The European Union has decided to provide new support to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), that will allow it to continue to fulfil its mandate and to reach its total strength of 17,731, as authorised by the UN. EU support covers costs such as troop allowances, costs of the police and civilian component of the mission, medical care, housing, fuel, and communication equipment.

The African Union Mission (AMISON) in Somalia will be supported with funding to cover costs such as troop allowances, costs of the police and civilian component of the mission, medical care, housing, fuel, and communication equipment. In particular, the EU's latest funding decision amounts to €82 million. AMISOM is an African Union-led mission, mandated by the UN Security Council. The new funding brings the overall EU contribution to €411.4 million since 2007. In February of 2012, the EU and Somalia renewed cooperation commitment.

The renewed EU support will allow AMISOM to continue to fulfil its mandate and to reach its total strength of 17,731, as authorised by the UN. According to the EU, AMISOM plays an essential role in securing the country on its path towards lasting peace, prosperity and stability. Andris Piebalgs, EU Commissioner for Development highlighted that this mission has been playing a key role in creating the ground for a better future of Somalia, giving the people of the country hope and a perspective of peace.

AMISOM supports dialogue and reconciliation in Somalia and protects key infrastructure (e.g. government buildings and Mogadishu International Airport) to enable the new federal institutions to carry out their functions. It also assists in the implementation of the National Security and Stabilisation plan, providing support to disarmament and stabilisation, as well as facilitating humanitarian operations, including the repatriation of refugees and internally displaced persons.