Policy papers and recommendations
/ Gaza
This paper critically examines the potential adaptation of the European Union Coordinating Office for Palestinian Police Support (EUPOL COPPS) as a strategic tool for stabilizing post-conflict Gaza. Established in 2006 under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy framework, EUPOL COPPS has been instrumental in strengthening Palestinian Civil Police (PCP) capacities and promoting judicial reforms in the West Bank, despite facing operational constraints, political fragmentation, and resource limitations. Recognizing these challenges, the paper explores how a recalibrated EUPOL COPPS mission could address the urgent governance and security needs in Gaza following the cessation of hostilities.
Drawing on comparative insights from international missions such as the US Security Coordinator (USSC) and Kosovo Police development efforts, the paper argues that a successful intervention must be context-specific, integrating security, governance, and economic revitalization strategies. Key recommendations include the establishment of a Transitional Security Authority under international oversight to manage disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of armed groups; the expansion of mission personnel with contributions from regional Arab partners; the adoption of advanced technologies to support judicial and policing reforms; and the engagement of civil society to foster local legitimacy and oversight.
The paper also presents a comparative analysis of five strategic deployment options: maintaining the current EUPOL COPPS structure, expanding the mandate under the CSDP, establishing a new regional mission under Arab League auspices, creating a hybrid European-Arab mission, and focusing exclusively on technological support. The analysis concludes that a hybrid mission, combining European technical expertise with regional political legitimacy, offers the most promising path forward, provided clear command structures and shared objectives are established.
Ultimately, the study contends that with careful strategic design, robust international support, and genuine local engagement, an adapted EUPOL COPPS mission could serve as a cornerstone for post-conflict reconstruction, governance reform, and long-term stabilization in Gaza.
