Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/2055

of 21 December 2018

amending Decision (CFSP) 2015/778 on a European Union military operation in the Southern Central Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 42(4) and 43(2) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

(1)

On 18 May 2015 the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2015/7781 on a European Union military operation in the Southern Central Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA).

(2)

On 25 July 2017 the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2017/13852, extending Decision (CFSP) 2015/778 until 31 December 2018.

(3)

On 14 December 2018, while expressing its readiness to continue working on a solution for EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA, in the framework of a broader solution on the follow-up to the June 2018 conclusions of the European Council, the Political and Security Committee agreed to extend the mandate of EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA until 31 March 2019.

(4)

Decision (CFSP) 2015/778 should be amended accordingly.

(5)

In accordance with Article 5 of 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 operation,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: