EUPOL PROXIMA' Fact sheet

Summary: December 13, 2003: 'EUPOL PROXIMA' Fact sheet (Brussels)

PROXIMA'S MANDATE

Proxima is part of the European Union's overall commitment in assisting the efforts of the Government of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (fYROM) to move closer towards EU integration. The Proxima mission will be, in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and other relevant authorities, to contribute towards police reforms required within the implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement of 2001. Proxima police experts will monitor, mentor and advice the country's police thus helping to fight organised crime and as well as promoting European standards of policing. This will be achieved through working alongside host country police colleagues.

MISSION LAUNCH

Proxima will be launched on 15 December 2003 and is expected to last one year.

CONTRIBUTING STATES

In addition to the 15 EU member states invitations have also been extended to:

The ten Acceding States - Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Slovakia, Malta, Cyprus
The three Candidate Countries - Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey
Non-EU European NATO members - Norway and Iceland (in addition to Turkey)
Potential partners - Canada, Russia and Ukraine
Switzerland and the United States.

MISSION STRENGTH
When at full strength around 200 Personnel will make up the Proxima mission. This comprises of uniformed police personnel and civilian internationals. Additionally Proxima will employ a number of host country staff in support functions.

SECURITY OF PROXIMA

The host country will, through its own capabilities, assume full responsibility for the security of Proxima personnel. To cover exceptional situations, Proxima will, however, be equipped with a small armed protection element of around 30 police officers.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS

Around 150 uniformed police personnel will be deployed in the following locations:

Main HQ - Skopje
Central Advice - Skopje, within Ministry of the Interior
Police Station presence - Skopje, Tetevo, Kumanovo, Gostivar (inc. sub HQ Debar) and Ohrid (inc. sub HQ at Struga & Kicevo)

They will be engaged in the following activities alongside their host country counterparts:

Overall improving the performance of the Police
Crime investigations, in particular the fight against organised crime
Border police as part of the wider EU effort to promote integrated border management throughout the region
Confidence building with the police with in the communities
romote European standards of policing in all areas of operation
Assisting with the practical implementation of comprehensive reform of the Ministry of Interior.

Ref: CL03-381EN
EU source: Council
UN forum:
Date: 12/12/2003

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