EUAM Ukraine: A Decade of Building Capacity and Supporting Reforms
December 24, 2024
Over the past decade, the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine has played a vital role in strengthening civilian security sector agencies across the country. Through its contributions to legislative initiatives, institutional development, and the professional growth of thousands of personnel, EUAM has become a trusted partner in driving Ukraine’s civilian security sector reform agenda.
Mission’s Growing Up
From its beginnings with 175 mission members in 2014, EUAM has grown into a robust and dynamic organisation, boasting 437 members in 2024. This includes 228 international and 209 national professionals who work together to deliver high-impact results across Ukraine.
EUAM’s activities are not confined to the capital. What started with mobile teams deploying across the country has evolved into a permanent presence in key regions. Today, with its headquarters in Kyiv, EUAM Ukraine operates from field offices in Lviv (established in 2016) and Odesa (established in 2018). Offices in Kharkiv (established in 2016) and Mariupol (established in 2020) are temporarily closed due to ongoing security challenges resulting from Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. However, EUAM’s Mobile unit continues to play a critical role, particularly for liberated and adjacent territories (LAT), demonstrating the Mission’s adaptability to Ukraine’s evolving wartime needs.
Legislative Support and Strategic Guidance
Since its establishment in 2014, EUAM Ukraine has played an important role in shaping significant legislative initiatives related to civilian security sector reform. The Mission has provided expert commentary on approximately 110 draft laws to align with European standards and EU best practices. Among these draft laws, many have been adopted by the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s Parliament, and signed into law by the President, including the Law on National Security (2018), the Law on Intelligence, which establishes parliamentary oversight over intelligence services (2020), and the Law on Implementation of the Rome Statute (2024).
Additionally, EUAM Ukraine’s input has contributed to the approval of nearly 50 strategic documents, equipping Ukraine’s law enforcement agencies with clear and effective roadmaps for their development. Notable examples include the New Public Order Concept and Dialogue Policing Strategy (2018), the National Human Rights Strategy and its Action Plan (2021), the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2021–2025 (2022), the Overarching Strategic Plan for the Reform of the Entire Law Enforcement Sector (2023), and the Action Plan for its implementation (2024).
Capacity-Building Achievements
Capacity-building remains at the core of EUAM Ukraine’s activities. Over the past decade, the Mission has implemented around 200 targeted projects aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s civilian security sector. These initiatives range from providing modern equipment and technology to supporting institutional reforms.
Recently, EUAM Ukraine has expanded its support through externally funded initiatives. This includes projects funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which assist civilian security sector agencies in stabilising and restoring governance, safety, security, and social cohesion in LAT in Ukraine. Additional support focuses on addressing psychological distress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among officers of the National Police of Ukraine, exacerbated by Russia’s ongoing war and the challenging conditions in LATs. Furthermore, a project funded by the Austrian government aims to enhance investigative and analytical expertise within agencies such as the National Police of Ukraine, State Bureau of Investigations, Economic Security Bureau and others.
EUAM Ukraine’s training activities are a cornerstone of its success. More than 55,300 individuals have benefited from tailored training sessions, totalling over 4,500 activities. These sessions cover a wide array of topics, including the prosecution and investigation of international crimes, OSINT, community policing, stress management, and other areas, empowering Ukrainian professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to address modern challenges.
Looking ahead
As EUAM Ukraine marks a decade of operations, its achievements reflect not only the dedication of its Mission members but also the strength of its partnership with Ukrainian institutions. By combining strategic advice, practical support, and capacity-building initiatives, EUAM Ukraine has contributed to reforms transforming Ukraine’s civilian security sector into one that is efficient, accountable, and enjoys the public’s trust.
Looking ahead, the Mission remains committed to supporting Ukraine on its reform efforts, ensuring that progress continues as the country advances on its path to European integration.
