THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 28, 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 16 July 2012, the Council adopted Decision 2012/392/CFSP establishing a European Union CSDP mission in Niger to support the capacity building of the Nigerien security actors to fight terrorism and organised crime (EUCAP Sahel Niger).
(2)
On 22 July 2014, the Council adopted Decision 2014/482/CFSP, extending the Mission until 15 July 2016.
(3)
On 13 July 2015, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2015/1141, providing a financial reference amount until 15 July 2016. On 5 October 2015, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2015/1780 revising the financial reference amount in view of further operational planning.
(4)
Following the Strategic Review, the Political and Security Committee recommended that the mandate of EUCAP Sahel Niger be adapted and extended by a period of two years, until 15 July 2018, and that a financial reference amount should be provided for the period from 16 July 2016 to 15 July 2017.
(5)
By letter dated 19 May 2016, the Government of the Republic of Niger invited the European Union to extend the mandate of EUCAP Sahel Niger for a period of two years.
(6)
Decision 2012/392/CFSP should be amended accordingly.
(7)
EUCAP Sahel Niger will be conducted in the context of a situation which may deteriorate and could impede the achievement of the objectives of the Union's external action as set out in Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: