EU Exclusively Tells Kurdistan24: Baghdad-Erbil Cooperation Key to Iraq’s Stability

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The European Union remains committed to Iraq’s unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and stability following the planned departure of the US-led Coalition’s forces from the country, an EU spokesperson told Kurdistan24 on Thursday.

“We take note of the departure of the Coalition’s forces from Iraq which happened as planned,” the spokesperson said, adding that "Da’esh" (ISIS) remains a threat and that Iraq continues to play a central role in efforts to defeat the group.

The EU official stressed the need for continued international support for the Iraqi government in stabilizing the country’s security situation, saying the EU would continue to support Iraqi-led civilian security sector reform, including through the European Union Advisory Mission in Iraq (EUAM Iraq).

“Continued cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil under the current circumstances remains an important element for Iraq’s stability,” the spokesperson said.

The official also highlighted EUAM Iraq’s presence in Erbil, saying the mission supports the civilian aspects of security sector reform and continues to provide strategic advice and assistance to Iraqi authorities.

The mission was established in 2017 at the request of the Iraqi government to support civilian aspects of security sector reform and has worked with Iraqi federal and Kurdistan Region authorities.

Asked about the future of the EU advisory mission, the spokesperson said any decision regarding EUAM Iraq’s future mandate or footprint would be taken by EU member states through the appropriate framework.

The statement comes one day after the US-led Coalition formally completed its military mission in Iraq on Sept. 30, marking the end of its military presence in the country after more than a decade of operations against "Da’esh".

The departure included Coalition forces and equipment from Erbil, while the United States has said its post-withdrawal relationship with Iraq will shift toward a bilateral security partnership.

The Coalition’s departure has placed greater emphasis on the capabilities of Iraq’s security institutions and the role of cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil in addressing remaining security threats.

The Kurdistan Region’s Peshmerga forces have been a key partner in the campaign against "Da’esh", while recent developments have also included efforts to further unify the Region’s Peshmerga forces.

The EU has also remained engaged in broader efforts to strengthen Iraq’s institutions and economic development, viewing political stability and effective governance as important foundations for the country’s long-term security.

Its engagement comes as Iraq seeks to consolidate state authority, address outstanding political and security challenges, and strengthen its capacity to manage threats without the direct military role previously played by the international Coalition.