News
Strengthening Palestinian legal experts’ skills on Legislation Review
To enhance the capacity of legal experts of the Legislation Review Committee at the Palestinian Council of Ministers (responsible for reviewing draft legislation and PA’s legislative priorities), EUPOL COPPS organised ‘Fundamentals of Legislative Review’ course on 7–8 June in Ramallah. Legal experts, legal advisers, legislative drafters and legal officers of various government departments attended this training, aiming at further enhancing knowledge and practical skills in reviewing both primary and secondary legislation. Through interactive presentations, case studies, and practical sessions, the participants examined key principles of legislative drafting, legal review methodologies, and quality-control standards. Besides, the course also focused on improving clarity, consistency, legal certainty, coherence of legislative texts.
EU CSDP civilian missions: Council renews mandates of EUBAM Rafah and EUPOL COPPS
EU CSDP civilian missions: Council renews mandates of EUBAM Rafah and EUPOL COPPS The European Council has renewed the mandates of the European Union Police Mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS). The legal reference is the Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1466 of 29 June 2026 amending Decision 2013/354/CFSP. In its conclusions of 19 March 2026, the European Council reaffirmed, inter alia, the Union’s commitment to international law and a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution. The European Council also reiterated the Union’s readiness to work on the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 (UNSCR 2803), calling for the full implementation by all parties of the ceasefire and all other provisions of UNSCR 2803, in line with relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and international political and legal principles. ( On 25 June 2026, taking into account information provided by Israel and by the Palestinian Authority, the PSC agreed that the mandates of both EUPOL COPPS and EU BAM Rafah should be extended by three months. In this context, EUPOL COPPS should be extended until 30 September 2026. Prior to that, on 26 June 2025, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2025/1284, which extended the mandate of EUPOL COPPS until 30 June 2026. The EU remains firmly committed to a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution and is ready to contribute to all efforts towards that solution and called on all parties to refrain from actions that undermine its viability. The European Council further stated that the EU will continue to work with regional and international partners to that end and will continue supporting the Palestinian Authority and its reform agenda. Background EUPOL COPPS was launched in January 2006, and it is headed by Mr Felix Andåker. The mission’s current mandate focuses on support to the Palestinian Civil Police and wider justice institutions, in the areas of policing and wider criminal justice arrangements. Through its contribution to security and justice sector reform, the mission supports efforts to improve the security of the Palestinian population and to reinforce the rule of law. EUBAM Rafah was launched in November 2005, following the Israeli disengagement from Gaza. EUBAM Rafah continues to advise and provide technical assistance on integrated border management to the Palestinian General Authority for Borders and Crossings based in Jericho and support EU funded projects. EUBAM Rafah is mandated to provide a third-party presence at the Rafah Crossing Point between the Gaza Strip and Egypt and to build confidence between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority. This part of the mandate has been on hold between 2007 -when Hamas took over Gaza - and February 2025, when the mission was temporarily redeployed to the Rafah Crossing Point at the request of the Palestinians and the Israelis in agreement with the Egyptians following the ceasefire agreement. Its Head of Mission is Ms Nataliya Apostolova.
EUPOL COPPS enhances Palestinian Police IT infrastructure
To further modernise the IT infrastructure and digital capabilities of the Palestinian Civil Police (PCP), EUPOL COPPS delivered 82 Thin Clients, and 82 computer monitors on 29 June in Ramallah. Unlike traditional desktop computers, Thin Clients have no local hard drives and connect securely to central servers where data and applications are managed. This solution enhances data security, reduces maintenance and energy costs, improves reliability, and enables faster recovery of user accounts without the risk of data loss. This delivery is part of EUPOL COPPS' continued support for building a secure, resilient and sustainable digital working environment that contributes to more efficient and modern policing. Following the handover, EUPOL COPPS supported an in-house Artificial Intelligence (AI) training organised by the PCP IT Unit. Delivered by a PhD specialist, the session explored the practical use of AI in software development, cybersecurity, data protection, and the ethical application of AI within law enforcement. Five software programmers, including three women, participated in the training using high-performance laptops previously provided by EUPOL COPPS.
