EN Official Journal of the European Union L 199/100

COUNCIL JOINT ACTION 2005/588/CFSP

of 28 July 2005

appointing a Special Representative of the European Union for Central Asia

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 14, 18(5) and 23(2) thereof,

Whereas:

(1) The European Union wishes to play a more active political role in Central Asia.

(2) There is a need to ensure coordination and consistency of external actions of the Union in Central Asia.

(3) On 13 June 2005 the Council agreed to appoint an European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia (Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan).

(4) The EUSR will implement his mandate in the context of a situation which may deteriorate and could harm the objectives of the Common Foreign and Security Policy as set out in Article 11 of the Treaty,

HAS ADOPTED THIS JOINT ACTION:

Article 1

Mr Ján Kubiš is hereby appointed as EUSR for Central Asia.

Article 2

The EUSR’s mandate shall be based on the Union’s policy objectives in Central Asia. These objectives include:

(a) promoting good and close relations between countries of Central Asia and the Union on the basis of common values and interests as set out in relevant agreements;

(b) contributing to strengthening the stability and cooperation between the countries in the region;

(c) contributing to strengthening of democracy, rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Central Asia;

(d) addressing key threats, especially specific problems with direct implications for Europe;

(e) enhancing Union’s effectiveness and visibility in the region, including through a closer coordination with other relevant partners and international organizations, such as the OSCE.

Article 3

1. In order to achieve the policy objectives, the EUSR’s mandate shall be to:

(a) follow closely political developments in Central Asia by developing and maintaining close contacts with governments, parliaments, judiciary, civil society and mass media;

(b) encourage Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to cooperate on regional issues of common interest;

(c) develop appropriate contacts and cooperation with the main interested actors in the region, including all relevant regional and international organisations;

(d) contribute, in close cooperation with the OSCE, to conflict prevention and resolution by developing contacts with the authorities and other local actors (NGOs, political parties, minorities, religious groups and their leaders);

(e) promote overall political coordination of the Union in Central Asia and ensure consistency of the external actions of the Union in the region without prejudice to Community competence;

(f) assist the Council in further developing a comprehensive policy towards Central Asia.

2. The EUSR shall support the work of the High Representative in the region and work in close cooperation with the Presidency, Union Heads of Mission, the EUSR for Afghanistan and the Commission. The EUSR shall maintain an overview of all activities of the Union in the region.

Article 4

1. The EUSR shall be responsible for the implementation of the mandate acting under the authority and operational direction of the High Representative. The EUSR shall be accountable to the Commission for all expenditure.

2. The Political and Security Committee (PSC) shall maintain a privileged link with the EUSR and shall be the primary point of contact with the Council. The PSC shall provide the EUSR with strategic guidance and political input within the framework of the mandate.

Article 5

1. The financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure related to the EUSR’s mandate shall be EUR 470 000.

2. The expenditure financed by the amount stipulated in paragraph 1 shall be managed in accordance with the European Community procedures and rules applicable to the budget, with the exception that any pre-financing shall not remain the property of the Community.

3. The management of the expenditure shall be subject to a contract between the EUSR and the Commission. Expenditure shall be eligible as from the day of the adoption of this Joint Action.

4. The Presidency, Commission, and/or Member States, as appropriate, shall provide logistical support in the region.

Article 6

1. Within the limits of his mandate and the corresponding financial means made available, the EUSR shall be responsible for constituting his team in consultation with the Presidency, assisted by the Secretary General/High Representative, and in full association with the Commission. The EUSR shall inform the Presidency and the Commission of the final composition of his team.

2. Member States and institutions of the Union may propose the secondment of staff to work with the EUSR. The remuneration of staff who might be seconded by a Member State or an institution of the Union to the EUSR shall be covered by the Member State or the institution of the Union concerned respectively.

3. All A-type posts which are not covered by secondment shall be advertised as appropriate by the General Secretariat of the Council and notified to Member States and institutions in order to recruit the best qualified applicants.

4. The privileges, immunities and further guarantees necessary for the completion and smooth functioning of the mission of the EUSR and the members of his staff shall be defined with the parties. Member States and the Commission shall grant all necessary support to such effect.

Article 7

As a rule, the EUSR shall report in person to the High Representative and to the PSC and may report also to the relevant Working Group. Regular written reports shall be circulated to the High Representative, the Council and the Commission. On the recommendation of the High Representative and the PSC, he EUSR may report to the General Affairs and External Relations Council.

Article 8

To ensure the consistency of the external action of the Union, the activities of the EUSR shall be coordinated with those of the High Representative, the Presidency and the Commission. EUSR shall provide regular briefings to Member States’ missions and Commission delegations. In the field, close liaison shall be maintained with the Presidency, the Commission and Union Heads of Mission who shall make best efforts to assist the EUSR in the implementation of the mandate. The EUSR shall also liaise with other international and regional actors in the field.

Article 9

The implementation of this Joint Action and its consistency with other contributions from the Union to the region shall be kept under regular review. The EUSR shall present a comprehensive written report on the implementation of the mandate to the High Representative, the Council and the Commission two months before the mandate expires. The report shall form a basis for evaluation of this Joint Action in the relevant Working Groups and by the PSC. In the context of overall priorities for deployment, the High Representative shall make recommendations to the PSC concerning the Council’s decision on renewal, amendment or termination of the mandate.

Article 10

This Joint Action shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.

It shall apply until 28 February 2006.

Article 11

This Joint Action shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.