Head of EUAM visits Lviv and highlights the role of the region as a lighthouse for civilian security sector reform
February 23, 2024
During his recent visit to Lviv, the Head of the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Rolf Holmboe took the opportunity to discuss with the regional partners EUAM’s strategic objectives for the years to come and agree on joint future efforts in enhancing security, justice and the rule of law.
Being a border region, Lviv plays a crucial role in implementing enhanced border security and Integrated Border Management (IBM) approach. This would require a strong commitment, mutual trust and effective inter-agency cooperation not only from the State Border Guard Service and Customs but from an entire law-enforcement sector in the region. Measures to support the efficient communication and cooperation with the regional law-enforcement regarding the implementation of the Overarching Strategy for the Reform of the Law-Enforcement Sector (OAS) and closer cooperation with EUAM Field Office Lviv were at the heart of the discussion with Lviv Regional Military Administration. During the meeting the Head of EUAM underscored: ”In our joint efforts to contribute to a safe and resilient Ukraine, the Lviv region plays an important role as a lighthouse for reforms. The challenges Ukraine faces require the ability of law-enforcement agencies in the region to work in operational way directly with EU structures such as EUAM to achieve the needed results as fast as possible”.
Aiming to enhance regional efforts in building economic security, Head of Mission met with Lviv Economic Security Bureau (ESBU) to discuss future capacity-building initiatives. EUAM Field Office Lviv brings on board its high-level international expertise and EU best practices, including strategic advice and training for the ESBU staff.
While in Lviv, Rolf Holmboe also engaged with the partners who contribute to the pursuit of justice, importantly, in the area of international crimes – Lviv Regional Bar Association. EUAM supports the equality of arms and that a meaningful defense is provided in investigations and trials against perpetrators of international crimes and crimes against the security and functioning of the state. EUAM is aware that these trials are closely observed by the international community and are deemed as indicators for the Rule of Law and Human Rights compliance of Ukraine in the wake of the EU accession process.
Today EUAM’s commitment is as strong as ever to support together with its Ukrainian counterparts the development of necessary capacities within civilian security sector to build a resilient community where justice and rule of law are prevailing in all spheres.
