International attention has once again turned to security at the Port of Beirut, this time through the lenses of technology, oversight and revenue control, in what officials and diplomats describe as a broader shift in the international approach toward Lebanon; one that prioritizes reinforcing State institutions and restoring effective control over key infrastructure.

The renewed focus coincides with steps to upgrade security measures at Lebanese ports and border crossings, aimed at combating smuggling and curbing tax evasion. A Lebanese ministerial source told Asharq Al-Awsat that the government is preparing to install advanced artificial intelligence–powered detection systems at ports. The systems, the source said, will be capable of fully scanning the contents of all containers, accurately measuring their loads and identifying the nature of imported and exported goods.

Beyond their security function, the systems are expected to prevent manipulation of customs declarations and false assessments of cargo volumes and values; longstanding practices that have drained state revenues. The move, the source added, is a key step toward restoring financial and administrative control over one of the most critical arteries of Lebanon’s economy.

The push drew visible backing from Washington, with U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa touring the Port of Beirut on Thursday to review newly introduced procedures and technical equipment, particularly scanning devices currently undergoing trial operations.

Speaking after the visit, Issa said the tour was “a source of pride,” noting that the organization of work and management practices he observed were comparable to standards applied in the United States. He praised the port’s new management and staff for what he described as a “commendable model” of performance.

Issa stressed that the United States would support the port’s needs, particularly as work accelerates and new detection equipment comes online. Such equipment, he said, would help simplify procedures and speed up operations. He underlined that the port must remain under full state authority, adding that its revenues should return to the Lebanese state.

During the tour, Issa reviewed operations at the container terminal before visiting the scanner site, where equipment is being tested ahead of full deployment. Officials provided technical briefings on how the scanners will enhance transparency, strengthen oversight of goods, curb smuggling and bring operations in line with international standards.

Issa said U.S. support for Lebanon had never ceased, describing his visit as part of ongoing efforts to monitor progress on the ground. He noted that the arrival of the scanners had been widely anticipated, given their central role in elevating the port’s performance to a global level.

The U.S. engagement has been matched by a renewed European push. The European Union announced that it has signed six new financing agreements with the Lebanese government worth a total of €110.5 million in grants, aimed at bolstering the security sector, supporting recovery in conflict-affected areas and advancing key reform priorities.

The agreements were signed with Finance Minister Yassine Jaber, marking a reactivation of institutional cooperation between Lebanon and the EU after a prolonged period of stagnation.

According to an EU statement, the grants form part of a broader €1 billion support package announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a visit to Beirut in May 2024. The bloc reiterated its commitment to supporting Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty and security at a particularly sensitive moment in its political and economic trajectory.

Under the European package, €30 million has been earmarked to strengthen the Internal Security Forces’ capacity to combat organized crime and cybercrime, as well as to support counterterrorism, efforts to curb terror financing and anti-smuggling operations. An additional €25 million will go toward improving integrated border management at land crossings and airports and enhancing maritime security. Another €8 million has been allocated to provide sustainable energy solutions to ensure uninterrupted operations at critical security facilities.