Why is it important for Estonia to participate in civilian missions?
- Supporting the prevention, management, and peace-building of international conflicts is one of the main goals of Estonia’s security policy.
- By joining the EU, Estonia has undertaken to contribute to the development of Estonian and European civilian capabilities within the framework of the EU’s common foreign and security policy. Civilian missions are also conducted by other international organisations of which Estonia is a member, including the United Nations and the OSCE.
- The best practices and experiences shared by Estonian experts in international civilian missions play a major role in ensuring security.
- Civilian expertise plays an important role in supporting stability and resilience in crisis-affected regions, and in enhancing both internal and external security.
Who is an expert working on an international civilian mission?
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An Estonian citizen with a higher education degree who has an excellent command of Estonian and English, at least five years of work experience in the fields of human rights, internal security, communications, or law; who meets the requirements for being granted access to state secrets; and who holds a driving licence.
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Estonian civilian experts are highly valued partners on missions. They work in dangerous and complex conditions, mostly in conflict areas, which makes their work very stressful.
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At present, Estonia has seconded six civilian experts to missions. They work on European Union civilian missions in Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, and Moldova.
What are civilian missions organised for?
In the 21st century, civilian measures have become increasingly important in crisis management. Most contemporary crises cannot be resolved by military means alone.
In regions where peace has been restored and basic security ensured, the international community must also focus on rebuilding society and state institutions, stabilising the environment, and strengthening the rule of law. This phase of crisis management is typically longer than the military phase that precedes it.
The civilian component also plays a key role in preventing crises. The growing importance of civilian crisis management is reflected in the steadily increasing number of civilian missions led by international organisations.
What happens on civilian missions?
The tasks of European Union civilian missions are wide-ranging. They include monitoring and advising, supporting security sector and judicial reform, assisting local police, border, and customs services, and training their personnel.
In line with the EU Global Strategy, the objectives of existing missions are regularly reviewed. Future missions will increasingly focus on addressing challenges such as organised crime, terrorism and violent extremism, irregular migration, and hybrid and cyber threats.
Civilian missions in which Estonia participates
The civilian mission, established in July 2014, is assisting Ukraine in reforming its civil security sector, including the police and the state governed by the rule of law.
During the mission, EU experts provide strategic guidance and advice to the Ukrainian authorities in the development of renewed security strategies and the implementation of democratic reforms. The objective is to strengthen public trust in Ukraine’s security institutions and enhance their accountability to citizens, in line with the principles of a democratic state governed by the rule of law. Three Estonian experts are currently participating in the mission.
The European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia was set up in September 2008 following the end of the Georgia–Russia war by an EU-mediated six-point peace plan.
The objectives of the monitoring mission are:
- to ensure that the parties do not return to acts of war;
- to ensure a safe and normal living environment for local communities living in the areas bordering Abkhazia and South Ossetia;
- to foster trust between the parties to the conflict.
To achieve these objectives, the region is patrolled around the clock, especially in the border areas bordering Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Although the EUMM’s mandate is de jure valid throughout Georgia, in practice, the authorities of Abkhazia and South Ossetia have so far denied access to areas under their control to the experts monitoring the situation.
The Georgia mission currently has around 200 experts from 26 EU Member States monitoring the situation. One expert has been sent from Estonia.
European Union civilian mission in Moldova (EUPM), which focuses on providing strategic-level advisory support and operational assistance to strengthen Moldova’s internal security.
One expert has been seconded from Estonia.
The mission, established in 2023, aims to contribute to stability in Armenia’s border areas.
One expert has been seconded from Estonia.
The mission was established in 2014. Its mandate is to support the development and coherent implementation of Iraq’s National Security Strategy, related national strategies, and other national security priorities.
As of March 2026, one expert will join the mission.
Civilian missions in which Estonia has previously participated
The mission monitors and directs the work of Kosovo’s legal system, police, border guard, customs, and penitentiary institutions. Estonian experts have participated in the mission since 2008. Currently, no experts from Estonia participate in the mission.
Estonian experts participated in the mission in 2008–2016.
Police experts from Estonia participated in the period 2003–2011.
Estonia contributed with police and border guard experts in the period 2006–2011.
One police expert from Estonia participated in the mission in 2005.
Launched in 2006, the mission aims to support the Palestinian capacity to build a sustainable and functioning police force in the West Bank and Gaza Strip through police reform, strengthening the criminal justice system, and improving police and judicial cooperation. Estonia has been participating in the mission since 2016.
The capacity building mission, set up in 2015, aims to support the Malian authorities in reforming their internal security forces. The mission advises, trains, and equips the Malian police, gendarmerie, national guard, and the responsible ministries. The mission also plays a supporting role in setting up a Malian police component within the Sahel G5 joint force. Estonia has been participating in the mission since 2018.
The mission aims to strengthen Somalia’s civilian maritime law enforcement capacity. To this end, the Somali authorities are supported in developing the necessary legislation and the maritime criminal justice system is strengthened. Estonia participates in the mission from the autumn of 2020 with one expert.
The main task of the mission is to monitor impartially the situation in Ukraine and to contribute to the establishment of a dialogue between the parties. Three experts from Estonia participate in the mission.
Stories from the Field
Martin Tulit, former expert at the EU civilian mission in Georgia, EUMM Georgia (Senior Reporting and Information Officer). Currently working at The Ministry of the Interior.
“The international civilian mission gave me an excellent opportunity to test both myself and my existing skills and knowledge in a completely new environment. Starting from scratch in a new field required courage, but it also strengthened my ability to communicate and work with people from different cultures and backgrounds. The professional network I built during the mission continues to support my current and future work.
International work and leadership experience has become one of my most valuable professional assets. Beyond personal development, it offers a clear advantage to any employer who values strong international communication and leadership skills. My ability to operate in a diverse environment and adapt to different challenges has developed into an important competence. Experience in a civilian mission has not only broadened my understanding of different cultures, but has also given me the confidence and skills to navigate complex and multicultural situations.”
Helen Saarniit, experience from the EU civilian mission EUAM Ukraine (position: Strategic Communication Adviser) and EUAM Iraq (position: Head of Press and Public Information)
“Working on civilian missions is an exceptional experience. It offers the opportunity to operate in regions that are normally difficult to access, to work with inspiring people, and to make a meaningful contribution in crisis-affected areas where support is genuinely needed.”
Tarmo Terep, Strategic Adviser on Civil Crisis Management at EU Civilian Mission in Moldova
“Reaching the mission required several years of focused preparation, study, and planning. I was motivated by the opportunity to work at the state level, contribute to building effective systems, and bring with me best practices from Estonia.
Within the mission, I work as a Strategic Adviser in the field of crisis management. This involves close cooperation with officials from the State Chancellery of Moldova and various ministries, as well as with international partners and experts from EU Member States. The aim is to support Moldova in establishing functional crisis management systems and structures.
Working in the mission means being part of a multinational team. This requires patience, diplomacy, and persistence, as well as the ability to balance the values of the European Union with local realities.”
Ingrid Mühling, Communications Expert at the EU Civilian Mission in Armenia
“The EU Civilian Mission in Armenia (EUMA) offers me an excellent opportunity to apply the full scope of my knowledge and professional experience in an entirely new environment. International missions and cooperation have also played an important role in my earlier career.
The mission has strengthened my professional confidence and confirmed my existing skills, while providing me with substantial new knowledge and valuable professional relationships. Working on a mission is a demanding experience that deepens understanding of how international organisations operate, as well as of diplomacy and cultural contexts.
Experience in a civilian mission opens doors to international work and creates added value for both the employee and the employer.”
