The European Union has announced its new plan to boost its support to the Iraqi people. The strategy aims to address the many challenges the country is facing following the territorial defeat of the Da’esh forces.
Federica Mogherini, EU diplomacy chief, said that it was crucial to support Iraq at this point of history to rebuild the country with the participation of all components of the society as well as promote and protect fundamental rights and the rule of law. “Only inclusiveness can guarantee true reconciliation so that Iraqis can close once and for all with the past. This needs international support and we are ready to contribute, to keep supporting the Iraqi people and government in these challenges, for the sake of the people of the country and the region,” she said.
The EU aims to focus on delivering continuous humanitarian aid to the Iraqi people and facilitating the stabilization of areas liberated of the jihadists. This includes almost 3 million displaced Iraqis that are not able to return home. The strategy also seeks to promote long-term reforms, reconstruction and reconciliation efforts that Iraq will need in order to keep peace and rebuild a united and democratic country. This will include promotion of an effective and independent judiciary system, addressing migration, boosting national identity and reconciliation between communities as well as supporting Iraq’s good relations with all its neighbors.
The EU’s latest Iraq strategy was adopted in 2015 as part of a broader plan for Syria and Iraq and this year’s addition is a natural next step in the EU’s enlargement moving beyond the territorial struggle against the ISIS. The EU will work closely with the Iraqi government, the United Nations, the Global Coalition against Da’esh, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to consolidate international engagement in support of Iraq.
