COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2020/1131

of 30 July 2020

launching the European Union CSDP Advisory Mission in the Central African Republic (EUAM RCA)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

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

Having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/2110 of 9 December 2019 on the European Union CSDP Advisory Mission in the Central African Republic (EUAM RCA) (1),

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

Whereas:

(1) On 9 December 2019, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2019/2110 on the European Union CSDP Advisory Mission in the Central African Republic (EUAM RCA).

(2) On 18 June 2020, the Political and Security Committee (PSC) agreed that the Operation Plan (OPLAN) for EUAM RCA should be approved.

(3) Following the recommendation of the Civilian Operation Commander and the achievement of initial operational capability by EUAM RCA, the Mission should be launched on 9 August 2020 for a period of two years.

(4) Decision (CFSP) 2019/2110 provided a financial reference amount of EUR 7 100 000 to cover the expenditure related to EUAM RCA during the first six months following the entry into force of that Decision. Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/664 (2) extended the validity of the financial reference amount until 8 August 2020. An additional reference amount covering the period from the launch of the Mission until 8 August 2022 should be provided for.

(5) EUAM RCA should have a Project Cell for identifying and implementing projects in areas related to EUAM RCA and in support of its objectives.

(6) Decision (CFSP) 2019/2110 should therefore be amended accordingly.

(7) EUAM RCA 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 on European Union,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1 The OPLAN for EUAM RCA is hereby approved.

Article 2 EUAM RCA shall be launched on 9 August 2020.

Article 3 The Civilian Operation Commander of EUAM RCA is hereby authorised with immediate effect to start the execution of the Mission.

Article 4 Decision (CFSP) 2019/2110 is hereby amended as follows: (1) Article 13(1) is replaced by the following: ‘1. The financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure related to EUAM RCA for the period from 9 December 2019 until 8 August 2022 shall be EUR 30 352 481,10. The financial reference amount for any subsequent period shall be decided by the Council.’; (2) the following article is inserted: ‘Article 13a Project Cell 1. EUAM RCA shall have a Project Cell for identifying and implementing projects. EUAM RCA shall, as appropriate, facilitate and provide advice on projects implemented by Member States and third States under their responsibility in areas related to EUAM RCA and in support of its objectives. 2. Subject to paragraph 3, EUAM RCA shall be authorised to seek recourse to financial contributions from the Member States or from third States to implement projects identified as supplementing in a consistent manner EUAM RCA’s other actions, if the project is: (a) provided for in the financial statement relating to this Decision; or (b) integrated during the mandate by means of an amendment to the financial statement requested by the Head of Mission. EUAM RCA shall conclude an arrangement with the contributing States, covering in particular the specific procedures for dealing with any complaint from third parties concerning damage caused as a result of acts or omissions by EUAM RCA in the use of the funds provided by those States. Under no circumstances may the contributing States hold the Union or the HR liable for acts or omissions by EUAM RCA in the use of the funds provided by those States. 3. Financial contributions from third States to the Project Cell shall be subject to acceptance by the PSC.’.

Article 5 This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Done at Brussels, 30 July 2020. For the Council The President M. ROTH

(1) OJ L 318, 10.12.2019, p. 141.

(2) Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/664 of 18 May 2020 amending Decision (CFSP) 2019/2110 on the European Union CSDP Advisory Mission in the Central African Republic (EUAM RCA) (OJ L 157, 19.5.2020, p. 3).