EUAM Iraq enters its Sixth Mandate continuing support for Iraq’s Security Sector Reform

The European Union Advisory Mission in Iraq (EUAM Iraq) has entered its Sixth Mandate, reaffirming its commitment to supporting Iraq in strengthening its security institutions and advancing Security Sector Reform. The Council of the European Union (EU) adopted a decision on 12 October extending the EUAM Iraq Mandate for another two years. Running from 1 November 2026 until 31 October 2028, the new Mandate was officially marked with a launch event in Baghdad on 3 November, bringing together Iraqi and European partners to look ahead at the next chapter of cooperation.

The extension of the Mission’s Mandate marks the EU commitment to supporting Iraq. The European Union Advisory Mission’s work will continue building on the achievements and cooperation developed during its previous Mandates.

Under its new Mandate, EUAM Iraq will focus on four main thematic areas: Security Sector Reform (SSR) and the implementation of the National Security Strategy (NSS), Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), Countering Terrorism (CT) and Organised Crime (OC). Through strategic advice and expertise, the Mission will continue to support efforts to strengthen Iraq's security institutions and contribute to a more effective and coordinated security sector in close cooperation with Iraqi counterparts. 

 

Across all four areas, the Mission places people at the centre of security. Human Rights, Women’s Participation and Environmental Protection remain important cross-cutting priorities. By integrating these principles into its work, EUAM Iraq aims to support the development of security institutions that are more inclusive, accountable and responsive to the needs of the Iraqi people.

 

Marking the start of a new Mandate

The Sixth Mandate officially launched with an event on 3 November 2026, bringing together around 45 senior Iraqi counterparts, primarily from the Ministry of Interior, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Security Service (NSS), alongside representatives of the European Union Delegation (EUDEL) to Iraq.

 

 

"The launch of our Sixth Mandate is an opportunity to build on the strong cooperation established with our Iraqi partners over the past years, while looking at the challenges and priorities that lie ahead. Our work is guided by a shared ambition: to support Iraqi institutions in developing security policies and practices that respond to the country's evolving needs. We look forward to continuing this partnership over the next two years” said Head of Mission Ralf Schroeder.

 

 

The Head of EU Delegation, Klemens Semtner further strengthened the role and importance of the EUAM Iraq on the ground, reflecting on the EU's commitment to support the ongoing transformation process in the country. The Deputy Head of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and the Deputy Head of the National Security Advisory (NSA) also addressed the event, underlining the importance of continued cooperation with the Mission. Finally, EUAM Iraq’s Head of Operations, Tomas Wallberg, outlined how the priorities of the new Mandate will be translated into practical activities and strengthened cooperation with Iraqi partners.

 

 

EUAM Iraq looks forward to the next two years with a continued focus on supporting Iraqi-led efforts to strengthen the country’s security sector. By drawing on its expertise and maintaining close engagement with national institutions, the Mission will continue to contribute to a more stable and safe Iraq.