The European Union Advisory Mission in Iraq (EUAM Iraq), in partnership with the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law’s CT PHARE platform, is working closely with the Office of the National Security Advisor to support the preparation of Iraq’s next National Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

Over three days in Baghdad, two days high-level workshops and a one-day roundtable discussion, brought together senior representatives from Iraqi institutions, ministries, and international partners.

The sessions focused on embedding human rights principles in a prevention-oriented counter-terrorism approach, marking a strategic shift from wartime operations to peacetime prevention.
Participants also enhanced their skills in human rights reporting to international bodies, ensuring Iraq’s efforts are aligned with international norms and standards.
The third day roundtable was formally opened by EUAM Iraq’s Acting Head of Mission and Chief of Staff Matteo Salvatori, together with senior Iraqi counterparts, setting the stage for CT PHARE experts to present their recommendations and practical proposals. 
This was followed by in-depth discussions in which Iraqi stakeholders shared perspectives, identified priorities, and agreed on concrete steps for drafting and implementing the new strategy.

Through interactive exercises, expert guidance, and consensus-building, the workshops and roundtable underscored the EU’s continued commitment to supporting Iraq in developing a sustainable, effective, and rights-based security sectorز commitment to supporting Iraq in building a more rights-based, effective, and sustainable security sector.