Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/610Show full title

Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/610

of 19 April 2016

on a European Union CSDP Military Training Mission in the Central African Republic (EUTM RCA)

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) In its conclusions of 17 and 18 November 2014, the Council recognised the need for common approaches with the United Nations (UN) in the Central African Republic (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 that 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.

(2) On 19 January 2015, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2015/78(1) on a European Union common security and defence policy (CSDP) Military Advisory Mission in the Central African Republic (EUMAM RCA). The mandate of EUMAM RCA ends on 16 July 2016.

(3) By letter dated 8 October 2015, the Chef de l'État de la Transition of the CAR invited the Union to further support the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) through a reinforced operational training structure in full collaboration with United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

(4) On 17 November 2015, the Council applauded the EUMAM RCA's work to support the restructuring of the FACA and invited the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR) to begin preparations for a mission to provide strategic advice and operational training, to be launched after the inauguration of the democratically elected authorities and in good time before the end of EUMAM RCA's mandate.

(5) On 14 March 2016, the Council approved a Crisis Management Concept for a possible Union CSDP military training mission in the CAR.

(6) By letter dated 30 March 2016, the President of the CAR invited the Union to deploy a Union CSDP military training mission in the CAR (EUTM RCA).

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

(8) The Political and Security Committee (PSC) should exercise, under the responsibility of the Council and of the HR, political control over EUTM RCA, 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).

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

(10) Pursuant to Article 41(2) TEU and in accordance with Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/528(2), the operational expenditure arising from this Decision, which has military or defence implications, is to be borne by the Member States.

(11) In accordance with Article 5 of Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark annexed to the TEU and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), 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:

(1)

Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/78 of 19 January 2015 on a European Union CSDP Military Advisory Mission in the Central African Republic (EUMAM RCA) (OJ L 13, 20.1.2015, p. 8).

(2)

Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/528 of 27 March 2015 establishing a mechanism to administer the financing of the common costs of European Union operations having military or defence implications (Athena) and repealing Decision 2011/871/CFSP (OJ L 84, 28.3.2015, p. 39).