Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/78

of 19 January 2015

on a European Union CSDP Military Advisory Mission in the Central African Republic (EUMAM RCA)

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 (the High Representative),

Whereas:

(1)

By letter dated 10 September 2014, the Chef de l'État de Transition of the Central African Republic (CAR) invited the Union to prolong the European Union military operation in the Central African Republic (EUFOR RCA) and to a post-EUFOR engagement with a view to supporting the Central African Armed Forces (FACA).

(2)

In its conclusions of 17 and 18 November 2014, the Council recognised the need for common approaches with the UN in the CAR in the reform of its security forces, including the armed forces, in order to stabilise the situation in support of the political process. In this regard, it acknowledged the added value of a potential further role for the Union in the reform of the security sector, in support of UN efforts, while ensuring local buy-in.

(3)

On 15 December 2014, the Council approved a Crisis Management Concept on a possible Union CSDP military advisory mission in the CAR to contribute to the reform of the FACA.

(4)

By letter dated 16 January 2015, the Chef de l'État de Transition of the CAR invited the Union to deploy an EU military advisory mission in the CAR.

(5)

EUMAM RCA should deploy as rapidly as possible to Full Operating Capability (FOC).

(6)

The Political and Security Committee (PSC) should exercise, under the responsibility of the Council and of the High Representative, political control over the Union CSDP military advisory mission, provide it with strategic direction and take the relevant decisions in accordance with the third paragraph of Article 38 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU).

(7)

It is necessary to negotiate and conclude international agreements relating to the status of EU units and personnel and to the participation of third States in Union missions.

(8)
Pursuant to Article 41(2) TEU, and in accordance with Council Decision 2011/871/CFSP1 which establishes a mechanism to administer the financing of the common costs of Union operations having military or defence implications, the operational expenditure arising from this Decision, which has military or defence implications, is to be borne by the Member States.
(9)

In accordance with Article 5 Protocol No 22 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 mission,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: