The European Union established an EU Police Mission in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (fYROM), EUPOL PROXIMA, in line with the objectives of the Ohrid Framework Agreement of 2001 and in close partnership with the country's authorities. The Mission, code-named EUPOL PROXIMA, was launched on 15 December 2003 (Council Joint Action 2003/681/CFSP )

EU police experts were monitoring, mentoring and advising the country's police thus helping to fight organised crime as well as promoting European policing standards.

On 17 October 2005, Mr Erwan Fouéré was appointed EU Special Representative in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (Council Joint Action 2005/724/CFSP ). He replaced Mr Michael Sahlin.

PROXIMA was part of the European Union's overall commitment in assisting the efforts of the Government of fYROM to move closer towards EU integration.

This operation was completed on 14 December 2005.