Enhancing ties among Palestinian citizen’s and Civil Police
Community police activities contribute to build ties between the police and the society in Europe as in Palestine. To enhance ties among Palestinian citizen’s and Civil Police and raise confidence on the key role of the society in achieving security for all, EUPOL COPPS organised the second edition of a workshop on advancing awareness on the functions and role of Community Councils of which district police officers are members on 24 June in Nablus. The overall goal of the creation of community councils, as one of the main channels for PCP to communicate effectively with civil society, is to increase crime prevention though cooperation. Within Community (oriented) Policing, is consulting with communities and solving recurring problems in equal partnership with the society are key elements. These concepts were addressed within the Nablus workshop, including through group work scenarios. The importance of the legal framework was also discussed at the event.
One of Us
One of Us - Gregory Vinot
During the only half hour slot Gregory Vinot manages to find in his busy agenda to talk about himself as the newly appointed Head of Operations (HoOPS) at EUPOL COPPS, a clear core message comes through straightforwardly: “I am here because this fits my personal values as European and as French citizen”. Born in the 70s, in Radolzell in Germany, Gregory cultivated a passion for history and philosophy since his teenager’ years. His schoolteachers bet he would join their club, but growing into a young man, instead of deepening his knowledge of history through books, Gregory opted for “playing a part in the making of it”. This, says Gregory, drove his decision to serve his country and the EU as a Gendarmerie officer deployed in various capacities to places like Bosnia (2001-02 and 2021), Afghanistan (2018-20) and Palestine (2025-present). “If we are at peace in Europe is certainly due to the existence of the EU, which brings us, citizen fighting each other not that long ago in World War II, close together”, the French Gendarme explains. Experiencing firsthand some major crises pushed even more Gregory to focus on peace and security in his work choices. During 9/11 he was engaging in bilateral assignments with US colleagues, and in 2014 as Head of the Gendarmerie in Nice he had to deal with terror attacks on the Riviera city. EUPOL COPPS is for Gregory the ultimate example of his commitment to be “on the right side of history”. The EU approach to the “Two States Solution” between Israel and Palestine matches Gregory’s beliefs. Additionally, EUPOL COPPS can be a game changer to make the life of Palestinians better, says the HoOPS. “Organised crime worldwide use borders for all kind of atrocities, from human trafficking to weapons smuggling, because they know that coordination among security institutions inspired by legality is complex, unlike breaking the rules”, explains Gregory, who now leads a team of EU officers engaging in Rule of Law and Security Sector reform files with their Palestinian colleagues on a daily (needs driven) bases, within the framework of the Mission’s mandate. The HoOPS, married and father of two children in their twenties, says he is particularly grateful to his wife as she has done a lot more than him to guide his kids due to his Mission’s engagements oversea. “The say goes that behind a great man there is a great woman, and I totally subscribe to this, although with modesty when it comes to me”, says jokingly Gregory. On this subject he adds that he would like his daughter specialised in International Relations, war studies and EU institutions, to see him as a role model, “a father behind a great daughter”. Coming from the seaside, Gregory’s favorite dish is unsurprising fish. Although not as fresh as the one from the French riviera, he can have it delivered to the Ramallah office. This small treat, added to the daily video calls to his family in Europe and his parents in Tunisa, give Gregory working days a better taste of home away from home.
Abdulqader Al-Jubeh -- Software Developer/Database Administrator
Throughout 20 years, Abdulqader Al-Jubeh has worked behind computer screens, solving technical challenges and developing digital solutions that make people's daily work easier. A 44-year-old father of five, Jubeh graduated from the Palestine Polytechnic University in Hebron with a degree in Information Technology (IT). For the Hebronite black-bearded man, software development is not only programming but rather finding solutions which can save people time and make them work more effectively. While his contributions may not always be visible, the impact of his work is felt almost every day by the colleagues who rely on the systems he has built at EUPOL COPPS, which he joined in 2016. During the last decade, he has managed to develop several software applications which changed the way the employees work. these help to simplify administrative processes, facilitate workflow and minimise the chances of making mistakes. The greatest innovations are often the ones people don't notice but rely on every single day, Jubeh says. True innovation isn't measured by visibility, but by the difference it makes in people's daily work, he adds. Combining a busy career and family obligations, Jubeh still finds motivation in his achievements, gaining a sense of purpose when helping with technology can be used for improving day-to-day life of people.
