The Council decided today to renew the mandates of two civilian missions under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
Following the coordinated strategic review conducted by the Political and Security Committee and on the basis of the invitations from Israel and the Palestinian Authority, the Council decided to extend the mandates of the EU Border Assistance Mission at the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah) and of the EU Police Mission in the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS) for one year until 30 June 2026. The missions will have the opportunity to develop their mandates on the ground through a flexible, realistic and scalable approach, with a view to adapting to future evolutions.
Similarly to other civilian missions, the Council Decision provides EUBAM Rafah with the possibility of a project cell enabling it to implement projects, including with external funds.
In its conclusions of 20 March 2025, the European Council stated that the EU remains firmly committed to a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution and is ready to contribute to all efforts towards that solution, and called on all parties to refrain from actions that undermine its viability. The European Council further stated that the EU will continue to work with regional and international partners to that end and will continue supporting the Palestinian Authority and its reform agenda.
Background
EUBAM Rafah was launched in November 2005, following the Israeli disengagement from Gaza. EUBAM Rafah continues to advise and provide technical assistance on integrated border management to the Palestinian General Authority for Borders and Crossings based in Jericho and support EU funded projects. EUBAM Rafah is mandated to provide a third-party presence at the Rafah Crossing Point between the Gaza Strip and Egypt and to build confidence between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority. This part of the mandate has been on hold between 2007 -when Hamas took over Gaza - and February 2025, when the mission was temporarily redeployed to the Rafah Crossing Point at the request of the Palestinians and the Israelis in agreement with the Egyptians following the ceasefire agreement. The mission maintains its readiness to redeploy to the Rafah crossing point once all necessary conditions are in place for an effective and safe deployment. Its Head of Mission is Ms Nataliya Apostolova.
EUPOL COPPS was launched in January 2006 and it is headed by Ms Karin Limdal. The mission’s current mandate focuses on support to the Palestinian Civil Police and wider justice institutions, in the areas of policing and wider criminal justice arrangements. Through its contribution to security and justice sector reform, the mission supports efforts to improve the security of the Palestinian population and to reinforce the rule of law.
