EU Commission to open Delegation in Baghdad

Today, the European Commission has formally taken the decision to open a Delegation in Iraq. The Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner indicated in June that she hoped to open a Delegation soon. This formal decision will now allow preparation work to get underway. The formal undertaking to open a Delegation is a sign of the Commission's commitment to the new Iraq, as Iraqis prepare for the election of their first constitutional government. It reflects the growing role that the EU is playing in Iraq's political and economic reconstruction and the need for the Commission to establish a permanent presence in the country to promote political links and support Community reconstruction assistance. The decision is in line with the conclusions reached at the June International Conference held in Brussels last June.

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• EU Council Conclusions - Iraq (30/1/2006)
• Iraq: EU Commission proposes negotiating mandate for Trade and Cooperation Agreement (12/12/2005)
• EU Council Conclusions - Iraq (7/11/2005)
• EU biggest donor for Iraq's elections and referendum (21/10/2005)
• EU to sign first Joint Political Declaration with Iraq  (20/9/2005)
• Speech by Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner - The EU and Iraq: A Framework for Engagement (6/7/2005)