News
Enhancing cooperation among Palestinian Civil Police departments on fighting environmental crime
Combating environmental crime is vital to protect public health, preserve natural resources and ensure adherence to laws. To enhance the cooperation between various administrations of the Palestinian Civil Police (PCP) on environmental crime and support the development of related training, EUPOL COPPS hosted a workshop for 13 PCP officers representing eight departments on 13 July, in Ramallah. Participants discussed their roles, ongoing activities and opportunities for closer cooperation in support of the Tourist and Antiquities Police Department's environmental crime responsibilities. The attendees agreed to enhance information-sharing, develop practical proposals for joint activities, review existing procedures, operational experiences, and data to strengthen evidence-based policing and improve responses to environmental crime. The workshop was concluded with a shared commitment to enhance interdepartmental cooperation, build institutional capacity, and raise public awareness of environmental crime, reinforcing a coordinated and sustainable approach to protect the environment and cultural heritage. The PCP’s overall aim is to strengthen its preventive and investigative capabilities while raising public awareness on environmental crimes.
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.
Towards More Inclusive and Equitable Services in Palestine
Rule of law can only be fully achieved when all members of society have equal access to institutions, services, and justice mechanisms. It is therefore crucial to ensure that differently able people (people with disabilities) do not face barriers in accessing information, reporting corruption, or benefiting from protection and accountability mechanisms EUPOL COPPS participated in the launch/workshop of the Anti-Corruption Commission’s Policy on the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, organised by the Palestinian Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) on 22 June in Ramallah. EUPOL COPPS has supported the development of this policy within the framework of a wider cooperation on strengthening governance, promoting human rights and gender mainstreaming, and building institutional capacities that enhance public trust in anti-corruption mechanisms. Several Palestinian Ministries participated in the workshop, including the Ministry of Woman Affairs, of Social Development, Education, Health, Local Government and Social Development. Besides upholding human rights, ensuring more inclusive and equitable services in Palestine is essential for building stronger, more transparent, and more resilient institutions.
Applying International Fair Trial Standards in Palestinian Lawyers’ Pleadings
Over the past decade, Palestine has acceded to numerous international treaties and conventions, many of which enshrine universally recognised human rights standards and guarantees that have been incorporated into the legal systems of countries around the world. To strengthen the capacity of Palestinian defence lawyers to apply international legal standards, EUPOL COPPS delivered a training programme on 17–18 June in the northern West Bank city of Nablus. The training, organised in close cooperation with the Palestinian Bar Association, focused on enhancing lawyers’ ability to identify, access, and effectively use international legal standards, particularly those contained in the International Bill of Human Rights, in both written submissions and oral arguments before criminal courts. During the Nablus training, the 27 attendees including 17 females, explored the status of international treaties within the Palestinian legal system and the principles governing their application before national courts through practical exercises and case-based discussions. Sessions also addressed the challenges lawyers face when domestic legislation is inconsistent with international standards, particularly in criminal justice cases. The programme is part of EUPOL COPPS’ ongoing efforts to support the rule of law, promote human rights, and enhance access to justice in Palestine.
Supporting the Palestinian Female Lawyers’ Network governance process
The Palestinian Female Lawyers’ Network’s General Assembly meeting took place in Ramallah on 16 June. On the occasion, the charter to be adopted was discussed and related recommendations on its approval were provided to the Palestinian Bar Association (PBA). EUPOL COPPS and the PBA cooperated on this endeavour, which is a key step to strengthen the role and leadership of women within the Palestinian legal profession. The Network was launched in October 2025, when over 100 female lawyers from across Palestine attended the event, eager to build a sustainable and representative professional platform. EUPOL COPPS’ Head of Mission (HoM), Karin Limdal and the Head of PBA, Fadi Abbas, opened the event. Mrs Limdal underlined how strong institutions thrive when all voices are represented, adding that effective justice systems are strengthened through diversity in leadership and decision-making. Women lawyers in Palestine have already demonstrated their professionalism, resilience, and commitment to justice through their daily work defending rights and supporting the rule of law, added the HoM. As Mrs Limdal mandate is coming to completion, she shared farewell words for the path walked together over her tenure: “As I conclude my time in this mission, I thank you for the cooperation, friendship, and mutual respect that have characterized our partnership. I am confident that the strong relationship between EUPOL COPPS and the Palestinian Bar Association will continue to flourish”. The meeting marked a critical milestone in institutionalising the Network and reinforcing cooperation among Palestinian professionals. It also reflected the continued commitment of EUPOL COPPS and the PBA in promoting gender equality, empowering female legal professionals, and enhancing women’s meaningful participation in the justice sector across Palestine.
Promoting stability and security in Palestine: The Bethlehem Pilot Project
The Bethlehem Pilot Project, led by EUPOL COPPS in partnership with the Palestinian Civil Police and justice sector institutions, has successfully concluded after strengthening cooperation, community policing, gender awareness, criminal investigations, and family protection services. The project, developed based on a needs assessments in the Betlehem Police District, has fostered stronger collaboration between police, courts, prosecutors, and the Palestinian Bar Association through the Building Bridges initiative, creating a model to inspire other police districts across Palestine and which was eventually carried out reaching all eleven districts of the West Bank. At the closing event in Bethlehem, Head of Mission Karin Limdal praised the resilience, professionalism, and dedication of Palestinian police officers, judges, prosecutors, and justice-sector professionals who all contributed to enhance the coordination and cooperation across the criminal justice chain and continue to uphold the rule of law and serve their communities under challenging circumstances.
Promoting rule of law, stability, and trust. Workshop organised in Jericho.
EUPOL COPPS’ “Building Bridges” project aims at enhancing cooperation and communication amongst Palestinian security and justice actors, addressing the whole criminal justice chain. The objective is to strengthen the Palestinian security and justice sectors for the benefit of the Palestinian people. Within this framework, the Mission organised a workshop for judges, prosecutors, lawyers and Palestinian Civil Police (PCP) representatives from the Salfit District, on the 10th of June, in Jericho. The event was a wrap up session for the Building Bridges project conducted in all districts in West Bank. Discussions took place at the event round table on cooperation, deepening the awareness of the respective roles, and filling gaps on way forward.