EU appoints New Head of Mission in Iraq
The Council of the European Union has appointed Ralf Schröder (pictured) as the new head of mission for the European Union Advisory Mission in Iraq (EUAM Iraq). He will take up his duties on 16th August 2025.
According to a statement:
Ralf Schröder is a high-ranked German police officer with 30 years of experience in the security sector, specialised in counterterrorism. He has also served in different international positions -e.g. in Afghanistan and Iraq, where he was head of the Embassy Security Team - and in international missions: UNMIS and UNSOM. Since November 2024, Ralf Schroeder serves in EUAM Iraq as Deputy Head of Mission.
The decision was taken by the Political and Security Committee on 8 July 2025.
EUAM Iraq was launched in October 2017 in response to a request by the Iraqi government for advice on how to undertake civilian security sector reform. The civilian mission, headquartered in Baghdad and with an office in Erbil, had an initial mandate of one year which was regularly extended, following the assessment of Iraqi needs.
The mission's overarching task is to assist in the development and coherent implementation of the Iraqi National Security Strategy, associated national strategies and other national security priorities. This process, supported by several international partners, involves inter alia support to institutional reform, anti-organised crime, anti-corruption, protection of cultural heritage, Integrated Border Management and counter-terrorism.
EUAM Iraq is mandated to advise officials of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Ministry of Interior and other relevant authorities in charge of civilian related aspects of security sector reform. The mission can conduct visits at regional and provincial levels in support of Iraqi efforts to strengthen countrywide coordination as it relates to civilian security sector reform.
Click here to view Mr Schroeder's CV.
(Source: EUAM)
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