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On 24 July 2019, the Head of the European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point met with the Palestinian Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Shtayyeh in his office in Ramallah.

During the meeting, the Head of EUBAM Rafah reiterated the Mission's support for the General Administration for Borders and Crossings and expressed commitment to the building and strengthening of the counterpart's capacities. 

The Council of the European Union has extended the Mandate of the EU Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah), as well as the Mandate of the EU Coordinating Office for Palestinian Police Support (EUPOL COPPS), until 30 June 2020.

Both Missions form part of the wider EU efforts in support of Palestinian state building in the context of working towards a comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on a two-state solution

Ms Heike Gerstbrein, currently heading the Common Foreign and Security Policy Operations and Election Observation Unit in the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, is in a visit that is expected to last for one week to the two EU Missions in the territories; EUBAM and EUPOL COPPS, located in Tel Aviv and Ramallah respectively. 

Cooperation among border agencies, whether internally or internationally, is important to ensure the reinforcement of border/cross-border codes and to handle joint investigations of any occurring violations, when needed.

To help participants learn through visual experience, EUBAM Rafah organized a study visit to OLAF headquarters in Brussels for five selected managers from the General Administration for Borders and Crossings from the 18th to the 20th of June 2019. 

The study visit tackled the different activities undertaken by OLAF in the fields of anti-fraud and combating corruption with particular focus on investigation procedures and review processes in addition to external aid investigation, data analysis and fraud prevention. 

Communication is defined as the process of passing and sharing of knowledge, ideas and messages between different recipients and audiences. In order to communicate its information and instructions to the public and to forge and maintain connections in a manner that allows the Administration to work efficiently towards its goals, EUBAM Rafah has supported GABC in developing an effective communication strategy.

Communication is defined as the process of passing and sharing of knowledge, ideas and messages between different recipients and audiences. In order to communicate its information and instructions to the public and to forge and maintain connections in a manner that allows the Administration to work efficiently towards its goals, EUBAM Rafah has supported GABC in developing an effective communication strategy.

“Internal and international cooperation and liaison among all relevant agencies involved in border security is crucial not only at the borders of Palestine and the neighbouring countries, but also in general to ensure secure borders and establish effective and coordinated border management”, says Florin Bulgariu – the Integrated Border Management Expert at the European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point.

Mr. Guenther Freisleben, Head of EUBAM Rafah, wishes all Muslims a happy Eid ul-Fitr, an important religious holiday marking the end of a month-long period of fasting and reflection for Muslims. On this occasion, Muslims attend special morning prayers, gather with family and friends to exchange greetings and to enjoy celebratory meals.

On Saturday, fourteen EU missions, including EUBAM Rafah, celebrated Europe Day 2019 together with the European institutions in Brussels. The doors were open to the public and the annual Open Day attracted thousands of visitors of all ages. They were entertained by cultural performances, had their faces painted, met Captain Europe, won awards at the Wheel of Fortune and became wiser on how the EU engages with its neighbours.