CSDP civilian missions: Council extends mandates of EUBAM Libya

The Council decided to renew the mandates of three civilian missions under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and update the mandate of one of them.

The mandate of the EU Integrated Border Management Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM Libya) has been renewed for two years until 30 June 2025. In the context of the Strategic Review of EUBAM Libya, the Council decided that the mission should contribute to enhancing the capacity of the relevant Libyan authorities and agencies to manage Libya’s borders, to fight against cross-border crime - including human trafficking and migrant smuggling - and to counter terrorism.

The EU Border Assistance Mission at the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah) and the EU Police Mission in the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS) have both been extended for one year until 30 June 2024, with the possibility of extending for an additional year.

Background

EUBAM Libya was launched in May 2013, and it is headed by Ms Natalina Cea. It supports the Libyan authorities in developing border management and security at the country’s land, sea, and air borders. This is done through technical advising and providing specialised training for the Libyan counterparts in accordance with international standards and best practices, and by strategic advising where requested by the Libyan authorities in the fields of Border Management and to fight against cross-border crime and terrorism.

EUBAM Rafah was launched in November 2005, following the Israeli disengagement from Gaza, in order to provide a third-party presence at the Rafah Crossing Point between the Gaza Strip and Egypt and to build confidence between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Currently, the mission is on stand-by and maintains its readiness to redeploy to the Rafah crossing point once the political and security situation allows. In the meantime, EUBAM Rafah will continue to provide technical assistance on integrated border management to the Palestinian General Administration for Borders and Crossings . Its Head of Mission is Mr Florin Bulgariu.

EUPOL COPPS was launched in January 2006, and it is headed by Ms Nataliya Apostolova. The mission assists the Palestinian Authority in building the Palestinian institutions in the areas of policing and wider criminal justice arrangements. Through its contribution to security and justice sector reform, the mission supports efforts to improve the security of the Palestinian population and to reinforce the rule of law.