Guido Crosetto recently stood before Lebanese officials to confirm that Italian soldiers will stay south of the Litani River after 2026 in the latest development across the Mediterranean.
While visiting nearly 1,100 troops, the minister explained how a bilateral security partnership will follow the conclusion of the United Nations mandate. The decision arises from a meticulous look at economic needs.
Energy and Trade Anchors
Lebanon sits at a junction that Rome must keep secure for commercial welfare. Italian energy companies maintain operations throughout Mediterranean corridors that move North African hydrocarbons to European markets. Bilateral trade reached 1.35 billion dollars in 2019, as refined petroleum and jewellery flowed steadily into Lebanese cities.
Rome follows the il Mediterraneo allargato strategy to bridge Europe with Africa and the Middle East. Gas pipelines from Algeria pump through Tunisia while oil from Libya reaches Italian refineries. Such physical links dictate where soldiers go, as manufacturing exports and energy imports define the regional programme.
Security Transition
The UN Security Council voted to end operations by December 2027, despite some governments working to prevent a quick withdrawal.
France won a 16-month window to prevent armed groups from moving into the area. Italian firms joined Project Lebanon 2025, while the Italian Trade Agency assists with investment from an office in Beirut.
Commercial bonds need the stability that the Lebanese military cannot provide alone right now.
History and Future Hubs
Diplomatic history began in 1946, and Italian helicopters flew over Lebanon for 45 years through Task Force Italair. Five Italian generals led UNIFIL over two decades. Italy became a top manufacturing power in 2012 and now serves as a Euro-Mediterranean energy hub.
The ELMED project will link Italian and Tunisian power grids to promote regional cooperation. Taranto serves as a shipping anchor for a corridor linking Turkey and Tunisia, while Algeria now serves as a primary gas supplier.
Bilateral Flexibility
Bilateral coordination offers freedom from international oversight while supporting local military development. Other regional powers also keep troops nearby, such as France or Turkey in Tripoli.
Rome moved troops from other places because regional priorities reside in the Mediterranean. Italian troops stay because economic necessity demands a presence.
Keep up with Daily Euro Times for more updates!
Read also:
Economic Diplomacy: Establishing Safety Zones in Ukraine and Lebanon
Lebanon Teeters on Default: Europe Opts Out of Pushing Disarmament
A Temporary Fix: Meloni’s Eastern Mediterranean Strategy in Libya
