On 7 April 2020, the Cabinet approved the extension of the posting of four civilian experts – Raimonds Deičmanis, Eva Ikauniece, Raimonds Koptenkovs and Oskars Kastēns – on the European Union (EU) Advisory Mission for Civil Security Sector Reform Ukraine (EUAM). The time of service for Raimonds Deičmanis, Eva Ikauniece has been extended till 2 June 2021, and for Raimonds Koptenkovs and Oskars Kastēns – till 31 June 2021. Nine Latvian civilian experts are currently serving on this mission.
The EU Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine) was established in 2014 to provide advisory support for Ukraine in the field of civil security sector reforms, and it is important for the mission to also deliver on its goals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The EUAM provides strategic advice to the Ukrainian authorities both at the central and regional level on the development of civilian security strategies and hands-on support for the implementation of specific reform measures. The mission also offers advice on the reorganisation and restructuring of agencies in Ukraine’s civilian security sector.
Currently, 25 European Union Member States and Canada are contributing to the EU Advisory Mission. Latvia joined EUAM Ukraine in 2015.
Candidates for EU missions are selected by the European External Action Service (EEAS).
Background information
There are 24 civilian experts from Latvia currently serving on international missions. Nine of them are taking part in the EU Advisory Mission Ukraine, eight – in the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia, and seven – in the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine.
To ensure the functioning of international mission during the COVID-19 pandemic, a part of civilian experts are performing their duties on the ground while others, via telework arrangements.