News and Features

EU Civilian Operations Commander pays his second visit to the EU Monitoring Mission, Georgia

12.07.2019

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

Follow us on social media