EUMM Marks 10 Years in Georgia

The European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) first came to Georgia on October 1, 2008. For the last decade, the EUMM has patrolled Georgia’s administrative boundary lines (ABL) day and night, providing information and serving as a communication link between the Georgian government and de-facto governments in Abkhazia and ‘South Ossetia’ to ensure there is no return to hostilities and facilitate safe and normal living conditions for the local population near the ABL. The Mission also assists EU decision makers in shaping EU policy on Georgia and the wider region.

EUMM has conducted over 65,000 patrols on the ground. More than 1,700 EU nationals from all 28 EU Member States have served in the Mission over the years. The Mission focuses on enhancing stability, monitoring the situation and rights of the people most affected by the conflict, building confidence and reporting factually.

Mr. Vincenzo Coppola, commander of EU civilian missions worldwide, recognized the anniversary saying, “Ten years after the war in Georgia, the European Union continues to work for peace and a sustainable solution to the conflict. Our Monitoring Mission fulfils an indispensable role as the only international monitoring presence on the ground. It benefits all of the communities affected by the conflict – the women, men and children who are the ones still suffering the consequences of hostilities from 10 years ago. EUMM Georgia demonstrates the EU’s continued long-term commitment to regional stability and to a peaceful, prosperous future for all citizens, in full respect of Georgia’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.”

Current Head of the Monitoring Mission, Mr Erik Høeg, said, “The EUMM remains present on the ground 24/7, 365 days a year – ready to monitor, report and de-escalate at any given time. Over its 10 years the Mission has had to adapt to changes in its security context. The organization is efficient and our role understood and respected. On this day I want to acknowledge the contribution of the entire EUMM team. I am proud of the dedication and effort of colleagues during the past decade - something I have seen day in and day out, during my time as first Deputy and since as Head of EUMM. It is only thanks to the individual efforts of more than 200 monitors from 26 Member States, and experienced Georgian colleagues, that we can carry out our tasks efficiently in the interest of peace”. 

Throughout its lifetime, EUMM has fielding approximately 8,000 calls on its Hotline, ensuring effective information sharing and de-escalating tensions between the parties. The EUMM also moderates the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) meetings, which allow participants from both sides of the ABLs to discuss security and relevant issues.

The European Union recently decided to extend the mandate of the Mission for a further two years, until December 2020. “This sends another strong signal of the European Union’s commitment, in light of the relatively fragile security situation in Georgia and the continued relevance of the Mission’s mandate,” says the EUMM.

By Samantha Guthrie

Photo: EUMM