The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, intends to update, in a proposal to the EU Council dated 21 February obtained by EUROPE, the tasks of the EU advisory mission in Iraq, EUAM Iraq.
This mission has seen its strength reduced due to the rising tensions in the region, particularly following the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani on 3 January, in a US raid (see EUROPE 12396/1). However, General Vincenzo Coppola, EU Civilian Operations Commander, has recently called for its reinforcement (see EUROPE 12409/24).
"EUAM Iraq will be conducted in the context of a situation which may deteriorate", notes the High Representative's proposal.
According to that document, following the strategic review of the mission, the Political and Security Committee recommended that the mission's mandate be amended and extended until 30 April 2022. No amount is specified for the funding of the period April 18, 2020 to April 30, 2022.
While until now the mission has provided advice and expertise to the Iraqi authorities at the strategic level "to help implement the Iraqi National Security Strategy", it should now, according to Josep Borrell, provide them with advice and expertise "to identify and define the needs for the coherent implementation of Security Sector Reform, civilian aspects of the Iraqi National Security Strategy and associated plans".
Furthermore, the mission should no longer focus on "possible additional European engagement" but "analyse, assess and identify opportunities at national, regional and provincial levels to strengthen the Union’s engagement in support of the needs of the civilian Security Sector Reform".
EUAM Iraq should also "assist the Union Delegation in the coordination of the Union's and Member States’ support in the field of civilian Security Sector Reform, ensuring coherence of the Union's action".
In addition, the High Representative proposes the creation of a 'Cell Project'. The role of the EUAM would be "to coordinate, facilitate and advise, as appropriate, on projects implemented by Member States and non-Member States under their responsibility in areas related to the EU Assistance Mission in Iraq and in support of its objectives", the proposal states.
Finally, the advisory mission could be authorised to use financial contributions from Member States or non-Member States to implement projects that complement its other actions in a coherent manner. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)