EUAM Ukraine Starts Operating under Expanded Mandate
June 01, 2026
Ukraine’s security challenges are changing. So is the support provided by the European Union Advisory Mission Ukraine.
As of today, 1 June 2026, the EUAM Ukraine starts operating under a reinforced mandate given by the EU Council of Minister on 11 May 2026. The Mission’s core task remains the same: to assist Ukrainian authorities in reforming the civilian security sector so that it is efficient, accountable, and trusted by the public. At the same time, the scope of EUAM Ukraine’s work is now broader, reflecting Ukraine’s evolving needs during the war.
The revised mandate adds two new priorities to the Mission’s work: countering hybrid threats and supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of veterans. It also strengthens EUAM’s work to support law enforcement agencies in countering organised crime and smuggling.
Countering hybrid threats
In close cooperation with partners in the EU family and international partners, EUAM will support the development and implementation of strategies and policies and will support capacity development that will help Ukraine to build capabilities needed to counter hybrid threats.
Hybrid threats are designed to weaken a country without relying only on conventional military force. They may include cyberattacks, attacks on critical infrastructure, foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) or disinformation, and on-line attempts to recruit vulnerable groups for subversive activities against Ukraine.
In practical terms, this means that EUAM will support Ukrainian partners in improving preparedness and building the skills needed to detect, prevent, and respond to different forms of hostile hybrid activity. The Mission will also seek to strengthen interagency cooperation, as well as cooperation with relevant authorities and agencies in the EU, EU Member States, and other partners.
Supporting the rehabilitation of reintegration of veterans
The updated mandate also gives EUAM a new role in supporting the effective rehabilitation and reintegration of veterans both in general and with a particular focus on the reintegration of veterans into the Civilian Security Sector. EUAM will in particular work in partnership with the Ministry for Veterans Affairs and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and its agencies.
For Ukraine, veterans’ rehabilitation and reintegration is not only a social issue. It is also part of the country’s resilience and recovery. Many veterans bring experience, competences and leadership skills that can strengthen public service, including in security and civil protection institutions. At the same time, successful reintegration requires clear policies, coordinated support, and practical pathways into civilian life.
EUAM will work in close coordination with partners in the EU family, EU Member States, and other international actors to ensure that its support complements broader EU and international efforts.
Strengthening work on organised crime
The revised mandate also comes with a stronger focus on support to counter organised crime and smuggling in all its forms. Organised crime creates additional risks for Ukraine’s security, economy, and institutions. It connects to hybrid threats, where criminal networks are exploited by a hostile power to destabilise the country.
EUAM will support Ukrainian law enforcement agencies in strengthening their capabilities to counter the proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW), smuggling in all its forms, financial crimes, cybercrimes, and the links between organised crime and hybrid threats.
In simple terms, this means helping Ukrainian partners address criminal activity that can feed wartime instability, exploit border and economic pressures, or be used as part of hostile campaigns against Ukraine.
The expanded mandate of the Mission reflects Ukraine’s evolving needs during the war. It allows EUAM Ukraine to continue supporting long-term reforms, while also helping Ukrainian partners respond to urgent wartime challenges.
