Members of the EU Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management (CIVCOM) Committee are visiting Israel and Palestine from 18 to 22 November, giving them a chance to see the impact of EU support to the region first-hand. The trip focuses on the work of the EU’s two civilian Missions in Palestine – the EU Police and Rule of Law Mission (EUPOL COPPS) and the EU Border Assistance Mission at the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah).

While visiting EUPOL COPPS in Ramallah, the group were introduced to most of the Mission’s main counterparts in Palestine’s law enforcement and rule of law agencies, including Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh. The Chief of the Palestinian Civil Police, Major General Hazim Attallah stressed the importance of the work done by EUPOL COPPS to promote the primacy of civilian policing in ensuring safety and security in Palestine, including the key support provided in setting up a modern Civil Police in 2006 and since then.

The CIVCOM delegates have also visited the General Administration for Borders and Crossings (GABC). The day started with a tour of the Pilgrims Village in Jericho followed by a stop at the different premises of Al- Karamah terminal including the under-construction Command and Control Center, fully funded and equipped by EUBAM Rafah.

The visit came as a great opportunity for the visiting delegation to observe the field operation of the Mission and to better understand how borders are run within a Palestinian-Israeli context.

CIVCOM – was set up by a Council decision in 2000 and is comprised of delegates of each of the 28 member states. CIVCOM is tasked to deal with the development of strategies for the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability missions in order to improve the crisis- response capabilities of the European Union.

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Press Release (EUPOL COPPS)

Press Release (EUBAM Rafah)

EUPOL COPPS

European Union Border Assistance Mission in Rafah (EUBAM in Rafah)