THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 42(4) and 43(2) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
Whereas:
(1)
In its Resolution 2127 (2013) on the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR), adopted on 5 December 2013, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) expressed deep concern about the continuing deterioration of the security situation and the multiple and increasing violations of international humanitarian law and human rights in the CAR. Furthermore, it authorised the deployment of the African-led International Support Mission in the CAR (AFISM-CAR) for a period of twelve months and authorized the deployment of French forces in the CAR, for a temporary period, to take all necessary measures to support AFISM-CAR in the discharge of its mandate.
(2)
Following the Council conclusions of 21 October 2013 and of 16 December 2013, the European Council, in its conclusions of 20 December 2013, expressed its concern about the continuously deteriorating crisis in the CAR and its severe humanitarian and human rights consequences. It welcomed the French military intervention in support of the African forces to help restore security as well as the consistent commitment of its African partners to stabilize the situation. As part of a comprehensive approach, it confirmed the Union's willingness to examine the use of relevant instruments to contribute towards the efforts under way to stabilise the country, including under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), in both its military and civilian dimensions. It invited the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR) to present a proposal in this regard for a decision at the Council in January 2014.
(3)
On 20 January 2014, the Council approved a Crisis Management Concept for a military bridging CSDP operation in the CAR, (hereinafter referred to as ‘EUFOR RCA’), subject to a UNSC Resolution adopted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. The Council stressed the importance of close cooperation with its partners, in particular the UN, the African Union (AU) and the CAR authorities, as well as with the French Operation Sangaris.
(4)
On 28 January 2014, the UNSC adopted Resolution 2134 (2014) authorising the establishment of an EU operation, EUFOR RCA.
(5)
On 23 January 2014, the Secretariat General of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) welcomed the establishment of an EU operation in the CAR.
(6)
On 24 January 2014, in a letter addressed to the HR, the interim President of the CAR welcomed the EU operation authorized by UNSC Resolution 2134 (2014).
(7)
EUFOR RCA should deploy as rapidly as possible to Full Operating Capability (FOC) in order to contribute to the stabilisation of the situation. It should conduct mandated tasks with a view to a handover to AFISM-CAR within four to six months from achieving FOC.
(8)
In accordance with Article 38 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), the Political and Security Committee (PSC) is to exercise, under the responsibility of the Council and of the HR, political control over the crisis management operation, provide it with strategic direction and take the relevant decisions in that regard.
(9)
It is necessary to negotiate and conclude international agreements relating to the status of Union units and personnel and to the participation of third States in Union operations.
(10)
Pursuant to Article 41(2) TEU and in accordance with Council Decision 2011/871/CFSP, the operational expenditure arising from this Decision, which has military or defence implications, is to be borne by the Member States.
(11)
In accordance with Article 5 of the Protocol on the position of Denmark annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Denmark does not participate in the elaboration and implementation of decisions and actions of the Union which have defence implications. Consequently, Denmark is not participating in the adoption of this Decision, is neither bound by it nor subject to its application and does not participate in the financing of this operation,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: