The Council prolonged the mandate of the EU border assistance mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EU BAM Rafah) as well as the mandate of the police mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS) until 30 June 2017. These missions are 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.
EU BAM Rafah is mandated to provide a third party presence at the Rafah crossing point to contribute to building confidence between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, including through building up the Palestinian capacity on all aspects of border management at Rafah. The mission maintains readiness to redeploy to the Rafah crossing point once the political and security situation allows. Natalina Cea has been Head of Mission since 1 July 2015. The mission's budget for the period between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017 amounts to € 1.54 million.
The Council also extended the mandate of EUPOL COPPS until 30 June 2017. EUPOL COPPS has been assisting the Palestinian Authority in building the institutions of a future state of Palestine in the areas of policing and criminal justice since January 2006. Through its contribution to security and justice sector reform, the mission supports efforts to increase the security of the Palestinian population and to reinforce the rule of law. Rodolphe Mauget has been Head of Mission since 1 July 2014. € 10.32 million have been allocated for the mission's activities between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017.
