Political and Security Committee Decision (CFSP) 2026/2157 of 22 September 2026 extending the mandate of the Head of Mission of the European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EU BAM Rafah) (EU BAM Rafah/2/2026)

Pursuant to Article 10(1) of Joint Action 2005/889/CFSP, the Political and Security Committee (PSC) is authorised, in accordance with Article 38, third paragraph, of the Treaty, to take the relevant decisions for the purpose of exercising the political control and strategic direction of the European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EU BAM Rafah), including the decision to appoint a Head of Mission.

On 25 October 2023, the PSC adopted Decision (CFSP) 2023/2443 (2), appointing Ms Nataliya APOSTOLOVA as Head of Mission of EU BAM Rafah, from 1 November 2023 to 30 June 2024.

The PSC subsequently extended the mandate of Ms Nataliya APOSTOLOVA as Head of Mission of EU BAM Rafah a number of times, most recently by Decision (CFSP) 2026/1458 of 25 June 2026 (3), which extended her mandate to 30 September 2026.

On 29 June 2026, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2026/1467 (4), amending Joint Action 2005/889/CFSP and extending the mandate of EU BAM RAFAH from 1 July 2026 to 30 September 2026.

The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy has proposed that the PSC extend the mandate of Ms Nataliya APOSTOLOVA as the Head of Mission of EU BAM Rafah from 1 October 2026 to 31 October 2026.

Taking into account information provided by Israel and by the Palestinian Authority, the mandate of the Head of Mission of EU BAM Rafah should be extended by one month,