Latest news from EU peacekeeping missions and operations – CSDP (May 2021)
(B2) A training on rough roads, a project on heritage protection, a new mobile border control company and a demining operation. A look back at the news for the month of May within EU-CSDP peacekeeping missions and operations
Ras Ajdir (Libya). At the borders between Tunisia and Libya
Ras Ajdir is the border post with Tunisia. the busiest in Libya ". On average, 5 people pass through there every day, and sometimes up to 000. The mission border assistance to Libya (EUBAM Libya) had not ventured there since 2014. In mid-May, the first of a series of visits was able to take place. Others are planned. The challenge is to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment of this position, in order to know how the mission can best support the various Libyan security and border management agencies on the ground. Details here
Iraq. Security also involves the protection of heritage
The Security Sector Reform Assistance Mission (EUAM Iraq) is embarking on two new projects. One relates to the protection of cultural heritage, coveted by organized crime and terrorism for its assets other than cultural... (1) The other aims at the implementation of a " professional concept of high level strategic leadership and change management of security sector reform (SSR) within the Iraqi interior ministry. Germany has just provided (financial) support for these two projects. Details here
Kladanj (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Demining operation
2,18 km². The piece of land is not huge, but hilly, wooded and dotted with mines... The demining operation which began there at the beginning of April, will therefore take time. It will only end in May 2022. Two manual demining teams from the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina are in charge of the mechanical preparation of the ground. Major General Alexander Platzer from the EU military stabilization operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR Althea) visited the scene. Details here
Kati (Mali). Exit from the road under control!
Practice off-road driving. This is part of the practical courses taken by twelve non-commissioned officers of the Malian army (FAMa). The three-week training was conducted by instructors from the Malian Army's EU Training Mission (EUTM Mali), at the Malian army's driving school in Kati, in the region of Koulikouro. Details here
Niamey (Niger). New Mobile Border Control Company
In order to ensure better surveillance of the border between Niger and Burkina Faso, a memorandum of understanding was signed on May 4, for the creation of the third mobile border control company (CMCF) between the mission of the Support to Internal Security Forces (EUCAP Sahel Niger) and the Ministry of Interior of Niger. In the initial phase, Germany provides an amount of 2,7 million € for a total realization estimated at 10 million €. Details here
Kyiv (Ukraine). Training in interrogation methods for minors
Our mission advising Ukrainian internal security forces (EUAM Ukraine) presented Ukrainian police and judges this month with the best methods for interviewing minors in criminal proceedings. This training was given by Finnish police experts specialized in investigating crimes against children. The online event brought together law enforcement officials from the Kharkiv region (the second largest city in Ukraine). Details here
Mediterranean sea. Medical assistance on board
Assistance in the event of a health emergency at sea is vital. And this is what is at stake in the agreement signed between the European operation to control the embargo on Libya (EUNAVFOR MED Irini) and the Fondazione Rava. This will provide him with medical and paramedical staff and expertise. The first step will be the dispensation of a BLSD course (Basic Life Support and Defibrillation) in favor of the personnel of the headquarters of the operation. Details here
Gulf of Aden. First tactical trilateral exercise between naval forces
For 20 hours, the flagship of the EU operation EUNAVFOR Atalanta, theITS Rifleman, the destroyer JS Setogiri from the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, patrol boats from the Djibouti Coast Guard and the Djibouti Navy participated in a joint exercise on the high seas. Their objective is to reinforce tactical procedures between the navies in the event of maritime piracy. On the ground, the teams are already putting into practice the reinforcement desired by the Union of joint activities to promote maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. Details here
(information collected by Emmanuelle Stroesser and Jean-Stanislas Bareth, st.)
- Also read the article published on B2 (EU foreign policy flies to the rescue of cultural heritage) which explains that the protection of cultural heritage must be a means of crisis and conflict management for the European External Action Service (EEAS)
NB: To find out all about the latest developments in European defense policy, do not hesitate to obtain the new European defense 'toolbox', which has just been published, as well as our reference book on CSDP
Read also on the B2 Pro (published in May):
- EUTM Mozambique. Decision in July, launch in the fall. An African force also in preparation
- We must reinvigorate the battlegroups and fill the gaps in operations (military committee)
- Coordinated maritime presences. Concept and first pilot project (sheet)
- How to carry out an action in coalition under the aegis of the European Union. The reflection resumes on article 44
- European Peace Facility: first measures launched in July?
- EUTM mission in Mozambique: Josep Borrell picks up the pace. The planning begins (v2)
- Defense ministers want to strengthen the European 'toolbox' (conclusions)
- Let's create a European entry force first! 14 states are for (v2)
- Coordinating the Marines in the Gulf of Guinea: necessary (Rear Admiral Hervé Hamelin)
- Strategic compass, PESCO and Mozambique, on the agenda of the Council of 'Defence' Ministers (May 6, 2021) (v2)
And on the blog:
