups in Lebanon, placing the issue at the center of its latest assessment of stability along the Israel-Lebanon border and the future of the Lebanese state.

In its annual end-of-year conclusions, the European Council urged “the full disarmament of Hezbollah and other non-state armed groups in Lebanon,” while reaffirming support for Beirut’s efforts to restore state authority and security across its territory.

The statement said the EU “supports the Government’s efforts to establish the State’s monopoly on holding weapons,” underscoring long-standing international demands that arms be held exclusively by state institutions.

European leaders also stressed the need to preserve calm in the country amid heightened regional tensions, saying they “call for de-escalation in the wider region, and underline the need to preserve stability in Lebanon.” The bloc reiterated its backing for Lebanon’s economic and security stabilization and its reconstruction after years of compounded crises.

The European Council reaffirmed its “unwavering support for the fundamental role of UNIFIL,” the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon deployed in the south. It strongly condemned recent attacks on peacekeepers, saying such incidents “constitute a grave violation of international law, are totally unacceptable and must stop immediately,” and called for thorough investigations.

EU leaders also urged all parties to respect existing ceasefire arrangements, calling “for the full implementation of the 27 November 2024 ceasefire agreement and of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.” The resolution, adopted in 2006, calls for an end to hostilities, the deployment of the Lebanese army in the south and the absence of armed groups outside state control.

The conclusions reiterated the EU’s commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying the bloc will “continue to support the Lebanese State’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and State-building efforts, including by contributing to the strengthening of the Lebanese Armed Forces.”