The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and the European Commission adopted a Joint Communication proposing an EU strategy for Iraq in order to address the many challenges the country faces following the territorial defeat of Da’esh. The strategy is two-fold as it focuses on delivering continued EU humanitarian aid to the Iraqi people and facilitating the stabilisation of areas liberated from Da’esh, but it also aims to contribute to long-term and sustainable peace efforts. The strategic objectives include supporting Iraqi efforts to establish a democratic system of government, promoting economic growth, strengthening reconciliation amongst Iraqi diverse communities, enhancing an effective and independent justice system, addressing migration challenges, and finally supporting Iraq’s good relations with all its neighbors.

Until now, the EU has led the international humanitarian and development efforts for the Iraq crisis, providing some €650million of funding overall in the period 2014-2017, in order to respond to the humanitarian crisis and support the stability and development in the country. The new strategy follows the EU Regional Strategy for Syria and Iraq as well as the ISIL/Da’esh threat, adopted in March 2015.