On 7 April 2010, the European Union launched a military training mission in
Somalia (EUTM Somalia), with a mandate to support the
Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and assist in strengthening national institutions. EUTM Somalia was originally centered on training activities. Due to the political and security situation in Somalia at the time, the mission initially conducted training abroad in
Uganda. Its headquarters were temporarily based in
Kampala, and training was held at a military camp in Bihanga. On 22 January 2013, the Council of the European Union extended EUTM Somalia's mandate for a third time to March 2015, in the process adding strategic advisory and mentoring activities to the mission's areas of focus. In the first few months of 2014, the mission permanently transferred all of its advisory, mentoring and training activities to Somalia, where it now operates a Mentoring Advisory and Training Element (MATE HQ) in
Mogadishu. A team of EUTM Somalia advisors also started offering strategic advice to the Somali Ministry of Defence and General Staff. Additionally, capacity building, advice and specific mentoring with regard to security sector development and training are envisioned for 2014. Its Mandate has been extended eight times, with changes reflecting circumstances on the ground. The 9th Mandate, which began on 1 January 2025 and will end on 28 February 2027, will also contribute to the development of the Somali Navy and Coast Guard. ==Mission==