Nico Hagen

European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL)

The European Union launched the EUPOL Mission in June 2007. EUPOL Afghanistan (European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan) is a civilian Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) mission. It has since its establishment in 2007 supported the reform efforts of the Afghan Government in building a civilian police service that operates within an improved rule of law framework and in respect of human rights. The Mission is part of the EU's long-term commitment and contributes to the EU's overall political and strategic objectives in Afghanistan. EUPOL Afghanistan's support is delivered by its police experts from EU Member States, mainly through advising at the strategic level to the Afghan Ministry of Interior. It carries out its tasks in a joint effort with the Government and in close coordination with a number of local and international partners. EUPOL has two lines of operation (components): Ministry of Interior Reform Component and Professionalisation and Training Component (ANP). The Council of the European Union has extend the mandate of EUPOL Afghanistan from until 31 December 2016. The Head of Mission is Pia Stjernvall (Finland) and the Deputy Head of Mission is Tarmo Miilits (Estonia).