EU Border Assistance Mission for Rafah Crossing Point (EU BAM Rafah)

Summary: EU Border Assistance Mission for Rafah Crossing (EU BAM Rafah)(25 November 2005: Brussels)

The Council adopted on 25 November 2005 - by written procedure - a Joint Action on establishing a European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EU BAM Rafah).

The aim of EU BAM Rafah is to provide a Third Party presence at the Rafah Crossing Point (Gaza-Egypt Border) in order to contribute, in cooperation with the Community's institution building efforts, to the opening of the Rafah Crossing Point and to build up confidence between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority. To this end, EU BAM Rafah shall:

- actively monitor, verify and evaluate the Palestinian Authority's performance with regard to the implementation of the Framework, Security and Customs Agreements concluded between the Parties on the operation of the Rafah terminal;

- contribute, through mentoring, to building up the Palestinian capacity in all aspects of border management at Rafah;

- contribute to the liaison between the Palestinian, Israeli and Egyptian authorities in all aspects regarding the management of the Rafah Crossing Point.

EU BAM Rafah shall implement the responsibilities entrusted to it in the Agreements between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority regarding the management of the Rafah Crossing Point. It shall not undertake substitution tasks.

The operational phase of the Mission will begin on 25 November 2005. The mission will have a duration of 12 months.

EU Council Secretariat FACTSHEET:
European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EU BAM Rafah)

The European Union (EU) has decided to establish a EU Border Assistance Mission at the Rafah Crossing Point (Gaza-Egypt border), in the framework of the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP).

Code-named "EU BAM Rafah", the Mission has been established on the basis of the "Agreement on Movement and Access" reached between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) on 15 November, and following an invitation by the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel.

Aims/Scope of EU BAM Rafah

The aim of "EU BAM Rafah" is to provide a Third Party presence in the Rafah Crossing Point in order to contribute, in co-operation with the European Community's institution building efforts, to the opening of the Rafah Crossing Point and to build up confidence between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority. To this end, EU BAM Rafah will:

- actively monitor, verify and evaluate PA performance with regard to the implementation of the APRC (Agreed Principles for Rafah Crossing) and will act with authority to ensure that the PA complies with all applicable rules and regulations concerning the Rafah crossing point and the terms of the APRC;

- contribute to Palestinian capacity building in all aspects of border control and customs operation;

- contribute to the liaison between the Palestinian, Israeli and Egyptian authorities in all aspects regarding the management of the Rafah Crossing Point.

The Mission will not undertake substitution tasks. Responsibility for border and custom management will remain fully with the Palestinian Authority. The Palestinian Authority will implement procedures as established in the Framework Agreement.

The EU BAM Rafah will have the authority to ensure that the Palestinian Authority complies with all applicable rules and regulations concerning the Rafah crossing point and the terms of the Agreement between the parties. In case of non-compliance it has the authority to order the re-examination and reassessment of any passenger, luggage, vehicle or goods. While the request is being processed, the person, luggage, vehicle or cargo in question will not be allowed to leave the premises of the Rafah crossing point.

Size, Structure and Duration of the Mission

The operational phase of EU BAM Rafah will begin on 25 November 2005.

The Mission will have a duration of 12 months.

EU BAM Rafah will include approximately 70 personnel mainly seconded from EU Member States .

Major General Pietro Pistolese (Italy) has been appointed Head of Mission of EU BAM Rafah.

Political Control

The EU's Political and Security Committee (PSC) will exercise, under the responsibility of the Council of the EU, the political control and strategic direction of the Mission. High Representative Javier Solana will give guidance to the Head of Mission through the EU Special Representative for the MEPP.

Ref: CL05-308EN
EU source: Council
UN forum:
Date: 25/11/2005

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