Roberto Arcieri – Head of Operations
In his early teens EUPOL COPPS Head of Operations, Roberto Arcieri, already envisaged he would wear a uniform as a grown-up. Being born in 1973 and raised in the ancient Grumo Appula, founded in Roman times and part of the Alta Murgia National Park in Southeastern Italy, Roberto grew up observing at close range the difference between good and bad, which translates into the State and its enemies. The organised crimes generally known as the mafia, was at the time active primarily in the South of the Italian peninsula, yet, moving its tentacles within transnational business and corruption. Exemplary Italian institutional figures like anti-mafia judges Rocco Chinnici, Giovanni Falcone, Paolo Borsellino, and Carabinieri officers like General Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa, Lt. Col. Russo, Cap. Basile paid with their lives their long-lasting fight on organised crime. They all died in the line of duty to defend the principles of legality, justice, freedom, equality, and dignity, by opposing the criminal power that threatens democracy. The ultimate sacrifice of some fellow Italians has been the game changer for Roberto, who picked the right side of the law joining the Italian Carabinieri (one of Italy’s primary law enforcement agencies, distinguished by their military status and broad range of responsibilities both domestically and internationally) at the age of 19. Being a Carabiniere has meant Roberto to be constantly on the move, either in his country, or abroad. “I was never in the same place for more than four years” says Roberto, who nevertheless managed to raise two children, now young adults, together with his wife. Roberto, who has the rank of Colonel, joined EUPOL COPPS last year, but he was not new to Palestine, as he was already here working for Carabinieri MIADIT (Missione Addestrativa Italiana) Mission in the framework on the US State Security Coordination (now Office of the Security Coordinator - OSC) coalition. Prior to that he has worked in various capacities, in different Italian regions fighting common and organized crimes, in international engagements in Bosnia Herzegovina, Eritrea, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Mali and also in Brussels, Belgium, focusing on African issues. As a EUPOL COPPS Head of Operations, leading colleagues working to support Palestinian justice and civilian security sectors, Roberto feels the experience changes him every day. The keyword in the Palestinian context is “flexibility” says Roberto, who strives to find solutions to the continuous challenges faced by the Palestinian counterparts the Mission is mandated to support, and for EUPOL COPPS itself. An approach certainly appropriate given the uncertainty facing Palestine and the wider region at this very moment.
Khadija Aldeek
When EUPOL COPPS Financial Verification Officer, Khadija Aldeek from Palestine, sits down at her desk, she does not just see numbers on spreadsheets or invoices; she sees the foundation of trust that holds the entire mission together. At EUPOL COPPS, the Birzeit University accounting graduate reviews transactions to ensure they are in line with EU rules, related internal policy and international best practices. Having worked with international organisations and with major Palestinian companies, she brings international know-how together with local knowledge to her job. For Khadija financial verification is not a box-ticking exercise, but a necessary step towards accountability and transparency. She sees it not just as a rule to be followed, but as a safeguard—a way of making sure every euro is spent as it ought, of building trust, and of keeping the Mission's financial systems secure. In the seven months she's been working at EUPOL COPPS, she has made a real impact. Her influence extends beyond paperwork. She is a valued mentor to colleagues across departments, helping to clarify on procedures and best practices. "I don't merely point out mistakes, I also show how to prevent them," she says. "My goal is to enable others to do better when following EU financial rules." Her no-nonsense, calm approach has also made her a source of contact for employees who are struggling with money matters. She's made many see this work differently, transforming it from a chore into a chance for development and learning. "Done correctly, financial verification protects the entire organisation. It's not just about finding mistakes—it's a matter of trust-establishment, system-strengthening, and knowing that every decision is being made on the foundation of accurate, verified information," she says. With her integrity, professionalism, and enthusiasm, Khadija Aldeek isn't just implementing financial regulations—sews a culture of accountability and trust, one transaction at a time, says Khadija, a dedicated mother of three, balancing family and career with discipline and focus.
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