This week, the European Union Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point received members of the EU’s committee on Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management (CIVCOM) who arrived in Palestine and Israel to meet with Mission Staff members and local counterparts.
On 21 November 2019, 18 Committee members, chaired by Ms. Deirdre Clarke Lyster from Ireland and accompanied by members of the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC) visited the General Administration for Borders and Crossings (GABC). The day started with a tour of the Pilgrims Village in Jericho followed by a stop at the different premises of Al- Karamah terminal including the under-construction Command and Control Center, fully funded and equipped by EUBAM Rafah.
The visit came as a great opportunity for the visiting delegation to observe the field operation of the Mission and to better understand how borders are run within a Palestinian-Israeli context. Head of EUBAM Mission, Mr. Guenther Freisleben, briefed the delegation on the mandate and activities of EUBAM Rafah in addition to a recap of the main achievements and challenges. Throughout the day, General Director GABC Governor Nazmi Mhanna and HoM EUBAM Mr. Guenther Freisleben were available to address any tabled issues and answer all arising questions.
On 22 November 2019, the visiting delegation concluded the trip with a visit to the Mission’s HQs where they met with Mission members and heard their views regarding the support EUBAM provides to the local authorities.
CIVCOM – was set up by a Council decision in 2000 and is comprised of delegates of each of the 28 member states. CIVCOM is tasked to deal with the development of strategies for CPCC missions in order to improve the crisis- response capabilities of the European Union. In order to do this, CIVCOM delegates pay periodic visits to the EU’s civilian missions around the world and in their light they evaluate information, monitor progress and make recommendations for the EU’s political and security committee.
