On Monday 29 April, the EU Council adopted a decision extending the mandate of the European Union Advisory Mission in support of Security Sector Reform in Iraq (EUAM Iraq) by two years, until 30 April 2026. It has allocated a budget of almost €66 million for the period from 1 May 2024 to 30 April 2026.
The EU Council also modified the strategic objectives of EUAM Iraq’s mandate “so as to contribute more to developing and strengthening civilian aspects of security sector reform in Iraq”, according to the statement.
According to the decision published on 30 April, the mission’s objective is now to contribute, “through strategic advice and assistance”, to the civilian aspects of Iraq’s security sector reform, including the national security strategy, related national strategies and other national security priorities.
It must also ensure the coherence of the Union’s action in support of efforts to meet the civil protection sector’s reform needs. This is to be done “by identifying, analysing and evaluating new opportunities at national, regional and provincial level and, in collaboration with the EU delegation, by directing and facilitating support from the EU and Member States”, according to the decision.
In addition, the mandate of the Head of Mission, the Swede Anders Wiberg, should be extended by two years, until 30 April 2026. He has been in office since 16 August 2022. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)