Erna Mezach is a seconded police officer from The Netherlands who joined EUAM Iraq as Head of Law Enforcement Agencies Component. She believes that serving EUAM Iraq makes her a better police officer back home.

Could you briefly describe your career and tell us why you applied for a position with EUAM Iraq? 

In my career with the Dutch Police of over 30 years, I’ve held different positions. Among them are community policing, criminal intelligence and crisis management. In Europe we value the importance of having knowledge of the international perspective. Joining a Mission is one way of gaining that knowledge. Since I’m specifically interested in history, Iraq was a logical choice. Before EUAM Iraq, I worked in another CSDP mission in Somaliland.

Can you tell us about your daily work? 

In the Mission we work with specialists on different thematic areas. As Head of Law Enforcement Agencies Component, I connect the different areas to each other and focus on the contribution to our mandate. Next to this I dedicate considerable time to topics that are also in the core of the mandate and important to me, like the support of Iraqi female officers and police education.

How do you find working with colleagues from many different backgrounds? 

I love that every day is different and somehow unpredictable in Mission’s life and work. Having colleagues from all over Europe and Iraq is almost a guaranteed recipe for that. The different perspectives are truly enriching, and the colleagues are nice to work with.

What has been the most rewarding or memorable experience for you in the Mission so far? 

In March 2024 I had the opportunity to join the Iraqi Ministry of Interior’s celebration of International Women’s Day. This was an amazing event with a contribute to the great Iraqi females in history and to the ones who are working in different fields of expertise today.

If you could live anywhere, where would you choose? 

I’m so lucky to have seen many places and I’m looking forward to visiting a lot more. Our world has so much to offer and to enjoy in different ways. People are friendly and helpful everywhere. In the end I always like to return to the place that I call home.

What is something your colleagues don’t know about you? 

I think that my colleagues won’t know how good a cook I am. I love to do all the culinary preparations, be in the kitchen for hours and then enjoy a long dinner with nice company.

What is your usual order at a restaurant?  

Whenever I go to a new restaurant, I usually pick a dish that I never tried before or follow the suggestion of the staff. Apart from that, it is almost impossible for me to resist good pasta, either homemade or in an authentic Italian restaurant.

How do you relax? 

I love to run and walk. I can do that for endless hours. My favorite hikes start before the break of dawn. The sunrise is always a magical moment. I love to be outside and enjoy every second of it.