Article 15Release of information and documents

1.

The HR shall be authorised to release to the third States associated with this Decision, as appropriate and in accordance with the needs of F1 X1EUCAP Somalia , EU classified information up to ‘CONFIDENTIEL UE/EU CONFIDENTIAL’ level generated for the purposes of EUCAP Somalia , in accordance with F2Decision 2013/488/EU.

2.

The HR shall also be authorised to release to the UN and the African Union (AU) in accordance with the operational needs of F1 X1EUCAP Somalia , EU classified information up to ‘RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED’ level generated for the purposes of EUCAP Somalia , in accordance with F2Decision 2013/488/EU. Arrangements between the HR and the competent authorities of UN and AU shall be drawn up for this purpose.

3.

In the event of a specific and immediate operational need, the HR shall also be authorised to release to the host State any EU classified information up to ‘RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED’ level generated for the purposes of F1 X1EUCAP Somalia , in accordance with F2Decision 2013/488/EU. Arrangements between the HR and the competent authorities of the host State shall be drawn up for this purpose.

4.

The HR shall be authorised to release to the third States associated with this Decision any EU non-classified documents connected with the deliberations of the Council relating to F1 X1EUCAP Somalia and covered by the obligation of professional secrecy pursuant to Article 6(1) of the Council’s Rules of Procedure4.

5.

The HR may delegate the powers referred to in paragraphs 1 to 4, as well as the ability to conclude the arrangements referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 to persons placed under his/her authority, to the Civilian Operations Commander and/or to the Head of Mission.