COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2022/452

of 18 March 2022

amending Decision 2014/486/CFSP on the European Union Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine)

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 22 July 2014 the Council adopted Decision 2014/486/CFSP (1), on the European Union Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine).

(2) On 23 February 2022 the Russian Federation launched an unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine, which the European Council condemned in the strongest possible terms in its conclusions of 24 February 2022.

(3) The military aggression by the Russian Federation has resulted in particular in a flow of refugees fleeing from Ukraine to the territory of neighbouring Member States.

(4) EUAM Ukraine is no longer able fully to implement its mandate in the territory of Ukraine.

(5) As long as the current circumstances in Ukraine prevail, EUAM Ukraine should provide support to Ukrainian authorities to facilitate the flow of refugees from Ukraine to neighbouring Member States and the entry of humanitarian aid into Ukraine.

(6) Decision 2014/486/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly.

(7) EUAM Ukraine 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:

Article 1 The following article is inserted in Decision 2014/486/CFSP: ‘Article 2a Temporary tasks 1. From 18 March 2022 to the date on which the Political and Security Committee decides otherwise, EUAM Ukraine shall have the temporary, additional task of advising Ukrainian authorities, in particular the Ukrainian Border Guards Service, Customs Service and local police forces, with the aim of facilitating the flow of refugees from Ukraine to Poland, Romania and Slovakia and the flow of humanitarian aid into Ukraine. 2. For the purpose of advising Ukrainian authorities, EUAM Ukraine shall also: — compile a situational picture of the border traffic between Ukraine and the Union and facilitate the exchange of information thereon between Ukraine, Member States, and Union institutions and agencies, in particular the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (“Frontex”); — identify possible improvements, and provide Ukrainian authorities with strategic advice, as regards facilitating the crossing by refugees and humanitarian aid at the Ukrainian border with the Union; — assist, support, monitor, mentor and advise Ukrainian authorities on the management of border traffic at border crossing points. 3. In order to implement the temporary, additional tasks set out in this Article in support of Ukraine, elements of EUAM Ukraine may be temporarily based in Poland, Romania or Slovakia and shall carry out their activities on the ground on the Ukrainian side of the border crossing points. Arrangements may be entered into to that effect between EUAM Ukraine and those Member States.’.

Article 2 Entry into force This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Done at Brussels, 18 March 2022. For the Council The President J.-Y. LE DRIAN

(1) Council Decision 2014/486/CFSP of 22 July 2014 on the European Union Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine) (OJ L 217, 23.7.2014, p. 42).