Article 12Release of information

1.

The HR shall be authorised to release to the third States associated with this Decision, as appropriate and in accordance with the needs of EUTM RCA, EU classified information generated for the purposes of EUTM RCA, in accordance with Council Decision 2013/488/EU3, 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 HR shall also be authorised to release to the UN and the AU, in accordance with the operational needs of EUTM RCA, EU classified information up to ‘RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED’ level which is generated for the purposes of EUTM RCA, in accordance with Decision 2013/488/EU. Arrangements between the HR 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 HR 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 EUTM RCA, in accordance with Decision 2013/488/EU. Arrangements between the HR and the competent authorities of the host State shall be drawn up for that purpose.

4.

The HR 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 EUTM RCA and covered by the obligation of professional secrecy pursuant to Article 6(1) of the Council's Rules of Procedure4.

5.

The HR 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 EU Mission Commander F1and/or to the EU Mission Force Commander..