News

In the margin of her visit to the Middle East, EU High representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice- president of the European Commission Kaja Kallas, met with EUBAM Rafah Head of mission Nataliya Apostolova and her team. She was briefed on the recent operation EUBAM and its Specialized Teams were performing at the Rafah crossing point, while meeting the  Spanish, French and Italian gendarmerie forces, deployed there.

In a joint endeavor, EUBAM RAFAH and EUPOL COOPS’ Heads of missions reiterated the importance of CSDP engagement in the region.

On 11 March 2025, the Head of Mission of EUBAM Rafah, Nataliya Apostolova, accompanied a senior European delegation led by EU Representative to the West Bank and Gaza Strip, Ambassador Alexandre Stutzmann, together with their Excellencies the Consuls General Nicolas Kassianides (France), Javier Gutiérrez (Spain), and Domenico Bellato (Italy), on a visit to the Rafah Crossing Point (RCP).

HoM Nataliya Apostolova was proud to brief European Parliament President Roberta Metsola during her recent visit to the region on EUBAM Rafah’s role in support of  the Gaza-Israel cease fire agreement at the  Rafah Crossing Point.

Last week, EUBAM Rafah hosted the first visit of the newly created Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) of the European Parliament. Six MEPs, led by Committee Chair Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, visited Israel and Palestine from 5 to 8 February 2025. 

EUBAM Rafah is looking for short-term experts from the European Union Member States for the vacancies published below.

Only EU citizens supported/ seconded by their EU Member States are eligible to apply. 

There are no vacancies or such prospects for locally contracted nationals at the time being. 

On Monday, 16 December 2024, as part of the visit of a European Diplomatic Academy cohort of young diplomats to the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC) / Civilian Operations Headquarters for civilian CSDP missions, the Head of Mission of EUBAM Rafah, Ms. Nataliya Apostolova, provided an overview of the mission and discussed its current operational challenges while participating online.

From November 25 to November 28, 2024, the GABC Training Center in Jericho hosted a specialized Document Control (Refreshment) course aimed at enhancing the skills of 16 GABC staff members. Under the guidance of expert trainer Jos Braker (EUBAM Visiting Expert) and co-trainer Mr. Azzam Abo Hijleh (GABC Border Police), this intensive four-day course focused on refreshing participants' knowledge and improving their ability to conduct effective document controls.

Tell us a little about yourself (nationality, professional background and experience and expertise): I am Italian and have had the privilege of working with the Italian Customs Agency since 1995. Over the past 20+ years, I have gained extensive experience in strategic planning, coordination, and event organization. My professional journey took me abroad early on, where I worked as an expert and coordinator in various international projects, including twinning initiatives with countries such as Turkey, Kosovo, and Albania.

In an era where progress towards gender equality is often celebrated, we must confront an inconvenient truth: violence against women remains a global epidemic that demands urgent action. The European Union (EU), as one of the world's most significant political and economic entities, has both the responsibility and the power to lead the charge in eliminating this violence. But despite years of policy advancements, the fight is far from over. In fact, gender-based violence is on the rise in many places, online and offline.

Break the Silence. End the Violence.

"We need to foster a culture where violence against women and girls is not tolerated, where survivors feel supported to come forwards, and where perpetrators are held accountable" - says EUBAM Rafah Head of Mission Nataliya Apostolova, in support of victims of violence alongside leaders from EU Civilian Crisis Management Missions deployed around the world.