New Heads of Mission appointed for EUCAP Sahel Niger and EUAM Ukraine

The Council appointed new Heads of Mission (HoM) for two EU’s civilian missions: the EU Capacity Building Mission in Niger (EUCAP Sahel Niger) and the EU Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine).

Katja Dominik was appointed as Head of Mission of EUCAP Sahel Niger until 30 September 2024. She is a German citizen, currently serving as Deputy Head of Mission and Chief of Staff of the EU Police and Rule of Law Mission for the occupied Palestinian Territory (EUPOL COPPS). The appointment starts with immediate effect.

• Biography of Katja Dominik

As regards EUAM Ukraine, the Council appointed Rolf M. Hay Pereira Holmboe as Head of Mission from 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2024. Rolf Holmboe currently serves as Denmark’s ambassador to Mali, after being posted in Pakistan, Lebanon and Syria.

• Biography of Rolf M. Hay Pereira Holmboe

The decision to appoint Mr Holmboe and Ms Dominik was taken by the Political and Security Committee.

Background

EUCAP Sahel Niger is a civilian capacity-building Mission established on 8 August 2012 at the request of Niger's government to strengthen Niger’s internal security sector and its capacities in the fight against significant security threats. Over 100 international experts, the majority of whom are from European security forces and justice departments, are permanently deployed in Niamey. Since 2012, EUCAP Sahel Niger has supported the Nigerien Internal Security Forces, national authorities as well as non-state actors with a variety of different programs and activities. EUCAP Sahel Niger is an essential element of the EU’s strategy for security and development in the Sahel and acts in close partnership and on all levels with other EU institutions and security stakeholders present in the Sahel. Its mandate runs until 30 September 2024.

EUAM Ukraine is a non-executive civilian mission established on 22 July 2014 to advise Ukrainian state security bodies on security, police, judiciary, prosecution, anti-corruption and human rights. Its overall objective is to support Ukraine in developing sustainable, accountable and efficient security services that strengthen the rule of law. Following Russia’s unprovoked and illegal aggression against Ukraine, the Mission placed an emphasis on border support, including for the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes, International Crimes, and support to security services. The Mission has also provided material support to the Law Enforcement Agencies and facilitated the delivery of EU Member States’ donations to the Ukrainian police, border authorities, and other agencies. In addition, EUAM supports the rule of law institutions to facilitate the investigation and prosecution of international crimes. The mission mandate runs until 31 May 2024.