EU Mulls Civilian Law and Order Mission for Ukraine

The European Union is considering the speedy dispatch of a civilian expert mission to Ukraine to assist with judicial and policing matters, EU diplomats said on Thursday.

The idea was put to ambassadors from the 28-nation bloc jointly by Britain, Poland and Sweden on Wednesday "and was quite well-received," said a diplomat who asked not to be identified.

It will be discussed by foreign ministers at talks in Luxembourg on Monday, the source added.

The size of the mission is expected to "run into three figures" and be launched in June.

"It would comprise policing experts, judges, prosecutors," said a second EU diplomat.

It has been likened to a smaller version of the EU rule of law mission in Kosovo, EULEX, a 2,000-strong unit that has investigated corruption and advised on judicial and policing matters in that country since 2009.

A written proposal circulated by the three countries and seen by Agence France Presse said the plan is "in response to repeated calls from Kiev" with the aim of "re-establishing confidence in the rule of law in Ukraine."

The mission, whose task would be "monitoring, mentoring and advising", would primarily focus on Kiev but should also have a remit to work in the regions.

"This would provide a clearer idea of the pressures and challenges in the regions, and give a greater understanding of what is happening on the ground," the document states.