Mr. Vincenzo Coppola, EU Civilian Operations Commander, visited the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) Georgia while in Georgia for an official visit.
During his time with the EUMM, Mr. Coppola attended
briefings and met with key Georgian interlocutors, international organisations
and accredited Ambassadors from EU Member States. The EU Civilian Operations Commander
also participated as a speaker in the panel dedicated to a discussion on hybrid
threats at the Batumi Conference - Georgia’s European Way.
To get a first-hand impression of challenges
on the ground the EU Civilian Operations Commander, together with the Head of
Mission, joined patrols with all three EUMM Field Offices in Mtskheta, Gori and Zugdidi.
Mr. Coppola expressed his appreciation to EUMM
experts for their contribution to achievements in implementing the Mission’s
mandate and tasks.
Background information:
The
High-Representative/Vice M President Ms. Federica Mogherini appointed Vincenzo
Coppola as the new Civilian Operations Commander on 17 September 2018.
Mr. Coppola served in his
previous appointment as the Deputy Commanding General of the 111,000 strong Italian
Carabinieri. His professional career spans 40 years in Italy, EU headquarters
in Brussels and several international assignments. Mr. Coppola holds a Master’s
degree in Strategic Studies and has been commended with the Cross of the
Italian Military Order, the highest Italian military commendation.
EUMM Georgia is one of 10
civilian crisis management missions presently deployed by the EU under Common
Security and Defence Policy. The Mission was launched in order to ensure that
parties complied with the Six Point Agreement that ended the 2008 war.
Since 1 October 2008, the Mission has been
patrolling day and night to ensure there is no return to hostilities, to
facilitate the resumption of a safe and normal life for the local population
living in areas adjacent to the Administrative Boundary Lines with the
breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and to facilitate improved
confidence between the conflict parties. In addition, the Mission assists EU
decision makers in shaping EU policy on Georgia and the wider region.
Mr. Vincenzo Coppola, EU Civilian Operations Commander, addresses the EUMM MHQ staff in Tbilisi
Briefing at the ABL during the patrol with Field Office Gori
Mr. Vincenzo Coppola observes borderisation features at the ABL
Joint patrol with FOZ at the Saberio/Pakhulani Crossing Point
Patrol leader explains the security situation at the Enguri Bridge