Finnish expert Mia Rahunen has been appointed to a senior position as Deputy Head of the European Union Advisory Mission in Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine), a civilian crisis management operation of the EU. Rahunen will start in the post at the end of October.
EUAM Ukraine is the EU’s largest civilian crisis management mission, with the capacity of over 400 international and local staff. As Deputy Head, Rahunen will oversee the mission’s operations and planning, and coordinate cooperation with other EU actors and the international community.
The mission supports the reform of Ukraine’s civilian security sector—institutions responsible for law enforcement and the rule of law—by providing strategic advice, training, and practical support. It also helps to strengthen the capacity of Ukrainian authorities to investigate and prosecute international crimes. The mission contributes to the promotion of human rights and the implementation of good governance principles in close cooperation with Ukrainian authorities.
“It is a unique opportunity to work in a crisis management operation that also plays an important role in supporting Ukraine on its path toward EU membership. Reforming the law enforcement sector is a long-term and necessary process for Ukraine’s sustainable and secure future. I am highly motivated and looking forward to the mission an open mind, fully aware that the war brings enormous additional challenges,” Rahunen says.
Rahunen has previously served in international civilian crisis management missions in Mali and Georgia and worked in peace mediation and conflict prevention at CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation. She has also worked as sustainable development and climate expert at, among others, the Nordic Council of Ministers and WWF.
Expert cooperation is part of Finland’s foreign policy support to Ukraine. Finland contributes significantly to the mission in Ukraine: currently, 20 Finnish experts are deployed to the country, forming the largest single Finnish group in civilian crisis management operations worldwide.
