To address
the challenges in Iraq, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign
Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission adopted a Joint
Communication on January 8.
The
proposal outlines both ongoing and longer term EU support to Iraq, fully taking
into account the Iraqi government’s priorities.
“Iraq is at
a crossroads in its history following the territorial defeat of Da’esh [the
Arabic acronym for Islamic State] at great sacrifice,” said Federica Mogherini,
High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President
of the European Commission. “It is now crucial to act quickly and rebuild the
country with the participation of all the components of Iraqi society, to
promote and protect fundamental rights and the rule of law in each and every
area: only inclusiveness can guarantee true reconciliation so that Iraqis can
close once and for all with the past.”
Commissioner
for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides, who has
visited Iraq several times to assess EU aid projects on the ground said: “I
have seen first-hand the suffering in places like Mosul and Fallujah and it is
crucial that all aid efforts continue to be impartial and neutral. It is
essential to support all Iraqi’s in need of assistance today and tomorrow, for
as long as it takes.”
“The EU
aims to strengthen concrete support to the Iraqi people in a wide range of
areas, to foster economic growth, good governance and strengthening the
judicial system as well as boosting education,” explained Commissioner for
International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica.
https://www.neweurope.eu/article/eu-strategy-iraq/