Robert GORANSSON is a seconded international expert from Sweden who joined EUAM Iraq as an adviser in the field of command & control and institutional reform. He is based in Mission’s Erbil office since 2022.

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

My background is with the Swedish Police Service, where I have served for more than 30 years in different branches.  I previously worked for another CSDP mission, the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL Afghanistan). After leaving Afghanistan in 2015, I spent 7 years in the National Police Division in Sweden. I then thought it was time to take on new challenges in another part of the world. I was thrilled when I learned that I would come to Iraq. I find the Middle East region very interesting thanks to its history and people. I also relish being part of something that is unique in many ways and working in an international environment together with our Iraqi counterparts.

Could you tell us about your daily work?

Typically, I start my working day by reading my emails and cooperating with my local liaison officer who has a vital role in setting up various meetings with Iraqi officials. All our work must be conducted within EUAM’s mandate and from a strategic perspective with the aim to support our counterparts. We identify the actual needs in close cooperation with them and suggest activities that can lead to improved strategies and working methods. A good way to initiate discussions is to share our own experiences and lessons learned that have triggered improvements in legislation and police cooperation between EU Member States. One example in my area of work is the very tragic crowd disaster at the Heysel stadium in Brussels in 1985, which led to the European Convention on Spectator Violence and Misbehavior at Sports Events and in particular at Football Matches.

How do you find working with colleagues from different backgrounds?

Working with colleagues from different backgrounds and nationalities is the essence of EU Missions deployed around the world. It is a great and enriching teamwork experience. I learn a lot from my colleagues, most of whom have served for many years in their home countries and in other missions.

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

There have been several rewarding occasions from different meetings and venues involving fellow Mission Members and Iraqi officials. I would say discovering commonalities and similar challenges can be truly enriching; although we come from different parts of the world, as police officers we can understand each other's experiences and learn from one another, which can be very rewarding.

If you could live anywhere, where would you choose?

I like Scandinavia, especially given that I enjoy all the four seasons more and more as I grow older. However, Brazil has a piece of my heart. I try to go there as much as possible, and will do even more in the near future. It is an amazing country in many respects.

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

I enjoy watching the Green Bay Packers play in the National Football League (NFL). I am a big fan of that team since I spent a lot of time in Wisconsin over the years. Wisconsin is another one of favourite places on earth.

What is your usual order at a restaurant?  

I would most likely order good steak and red wine, but I like sea food as well.

How do you relax? 

Mainly by going for long walks in nature, physical exercise at the gym, swimming or relaxing in the sauna.