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 4 February 2008, the Council adopted Joint Action 2008/124/CFSP.
(2)
On 14 June 2016, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2016/947, which amended Joint Action 2008/124/CFSP, extended the mandate of EULEX KOSOVO until 14 June 2018 and provided a new financial reference amount for the implementation of its mandate in Kosovo until 14 December 2016 and for support to the relocated judicial proceedings within a Member State until 14 June 2017.
(3)
A new reference amount should be provided for the implementation of the mandate of EULEX KOSOVO until 14 June 2017.
(4)
Nothing in this Decision should be understood as prejudicing the independence and the autonomy of the judges and prosecutors.
(5)
Due to the special character of the activities of EULEX KOSOVO in support of the relocated judicial proceedings within a Member State, it is appropriate to identify in this Decision the amount envisaged to cover the support to the relocated judicial proceedings within a Member State and to provide for the implementation of that part of the budget through a grant.
(6)
The rules on participation in the Mission's procurement procedures and the rules of origin applicable to the goods that it purchases should be aligned with provisions for other civilian CSDP missions.
(7)
Joint Action 2008/124/CFSP should be amended accordingly.
(8)
EULEX KOSOVO 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,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: