In December 2014, the European Union Advisory Mission Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine) was created and international advisors were brought to the country from Europe. The events of the Euromaidan ‘Revolution of Dignity’ in 2013-2014 deepened the distrust of the Ukrainian public towards government and security forces, following a series of violent events involving protesters, riot police, and unknown shooters in the capital, Kyiv. That is why the Ukrainian government reached out to the EU for support to reform law-enforcement and rule of law institutions and re-establish trust with the people.

Mission & goals

Since 2014, EUAM has worked closely with its Ukrainian counterparts to expedite a sustainable reform of the civilian security sector, providing strategic advice and practical support for specific reform measures in accordance with EU standards and international principles of good governance and human rights.

The EUAM mandate is implemented according to three pillars of activity:

• Strategic advice on civilian security sector reform, in particular, the need to develop civilian security strategies;
• Support for the implementation of reforms, through the delivery of practical advice, training and other projects;
• And cooperation and coordination, to ensure that reform efforts are coordinated with Ukrainian and international actors.

The civilian security sector comprises institutions responsible for law enforcement and rule of law, such as the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Justice, National Police, Prosecution Service, Security Service, State Border Guard Service, local courts, anti-corruption bodies with roles also played by civil society and the Parliament of Ukraine.

EUAM Vision

A civilian security sector for Ukraine that is efficient, accountable and enjoys the trust of the public.

EUAM Mission

To assist relevant Ukrainian authorities towards a sustainable reform of the civilian security sector through strategic advice and practical support for specific reform measures based on EU standards and international principles of good governance and human rights.