13/05/2019 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 13 May, the EU Council formally extended the mandate of the EU Council Advisory Mission in Ukraine (EUAM) until 31 May 2021 and approved a budget of 54 million euros for this two-year extension (see EUROPE 12246/29). This budget, which has increased by more than 25%, reflects the intensification of the mission's activities, including the creation of a second mobile unit, which will be deployed in eastern and south-eastern Ukraine, the EU Council explained in its statement. The non-executive, unarmed civilian mission, composed of more than 300 personnel, aims to support the country in “building sustainable, accountable and effective security services that strengthen the rule of law” through strategic advice and operational activities, including training. (CG)