Europe stalls in Palestine. The EUPOL Copps mission in ellipsis

(B2 - exclusive) While Donald Trump is in the middle of a visit to the Middle East, Europe is seeing the erosion of one of its key assets (one of the only operational tools) in the Palestinian territories. The European support mission for the Palestinian police (EUPOL Copps) has been idle for several months already. In a very discreet way and for reasons that are quite difficult to understand.

alleged serious facts

The European diplomatic service, in fact, launched an "administrative investigation" last December for allegedly serious facts (nepotism, harassment, etc. (1)) that its various managers (head of mission, deputy head, administrative manager, chief of police support) – of different nationalities – have either been suspended from their duties (i.e. deprived of any hierarchical weight), or placed under administrative investigation (which means that they are under surveillance ). Usually, these police officers and magistrates carry out investigations. Today they are the ones under investigation...

A lengthy investigation

The mission has been operating this way for almost five months. Several delegations came from Brussels to carry out certain hearings. But no action has yet been taken. A acting leader has been appointed (the Dutchman Mike Albers) but he is there to manage the interim, current affairs and maintain a semblance of activity. On the spot, no one is fooled, however. The main interested parties have already been warned that their contract will end (2), when the mission's mandate is renewed (end of June). Without waiting, other agents began to look elsewhere, some have already resigned. The mission continues, but the foot on the brake and in an atmosphere more than heavy. The atmosphere is really not conducive to launching new projects or responding to the main concerns of the Palestinian policemen. Today, they certainly need training but above all equipment (3).

Very brief information

Rather bizarrely, the European Parliament – ​​which is normally the budgetary authority (4) – was not notified of this procedure. No complaint to OLAF or to a judicial authority has (it seems) been lodged either. Similarly, the IDOC, theOffice ofinvestigation and discipline of the European Commission, the inspection services, has not been seized. Which seems extraordinary given the scale of the measures taken. The Political and Security Committee (PSC) – which represents the Member States and is the political control authority for the CSDP missions – was informed, in a very succinct way, and not really elaborated according to our information. Transparency does not seem to be in order. Questioned by B2, one of the COPS diplomats was very brief on the file, apparently not having really precise information. " If there are elements, we will make decisions. If the file turns out to be empty in the end, those responsible at the EEAS will have to be held accountable. He said.

European credibility questioned

On the spot, the Palestinian and Israeli authorities, on the other hand, seem well informed, and count the points. Such a matter cannot remain secret for long in territories where everything is known very quickly even if discretion is required. European credibility thus takes a hit. Whatever the reality of the alleged facts (whether they are true or false), the damage is done. Five months without a decision is a long time... Especially when the Americans are reaffirming their presence there.

(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)

Read also: EUPOL Copps mission under investigation

NB: Civilian CSDP missions are placed under the direct authority of a Civilian Operations Commander (a British policeman, former Northern Ireland Policeman, Ken Deane) and the High Representative of the Union, politically.

(1) Unofficially, they were informed that their request for renewal would not be accepted. Officially, there is no measure taken and the presumption of innocence remains fully affirmed.

(2) The Palestinian police have asked the European Union in particular to help them renew their vehicle. An aging car fleet. Some ten-year-old vehicles are on the verge of mechanical shutdown. This could quickly threaten the operationality of the police in the territories. Tired of waiting for the Europeans, the Palestinians should turn... to the Americans.

(3) The alleged grounds remain unclear. And the European institutions invoke the presumption of innocence not to communicate more on these elements.

(4) Civilian missions are financed by the Community budget under the CFSP (Heading 4 of the budget).