Following the launch of Iraq’s National Security Strategy (2025–2030) on 4 August 2025, the European Union Advisory Mission in Iraq (EUAM Iraq) and the Office of the National Security Advisor (ONSA) held a three-day workshop to set the course for its implementation. The event brought together 25 senior representatives from Iraq’s core security governance institutions, including the National Security Strategy Permanent Standing Committee, the Prime Minister’s Office, and key accountability bodies.

EUAM Iraq’s Senior Strategic Adviser delivering a session during the workshop on the implementation of Iraq’s National Security Strategy

Designed through extensive consultations, the workshop placed Iraqi institutions in the lead, with EUAM providing targeted technical support. Participants openly examined past challenges and agreed on a new governance structure with clear leadership roles and accountability, alongside ONSA’s commitment to develop a phased roadmap, a performance monitoring framework, and a resource mobilisation plan. Discussions also addressed structures tailored to Iraq’s governance context, including an NSS oversight mechanism under the Prime Minister, expansion of the NSS Secretariat, specialised coordination units within ministries, and provincial teams to ensure local alignment.

Participants of the workshop on operationalising Iraq’s National Security Strategy (2025–2030), organised by EUAM Iraq in partnership with the NSA 

EUAM Iraq will continue working closely with ONSA to put these outcomes into practice, focusing on strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring full Iraqi ownership. The workshop marked an important step towards building a stronger, more resilient national security governance model for Iraq.