The European Union Advisory Mission in Iraq (EUAM Iraq) convened a Strategic Dialogue Workshop in Erbil on 13-18 February 2022 with the National Security Strategy Permanent Standing Committee (NSSPSC), responsible for creating a National Security Strategy for Iraq.

The overriding objective of the event was to support the evolution of the new National Security Strategy and use the platform to build on the Mission’s engagement in enabling and advancing the development and of a credible, effective, and ultimately sustainable Iraqi-owned and delivered NSS. 

This Strategy will provide the policy framework for setting Iraq’s strategic orientation both in the security context as well as in other policy fields. 

The event was instrumental in contextualising and synthesising comparative approaches and strategic concepts related to the process of developing a National Security Strategy. It addressed a range of issues such as strategic context, national interest and resilience, values, objectives and prioritisation, synergies and alignment, state, as well as human security, inclusion, diversity and community engagement. Also, the need for matrix coordination, a view on institutional coherence, governance structures, accountability, and oversight, which very often is lacking. 

Dr. Nathalie Tocci, Director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali in Italy, and advisor to the EU High Representatives Josep Borrell and formerly to Federica Mogherini, was a guest speaker to the event. She enhanced the workshop dialogue with an overview of the development of the EU Global Strategy and its implementation, a process that she personally led. 

Dr. Nathalie Tocci delivering her speech

The workshop was pivotal in facilitating a structured discourse with key interlocutors from the Office of the National Security Advisor to enable the NSSPSC to advance the NSS policy agenda. As well as the provision of bi-lateral strategic advice, EUAM Iraq will continue to leverage wider support from strategic partners to assure an integrated and inclusive approach which is essential to the efficacy of the process, the Strategy itself, and its eventual implementation.  

On behalf of the Office of the National Security Advisor, the Chairperson of the NSSPSC and Director General of the National Joint Planning Centre, National Security Council, Dr. Ali Al-Yaseri commended EUAM Iraq and its Strategic Advisors for delivering a highly instructive and invaluable event and the deepening support in this policy domain. He added:

“I am grateful to EUAM Iraq for organising such an informative and inspiring event. We have taken a huge amount from this which we will now further consider.”

Overall, the event was catalytic, productive, and instructive, paving the way for further policy dialogue. EUAM Iraq remains instrumental in supporting the evolution of this critical strategy through the continuing provision of strategic advice. 

Workshop organisers and participants