EUAM IRAQ: European Union Advisory Mission in support of Security Sector Reform in Iraq - Civilian Mission

30.11.2020

The European Union Advisory Mission in Iraq (EUAM Iraq) was launched in October 2017 in response to a request by the Iraqi government. The request from the Iraqi government came out after the defeat of Da’esh in 2015 (the Islamic State) and the need to achieve lasting peace, stability and security in Iraq, Syria and the wider region. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Iraq and mobilised political, security and development resources to the region.

 

Background

The European Union Advisory Mission in Iraq (EUAM Iraq) was launched in October 2017 in response to a request by the Iraqi government. The request from the Iraqi government came out after the defeat of Da’esh in 2015 (the Islamic State) and the need to achieve lasting peace, stability and security in Iraq, Syria and the wider region. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Iraq and mobilised political, security and development resources to the region.  

The EU also underlined its determination to protect EU citizens from the terrorist threat emanating from Da’esh and other UN-listed terrorist organizations. On 7 April, 2020, the EU Council extended the mandate of the Mission until 30 April, 2022 following the assessment of Iraqi needs.

Mission & goals

EUAM Iraq is based in Baghdad, and the mission’s overarching task is to support coherent implementation of the civilian related aspects of the Iraqi National Security Strategy and the Security Sector Reform. EUAM Iraq provides advice and expertise to the Iraqi authorities, supporting them on a coherent implementation of the civilian aspects of the Iraqi National Security Strategy and the Security Sector Reform.

Three women talking in a room

The Mission’s thematic areas and priorities are:

  • Strategic advice on the National Security Strategy and Security Sector Reform coordination
  • National Security Legislation
  • Command and Control and Crisis Management
  • Strategic Human Resources Management
  • Countering Terrorism and Organised Crime
  • Prevention and Countering Violent Extremism
  • Modernisation of Federal Intelligence and Investigations Agency
  • Integrated Border Management
  • Human Rights and Gender
  • Protection of Cultural Heritage

EUAM Iraq is mandated to advise officials of the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Ministry of Interior who are responsible for driving the reform.

The Mission’s key partners are: The Ministry of Interior, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Border Points Commission, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, civil society organisations, EU Delegation, EU Member States, Third Countries, NATO Mission Iraq, U.S. and UN agencies.

 

Man signing a document

Composition

EUAM Iraq is currently staffed by 63 international mission members from 18 Member States and 22 Iraqi staff. The Mission has also deployed staff from Contributing Third States such as Australia and Canada.

 

@Follow us