News
Mental health workshop for partners of EUPOL COPPS in Palestinian correctional centres
Mental health in the correctional and rehabilitation centres is key to ensure the well-being of both inmates and staff. EUPOL COPPS Penitentiary Advisers organised a follow-up workshop on mental health in Palestine’s Correction and Rehabilitation Centres (CRCs) on 1 September at the Mission’s premises in Ramallah. The participants included representatives from the Correction and Rehabilitation Centre Department, Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Health, Bethlehem Mental Health Hospital, Independent Commission for Human Rights, UN Women and the Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre. The workshop started with an overview of the legal framework and the role of institutions. The participants discussed challenges, best practices and opportunities to introduce innovative solutions. They also discussed how to overcome problems such as lack of resources, personnel, and unclear roles while focusing on good practices and cooperation opportunities. These include training CRC staff, exploring longer-term priorities such as mental health hospitals in the central and northern West Bank and stronger cooperation between relevant ministries. The attendees agreed on further cooperation and a follow-up seminar in order to plan practical short- and long-term solutions to the problem.
Palestinian Police and Community Councils join forces to build safer communities
To strengthen cooperation between Palestinian Civil Police (PCP) officers and members of community councils, to reinforce their common responsibility for creating safer and more responsive communities, EUPOL COPPS and PCP organised a workshop on 26 August in Bethlehem.Building on the work of the existing community councils, the event brought together 43 participants, including PCP officers and social representatives who are members from community councils across the Bethlehem district. The workshops also aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of members of the executive councils, which will allow them to carry out their jobs effectively while fostering stronger cooperation with civil society organisations.Using practical scenarios, participants analysed community policing tactics and creative solutions for crime prevention and problem solving.
Strengthening cooperation to enhance stability in the Palestinian society
Reinforcing security and justice institutions is key for Palestinians to live in peace and security, said Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Varsen Aghabekian, when speaking for the first time with EUPOL COPPS Head of Mission (HoM), Felix Andaker, on 13 August in Ramallah. Expressing appreciation for the Mission’s work in Palestine, the Minister called for closer cooperation, particularly on Rule of Law aspects, such as international treaties. She also stressed about the relevance of a reform agenda spanning from security to Human Rights as crucial for the society, all aspects factored in EUPOL COPPS mandate. The Minister mentioned how very relevant such elements are also for Palestinians living in Gaza, where EUPOL COPPS’ sister mission operates, with much appreciation for the overall role played by the European Union (EU). The HoM reaffirmed the EU’s commitment on the Palestinian state-building, to which EUPOL COPPS strives to contribute within the framework of its mandate. He also shared with the Minister insights based on his professional background on creating stability in the society through the interaction between effective and functioning security and judicial players. In discussing challenges, Felix Andaker underlined about how impressed he is by the resilience demonstrated by the Palestinian people. He also presented Minister Aghabekian with a Manual on International Judicial Cooperation Procedures, jointly developed by several Palestinian Ministries’ legal departments and other relevant stakeholders with the support of EUPOL COPPS. The manual provides practical guidance on judicial cooperation under Palestinian law and applicable international agreements. EUPOL COPPS’ readiness to support the implementation of the manual fits within the renewed commitment for even further strengthening interaction and cooperation at the core of the meeting.
Promoting stability in Palestine despite all challenges: Discussions held in Bethlehem
The cooperation we established with the Building Bridges Pilot Project (BB) is uplifting for our spirit, said Bethlehem District Commander Brigadier Morad Qandah, when he met EUPOL COPPS Head of Mission (HoM), Felix Andaker, for the first time. The two met in the Bethlehem Palestinian Civil Police (PCP) District HQ, where the HoM had the opportunity to listen to his Palestinian counterparts on why the BB Project makes sense. The Bethlehem Pilot Project, led by EUPOL COPPS in partnership with the PCP and the Palestinian justice sector institutions, aims at strengthening cooperation, community policing, gender awareness, criminal investigations, and family protection services in various Palestinian Districts. This involves the PCP, the courts, the prosecutors, and the Palestinian Bar Association, and Palestinian Civil Society actors. So far, the BB has fostered cooperation and enhanced synergies, as the Brigadier underlined mentioning proposal emerging after each session of the project. When at the Bethlehem PCP premises, the HoM visited the multi-purpose room created with the support of EUPOL COPPS. Before the creation of this space, used for professional events such as lectures and training, functions were held in the canteen, without equipment for multimedia, or air conditioning, a PCP officer said. The HoM also visited the Bethlehem District Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Premises, also refurbished through EUPOL COPPS support. In relation to Human Rights, a cross-cutting issue within the EUPOL COPPS mandate alongside gender, discussions in Bethlehem touched upon issues related to correctional facilities. Felix Andaker had the opportunity to visit the whole of the PCP premises areas to get a precise picture of needs and areas of future cooperation. Since the role of the Bethlehem PCP is key within the wider socio-economic setting of the city, for example during the Christmas celebrations in Manger Square, where thousands of people last year gathered, the HoM also visited that area, hearing from a prominent religious figure how important is the role played by the PCP in the sector of Community Policing. The meeting also aimed at figuring out, together, the best way forward in terms of support that EUPOL COPPS can provide, including in creating synergies between the PCP and other EU actors/mechanisms. All this happens despite the challenges the PCP faces, including financial hardship and restriction of movements. The HoM said he is humbled by the steadfastness and resilience demonstrated by the PCP, in Bethlehem and beyond, expressing his deepest appreciation, an element that motivates him in his daily work at EUPOL COPPS.
Enhancing Palestinian Civil Police’ skills on Criminal Investigation: 8-weeks specialised course held in Jericho
The car approaches at high speed from a side street, abruptly stopping by a courtyard. A man armed with a machine gun jumps out. Pulls the trigger. A dead body lies on the ground as a result. A woman looking at the scene from an open window screams. The killer flees. The murder witness calls the Palestinian Civil Police (PCP). First Responders from a PCP patrol arrive. A policewoman takes a statement from the witness. The crime scene is secured and sealed off. The First Responders call the PCP HQ and the Prosecutor’s office. Consequently, a Forensic Team is sent to the crime scene wearing surgical masks and an overall while suite for preservation of evidence (including DNA). This scene setting is one of several practical scenarios on which PCP officers from several West Bank districts have exercised for the last 8 weeks during the Specialised Investigations Certificate Training Course, held at the Palestine College for Police Science (PCPS) in Jericho, supported by EUPOL COPPS. Topics of the course included Human Rights in Policing, Code of Conduct for Police Officers during Investigation, Criminal Procedures Code, Cybercrimes, Communication Skills during Investigation, Organised Crime. The participants came from Jericho, Tubas, Nablus, Hebron, Jenin, Qalqilya, Tubas, Ramallah, Bethlehem and Tulkarm. Each of them was selected by the respective departments, representing all together the five pillars of investigations within the Palestinian Police: Tourism and Antiquities, Family and Juvenile Protection, Investigations Department, Criminal Investigation Department, and Anti-Narcotics. EUPOL COPPS Head of Mission (HoM), Felix Andaker and the Chief of the PCP, Maj. General Allam attended a graduation ceremony for the course on 27 July, in Jericho. In congratulating the cadets on their achievements, the HoM underlined EUPOL COPPS’ commitment to further supporting training programmes, trainers, and future participants. EUPOL COPPS strives to support its Palestinian counterparts in the Justice and Security Sector, to the overall aim of contributing to peace and security within the framework of the wider EU commitment in Palestine and the wider region.
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.