Captain (Navy) Ad VAN DER LINDE is hereby appointed Head of the EU Operations Centre for a period of two years, which may be renewed if the Council so decides.

The Head of the EU Operations Centre shall carry out his functions under the political control and strategic direction of the Political and Security Committee (PSC), and, as appropriate, under the military direction of the European Union Military Committee (EUMC).

The Head of the EU Operations Centre shall exercise authority over the staff of the EU Operations Centre for all issues related to the mandate and tasks of the EU Operations Centre.

The Head of the EU Operations Centre shall be responsible for responding to the requests addressed to the EU Operations Centre by the Civilian Operation Commander, the Operation Commander for Operation Atalanta, the EUTM Mission Commander, and CMPD. He shall ensure the proper functioning of the EU Operations Centre and coordinate the efficient use of its capacities. The final responsibility for operational planning documents and decisions on the conduct of the missions and the operation shall remain respectively with the Civilian Operation Commander, the EUTM Mission Commander, and the Operation Commander for Operation Atalanta.

Within the limits of his responsibility, the Head of the EU Operations Centre shall regularly report to EUMC and to PSC.