The Council decided to extend the mandates until 30 June 2021 of three of its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) civilian missions: the European Border Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM Libya), the European Border Assistance Mission in the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah), and the European Police Mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS).
The COVID-19 pandemic has put on hold the implementation of some activities foreseen as part of the mandate of the missions. To allow time to implement these activities, the mandates of these missions are thus prolonged for a further period of 12 months and with the understanding that the missions might be subject to a strategic review once circumstances allow it.
EUBAM Libya was launched on 22 May 2013. It is tasked with contributing to the Libyan authorities’ efforts to disrupt organised criminal networks involved in smuggling of migrants, human trafficking and terrorism. The mission coordinates and implements projects with international partners in the fields of border management, law enforcement and criminal justice.
EUBAM Rafah was launched on 25 November 2005 following the Israeli disengagement from Gaza. It is tasked with providing a third party presence at the Rafah Crossing Point between the Gaza Strip and Egypt and contributing to strengthening Palestinian Authority’s border capacities.
EUPOL COPPS was established on 1 January 2006. It is tasked with contributing to the Palestinian Authority’s efforts to establish effective and sustainable policing and wider criminal justice arrangements, in cooperation with the other institution building programmes.
