As Lebanon prepares for its long-awaited municipal elections, European diplomats are closely monitoring the political ramifications, particularly the influence of Hezbollah, Nidaa Al Watan newspaper reported. 

In discussions with a European diplomat familiar with Lebanon’s political landscape, two key issues have emerged that will shape how the European Union engages with the election results.

The first issue, which is nearly settled based on current data, centers around the EU’s stance on municipalities led by mayors affiliated with Hezbollah. According to European laws, Hezbollah is classified as a "terrorist organization," and as such, EU member states, particularly donor countries, have made it clear that they will not cooperate with municipalities headed by mayors who are linked to Hezbollah or who openly declare their affiliation with the party or join its alliances. 

The second issue concerns the type of aid that will be provided to Lebanon. The EU has made a clear distinction between in-kind aid—such as food and medical supplies—which can be offered to municipalities regardless of their political affiliations, and more substantial developmental aid, including funding for infrastructure, energy projects, and healthcare initiatives. While emergency aid can be distributed without regard to a municipality's political orientation, larger contributions related to sustainable development will face much stricter European scrutiny. These donations will be closely monitored to ensure they align with EU standards for transparency, reforms, and non-affiliation with Hezbollah.

The diplomat also discussed the possibility of a more flexible approach to municipalities associated with the "Amal" Movement, headed by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, noting that cooperation with these areas could be politically easier for EU countries. However, any engagement with Amal-led municipalities will still come with a strong emphasis on political reforms and transparency.

There is hope that the upcoming elections will usher in new civil forces within Lebanon’s Shiite community, free from the influence of Hezbollah and corruption. In this regard, European diplomats expressed optimism that Lebanon’s political landscape could evolve in a way that creates new, reform-oriented leadership, even in traditionally Hezbollah-aligned areas.

On the question of EU unity, the diplomat pointed out that some European countries, such as Italy, Germany, and Sweden, are firm in their approach to not supporting Hezbollah-affiliated municipalities, while others, particularly France, may take a more lenient stance toward areas with ties to the party.

An important point raised by the diplomat was the role of local authorities, particularly municipal police, in the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for a cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel. The resolution outlines the role of municipal police forces, alongside the Lebanese Army, Internal Security Forces, General Security, and State Security, as key actors in maintaining security and stability in the region. Any collaboration between municipal police and Hezbollah or their alignment with the group would negatively affect the municipalities’ standing with the international community, potentially jeopardizing both local governance and the flow of international aid.

As Lebanon heads into its municipal elections, the EU’s approach will not only be shaped by developmental considerations but also by the political affiliations of those elected to lead the municipalities. The outcome of these elections could have far-reaching implications for Lebanon’s relationships with international donors and its ability to secure crucial financial assistance in the coming years. The political dynamics of Hezbollah’s influence will remain a central point of contention as the international community continues to monitor the situation closely.