As part of its ongoing support to Iraqi security institutions, EUAM Iraq organised a study visit to France for a senior Iraqi delegation from Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region. The delegation brought together senior representatives from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defence and National Security Advisory, including the National Centre for Crisis and Disaster Management, Civil Defence, the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Interior and the KRI Joint Coordination Centre.

During the visit, the delegation engaged with the General Secretariat for Defence and National Security (SGDSN), the Crisis and Support Centre of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Police and Gendarmerie command and control centres, civil protection coordination centres, and units responsible for securing sensitive sites. The programme also included a visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in France.

Through discussions and operational visits, the delegation gained first-hand insights into the French approach to crisis management, command and control, and coordination between institutions. Participants explored how different authorities coordinate their roles and responsibilities, exchange information and maintain continuity of operations during complex crises. Discussions also focused on communication between central and local authorities and approaches that could be relevant to the further development of Iraqi crisis-management and coordination mechanisms.

“We highly appreciate EUAM Iraq’s efforts in coordinating this study visit and providing us with the opportunity to learn from France’s approach to crisis and disaster management. The visit offered valuable strategic insights and practical approaches that can support the further development of crisis management in Iraq. We also agreed to establish direct channels of communication with our French counterparts to continue exchanging expertise and support the development of Iraq’s crisis management centres,” said Lieutenant General Jaafar Al Batat, Head of the National Centre for Crisis and Disaster Management.

The study visit forms part of EUAM Iraq’s broader support to Iraqi institutions in strengthening institutional resilience, crisis preparedness and national inter-agency coordination. By connecting Iraqi counterparts with relevant European expertise and operational experience, EUAM Iraq supports knowledge-sharing that responds to Iraqi priorities and contributes to Iraqi-owned, sustainable institutional development.