European Union extends mandates of its missions to support border security and Palestinian police until June 2027

Brussels, September 28 (KUNA) -- The European Union announced on Monday the extension of the mandates of its two civilian missions to support Palestinian border security and police personnel for an additional nine months, until June 30, 2027. In a statement, the Council of the European Union said the decision covers the EU Border Assistance Mission at Rafah Crossing (EUBAM Rafah) and the EU Police Mission in the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS), following a coordinated strategic review conducted by the European External Action Service and approved by the Political and Security Committee, based on communications submitted by the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli occupation authorities. The decision follows a technical three-month extension approved by the Council last June, which extended the mandates of both missions until September 2026. In its conclusions issued last June, the European Council reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to international law and to achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the region based on a two-state solution, emphasizing its readiness to contribute to the implementation of a comprehensive peace plan for the Gaza Strip, including through EUBAM Rafah and EUPOL COPPS. EUBAM Rafah was established in November 2005 as a non-executive civilian mission providing advice and technical assistance to Palestinian border security personnel at the Rafah Crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, while also playing the role of a third-party presence at the crossing and building trust between the Israeli occupation authorities and the Palestinian Authority. The mission ceased operations in 2007 before being redeployed in January 2025 and again in February 2026. EUPOL COPPS was established in January 2006, and its current mandate focuses on supporting the Palestinian Civil Police and broader justice institutions, particularly in the areas of civil policing and criminal justice arrangements, especially in the West Bank. (End) A.R.N. / N.A.A.