Latest news from EU peacekeeping missions and operations – CSDP (March 2021)

(B2) The news of EU missions and operations shows us aspects that are often overlooked, or at least receive little media coverage, of the life of the countries in which they operate, such as this month in eastern Ukraine or in the Agadez region of Niger. Day-to-day CSDP is also a field of cooperation, as in maritime transport, or themes emerging, like the environment

Donetsk (Ukraine). Strengthen civil security in the most dangerous areas

Prefabricated modules to serve as checkpoints, ten police cars, 1 first-aid kits, 162 fire extinguishers and a state-of-the-art portable scanner for explosive devices - complete the equipment of the national police in eastern Ukraine. A region " where the population lives under increased risk to their life and health due to the conflict », underlines Xavier Camus, of the European Union delegation in Ukraine. This EU aid (of €600) is part of the PRAVO Police programme, funded by the European Union, implemented by UNOPS in close coordination with the EU advisory mission to the security forces. homeland security in Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine). Details here

Agadez (Niger). Detour via a pilot antenna

In the North-West and North-East of Niger, the Agadez region covers almost half of the country, no less than 1900 km of borders with four countries (Algeria, Libya, Chad, Mali). This strategic location justified the creation of a branch of the EU mission to support internal security forces and stabilize Niger (EUCAP Sahel Niger). The region remains spared from terrorism. But it does not require less attention, on the contrary... What the head of the mission, Antje Pittelkau, wanted to testify by going on site, also to meet the regional authorities. Details here

Horn of Africa. Maritime transport seen from two angles, civil and military

« Few in the non-military world know how important this operation is to our daily lives.  » observes the captain Anthony Toledo, reserve officer of the Spanish Navy. This is one of the lessons of his participation in the European Union naval force in Somalia (EUNAVFOR Atalanta) for a few months. An interview to read here

Somalia. Handover of keys

The renovation and expansion of the dormitories of the police academy will make it possible to train 560 additional cadets per year (+ 140 per cycle). The Head of the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAP Somalia) handed over the keys in mid-March. Details here

Kosovo. Putting words (and images) on the issue of reintegration

« Prisoners are not numbers. They can be yours. After serving their sentence, they return to their homes and communities. They are someone's child, relative, friend, colleague, partner or neighbor ". These are the introductory words of a video explaining the role of the Kosovo Correctional Service. It is part of a social media campaign supported by the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX). Details (and videos) here 

All missions combined. The growing weight of environmental issues

A network for exchanging practices on environmental issues has been created between 11 EU missions. " Because the countries in which the missions operate are particularly affected by climate change says EUAM RCA. In the Palestinian territory, the Deputy Head of EUPOL COPPS, Katja Dominik, also observes " growing awareness of the importance of environmental issues, particularly in the context of the advice, coaching and training provided by CSDP missions ". The issues are still little known but very concrete. " Environmental crime not only affects the health and well-being of ordinary citizens and future generations. The most serious examples, such as the dumping of toxic waste, are often linked to organized criminal groups involved in multiple forms of crime she explains. Details here

@EUAM_RCA is a member of the first-ever Environmental Network of EU CSDP Civilian Missions. The countries in which they operate are particularly affected by climate change. In this forum, 11 civilian missions discuss best practices. pic.twitter.com/qrmdzVbZuK

— EUAM-RCA (@EUAM_RCA) March 19, 2021

Italy. An unusual passenger

For two days, on 18 and 19 March, the High Representative of the EU, Josep Borrell, toured the operation to monitor the embargo on Libya in the Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med Irini). From the headquarters office in Rome to the warehouses of the Sigonella air base in Sicily, passing by the bridge of the Berlin, the last (German) ship to have joined the operation. The visit marked the first anniversary of the operation, whose mandate has just been extended by two years. Details here

(information collected by Emmanuelle Stroesser)

NB: To know everything or review, do not hesitate to obtain our book on CSDP

Read also on the B2 Pro (published in March):

• The European Peace Facility 2021-2027. Objective, budget, financing, decision-making method, operation, audit...
• The Extended Crisis Management Warehouse
• Last step for the European Peace Facility. The final text adopted
• The extension of the operation Irini recorded, without major modification
• The MPCC suffers from shortcomings. The jump to a European military HQ in question (report)
• [Eulex Kosovo 6] Operation missing in Mitrovica, where everything reminds us that Kosovo is not a country like the others
• [Eulex Kosovo 5] The quality of Kosovo prisons deemed one of the best in the Balkans
• EUBAM Libya reoriented towards supporting the Berlin process and the UN?
• [Eulex Kosovo 3] A medical unit ready for training up to emergency interventions
• [Eulex Kosovo 2] A multi-pronged policing mission
• The format as the mandate of EUTM RCA called into question by MEPs

And on the blog: 

• Things are heating up in Palma (Mozambique). A fully organized jihadist attack (v2)
• A rebel armed group neutralized by Operation Barkhane
• The Grace A inspected by Operation Irini
• Sweden and Takuba, Russia, NATO by Peter Hultqvist
• A Danish frigate in the Gulf of Guinea in the fall
• The Charles-de-Gaulle and the carrier battle group in the Gulf of Aden, alongside the 'Atalanta' (v2)
• One year of operation for Irini. And a record that Europeans have nothing to be ashamed of
• From extreme heat to extreme cold, mountain troops prepare for high-intensity combat (Hervé de Courrèges)
• An unprecedented space exercise at the CNES in Toulouse
• The BF Esperanza inspected by Operation Irini
• Myanmar: phone call between European and Burmese soldiers. With advice: stop climbing
• [EULEX Kosovo] Report off the beaten track, in the heart of the Balkans, in Kosovo
• EUNAVFOR Atalanta. The Bundeswehr reviews its system in the Indian Ocean
• The New Moon inspected by a Greek frigate from Irini off Tobruk