THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 42(4) and Article 43(2) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
Whereas:
(1)
On 28 January 2014, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted Resolution 2134 (2014) authorising the European Union to deploy an operation in the Central African Republic (CAR).
(2)
On 10 February 2014 the Council adopted Decision 2014/73/CFSP stating that a European Union military operation in the Central African Republic (EUFOR RCA) should end no later than six months after having reached Full Operational Capability.
(3)
On 10 September 2014, the Interim President of the CAR sent a letter to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR) asking to extend EUFOR RCA.
(4)
It is necessary to provide for a smooth transition from EUFOR RCA to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), as established by UNSC Resolution 2149 (2014), until MINUSCA can assume full responsibility for security in the Bangui area.
(5)
On 21 October 2014 the UNSC adopted Resolution 2181 (2014) authorising the extension of EUFOR RCA until 15 March 2015.
(6)
Decision 2014/73/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: