Over the years, the European Union has been a key partner to Iraq, providing substantial assistance and becoming one of the country’s main international partners. Following the crisis caused by important numbers of internally displaced persons due to conflicts within the country and the broader region, the EU stepped up its support with new grants aimed at reconstruction and economic reform. These efforts, combined with contributions for humanitarian aid, stabilisation, and security sector reform, have further strengthened the EU’s engagement with Iraq.

The EU continues to deepen this partnership through a long-term, integrated approach that connects humanitarian assistance, stabilisation efforts, and sustainable support. Current activities focuses on good governance, economic diversification, climate resilience, and the promotion of human rights. The EU remains committed to working alongside the Iraqi people and government to help build a more peaceful, democratic, and prosperous future for Iraq and Europe alike.

The EU is a long-term partner of Iraq, cooperating with the country in the fields of humanitarian aid, stabilisation, security and political reform. In response to the challenges the country is facing following the territorial defeat of Da'esh. The EU’s most recent strategy for Iraq focusses on the following strategic objectives: 

•     Preserving the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq as well as its ethnic and religious diversity.
•    Strengthening the Iraqi political system by supporting Iraqi efforts to establish a balanced, inclusive, accountable, and democratic system of government.
•    Supporting the Iraqi authorities in delivering humanitarian aid.
•    Supporting the Iraqi authorities in stabilising the country.
•    Promoting sustainable, knowledge-based and inclusive economic growth and job creation.
•    Promoting an effective and independent justice system, which ensures accountability.
•    Establishing a formal migration dialogue with Iraq.
•    Supporting and fostering Iraq’s good relations with all its neighbours. 

The European Union Advisory Mission in Iraq (EUAM Iraq) was launched in October 2017 in response to a request from the Iraqi government to support reform of the civilian security sector. Operating under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy, the mission provides strategic advice to Iraqi authorities, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Ministry of Interior.

In April 2024, the EU extended EUAM Iraq’s mandate until 30 April 2026, with a budget of EUR 66 million. The mission focuses on key areas such as crisis management, counter-terrorism, organised crime, border management, human rights, and women’s participation.
As of August 2025, Ralf Schröder has been appointed as the new Head of Mission, continuing EUAM Iraq’s efforts to strengthen civilian security institutions across Iraq.

The EU-Iraq Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) is the first contractual relation between the two countries. As such, it highlights the long-term engagement of the EU in creating a legal framework for cooperation with Iraq on areas of mutual interest. The objectives of this partnership (between the EU, EU Member States and Iraq) are threefold; to provide an appropriate framework for political dialogue between parties, allowing the development of political relations; to promote trade, investment and harmonious economic relations between the parties (fostering sustainable economic development); to provide a basis for legislative, economic, social, financial and cultural cooperation.

The EU-Iraq Partnership and Cooperation Agreement was signed on 11 May 2012.

The PCA now provides mechanisms which consolidate cooperation between the EU and Iraq in areas of mutual interest. At the core of the PCA there is regular, high-level political dialogue that focuses on peace, foreign and security policy, national dialogue and reconciliation, democracy, the rule of law, human rights, good governance and regional stability and integration.