CHAPTER 1

MECHANISM

Establishment of the mechanism
Article 2
1
A mechanism to administer the financing of the common costs of operations is hereby established.
2
The mechanism shall be called Athena.
3
Athena shall act on behalf of the participating Member States or, regarding the specific operations, the contributing States.

Legal capacity
Article 3
With a view to the administrative management of the financing of Union operations with military or defence implications, Athena shall have the necessary legal capacity, in particular, to hold bank accounts, acquire, hold or dispose of property, enter into contracts and administrative arrangements and be a party to legal proceedings. Athena shall be non-profit-making.

Coordination with third parties
Article 4
To the extent necessary to achieve its tasks, and in conformity with the objectives and policies of the Union, Athena shall coordinate its activities with the Member States, Union institutions and bodies, and international organisations.