The security situation in the Sahel is degrading. The EU supports the security and defence efforts of the G5 Sahel countries inter alia by deploying security advisors. The CivOpsCdr and the EU Special Representative for the Sahel visited Mali for an on-the-spot evaluation with the Malian leadership.

The EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) is the only permanent international presence on the ground monitoring the situation between the two breakaway regions of Georgia, namely Abkhazia and South Ossetia. An open dialogue that takes place at meetings of the IPRM and via an EUMM-managed Hotline provides opportunities to bridge divides.