After nearly a decade of successfully supporting civilian policing in Afghanistan, the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL Afghanistan) will come to an end on 31 December 2016.

EUPOL Afghanistan, working in close partnership with the Afghan Government, has achieved concrete progress in several key areas: the professionalization of the Afghan National Police; the introduction of the community policing concept to Afghanistan; increasing the capacity of the Afghan Ministry of Interior; and bringing Afghan legislation in line with relevant human rights standards.

EUPOL Afghanistan is a civilian mission, operating since 2007 under the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Its support has been mainly delivered by police experts from the EU and other contributing countries, advising the Afghan Ministry of Interior Affairs and the Ministry of Justice.

To prepare for the end of the EUPOL mandate, a comprehensive phasing-out plan has been developed, which includes ensuring a sustainable transition of activities to the EUPOL's local and international partners.

The European Union has a long-term commitment to Afghanistan and its people, and to supporting peace and stability in the country. The EU remains committed to support Afghanistan in the field of civilian policing and contributing to the further development of sustainable and effective civilian policing arrangements under Afghan ownership.

For more information on EUPOL see: https://eeas.europa.eu/csdp/eupol-afg