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The European Union Civilian Operations Commander’s Delegation, headed by Mr. Kenneth Deane, paid a visit to EUBAM Rafah Headquarters on Monday 12 October, 2015. During his visit, EUBAM Rafah Head of Mission, Ms. Natalina Cea, explained to the visiting delegation the current activities of EUBAM Rafah and the ongoing Road Map activities implemented in partnership with the General Administration of Borders and Crossings (GABC). Mr. Deane emphasized the importance of the work done by EUBAM Rafah and stated that all EU Member States fully support the mission.

A senior delegation from the European External Action Service (CCPC), headed by EU Civilian Operations Commander Mr. Kenneth Deane, together with a delegation from EUBAM Rafah, met with the Director General of Borders and Crossings, Mr. Nazmi Muhanna, and other senior officials from GABC on Tuesday 13 October, 2015. Mr. Muhanna expressed his gratitude to all efforts exerted by the EU in general, and by EUBAM Rafah in particular, which are aimed at helping the Palestinian people and at supporting GABC in enhancing their capabilities and improving their infrastructure.

In July 2015, EUBAM Rafah and the General Authority for Border and Crossings signed a combined note on their cooperation. This note clearly identifies the fields in which EUBAM Rafah will support the Palestinian authorities through mentoring, advising and training.

On Thursday 23 July, the Head of EUBAM Rafah Mission met with the GABC Director General Nazmi Muhanna at Al Karamah terminal in Jericho.

The purpose of Ms. Cea’s visit was to introduce her and to underline the continuation of the sustainable cooperation with GABC as the main counterpart of

 EUBAM Rafah. This session was part of a series of high level meetings held recently to maintain and develop contacts with stakeholders involved in the potential reopening of the Rafah Crossing Point.

On Wednesday 15 July, Natalina Cea, the new Head of EUBAM Rafah Mission visited the Gaza Strip for the first time after her appointment. The purpose of this visit was to receive first-hand information on the situation on the ground and to establish contacts with the international organizations present in the Gaza Strip. She met with Ayman Fteiha, Manager of the EU Representative Office, with Basil Nasser, Deputy Head of Mission of UNDP, Jan Nadolski, Field Security Officer Gaza City together with Timothy der Weduwen, Chief Security Adviser Jerusalem.

Bulgarian diplomat Nataliya Apostolova has been appointed as Head of the European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah) by the European Council and assumed office on 1 November 2023.

She has served over 25 years both in her national diplomatic administration and in the European External Action Service (EEAS).

Just before joining EUBAM Rafah, she concluded her three-year tenure as Head of Mission of EUPOL COPPS, the other EU CSDP Mission based and operational in the Palestinian Territories.

Jericho, June 17, 2015 - The European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM-Rafah) and Palestinian counterparts held a closing ceremony to mark the end of a lengthy training programme on the preparedness of the PA to resume its control of the Rafah Crossing point. Guy Rolin, the Acting Head of EUBAM-Rafah praised the dedication of the participants and thanked all parties who have contributed to the success of the programme. He said the new Head of Mission, due to assume responsibilities in July, will continue the second part of the programme.

On Thursday 2 July, 2015, the Council has extended the mandate of the EU border assistance mission for the Rafah crossing point (EU BAM Rafah) until 30 June 2016. Read more : http://www.consilium.europa.eu/press-releases-pdf/2015/7/40802200244_en.pdf”.

From 8 to 13 February, EUBAM Rafah organized a study trip in Hungary for ten senior officials from the Palestinian General Administration of Borders and Crossings GABC. The objective is to provide theoretical knowledge and practical experience about the Integrated Border Management (IBM) system according to the Schengen border catalogue and international standards.

On Monday 14 December EUBAM Rafah received an official delegation from the Hungarian National Police consisting of Mr. Ferenc HORPACSI DR. (Police Colonel), Head of Education Management and Training General Department of the Hungarian National Police HQ, and Mr. Tamas FEKETE (Police Lt. Col.), Liaison Officer, from the National Police HQ. The Hungarian delegation was briefed by EUBAM Acting HoM, Mr. Guy Rolin, about the Mission’s activities.