On 20 July 2001, the Council adopted Joint Action 2001/555/CFSP establishing a European Union Satellite Centre (SATCEN). On 23 May 2011, the Council adopted Decision 2011/297/CFSP.

The functioning of SATCEN as a European autonomous capability providing products and services resulting from exploitation of relevant space assets and collateral data, including satellite and aerial imagery, is essential for strengthening early warning and crisis monitoring functions within the context of the common foreign and security policy (CFSP) and, in particular, of the common security and defence policy (CSDP).

On 14 September 2012, pursuant to Article 22 of Joint Action 2001/555/CFSP, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR) presented a report to the Council on the functioning of SATCEN.

On 27 November 2012, the Political and Security Committee (PSC) took note of that report and recommended that the Council amend Joint Action 2001/555/CFSP accordingly.

It is appropriate, for reasons of legal clarity, to consolidate previous amendments and the additional proposed changes into a single new Decision and to repeal Joint Action 2001/555/CFSP, including Article 23 thereof on transitional provisions with regard to the Western European Union (WEU).

In accordance with Article 5 of the Protocol (No 22) on the position of Denmark annexed to the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), Denmark does not participate in the elaboration and implementation of decisions and actions of the Union which have defence implications. This provision, however, does not exclude the participation of Denmark in the civilian activities of SATCEN on the basis of a declared willingness of Denmark to contribute towards covering the expenses of SATCEN which do not have defence implications,