Article 12Release of information

1.

The High Representative shall be authorised to release to the third States associated with this Decision, as appropriate and in accordance with the needs of EUMAM RCA, EU classified information generated for the purposes of EUMAM RCA, in accordance with Council Decision 2013/488/EU2, as follows:

(a)

up to the level provided in the applicable Security of Information Agreements concluded between the Union and the third State concerned; or

(b)

up to ‘CONFIDENTIEL UE/EU CONFIDENTIAL’ level in other cases.

2.

The High Representative shall also be authorised to release to the UN and the AU, in accordance with the operational needs of EUMAM RCA, EU classified information up to ‘RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED’ level which is generated for the purposes of EUMAM RCA, in accordance with Decision 2013/488/EU. Arrangements between the High Representative and the competent authorities of the UN and the AU shall be drawn up for that purpose.

3.

In the event of a specific and immediate operational need, the High Representative shall also be authorised to release to the host State any EU classified information up to ‘RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED’ level which is generated for the purposes of EUMAM RCA, in accordance with Decision 2013/488/EU. Arrangements between the High Representative and the competent authorities of the host State shall be drawn up for that purpose.

4.

The High Representative 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 EUMAM RCA and covered by the obligation of professional secrecy pursuant to Article 6(1) of the Council's Rules of Procedure3.

5.

The High Representative may delegate such authorisations, as well as the ability to conclude the arrangements referred to in this Article, to EEAS officials and/or to the Mission Commander.