Official Journal of the European Union

COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2021/14

of 7 January 2021

amending Decision 2014/219/CFSP on the European Union CSDP Mission in Mali (EUCAP Sahel Mali)

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 15 April 2014, the Council adopted Decision 2014/219/CFSP on the European Union CSDP Mission in Mali (EUCAP Sahel Mali) (1).

(2) On 21 February 2019, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2019/312 (2), which extended EUCAP Sahel Mali until 14 January 2021.

(3) On 13 May 2019, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2019/762 (3), which adjusted the mandate of EUCAP Sahel Mali to contribute to the regionalisation of CSDP action in the Sahel and established a Regional Advisory and Coordination Cell (RACC).

(4) On 14 May 2020, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2020/652 (4), which increased the financial reference amount for EUCAP Sahel Mali for the period until 14 January 2021.

(5) On 13 October and 5 November 2020 respectively, in the context of the Strategic Review of EUCAP Sahel Mali, the Political and Security Committee recommended that EUCAP Sahel Mali be extended until 31 January 2023 and that its mandate be adjusted.

(6) Decision 2014/219/CFSP should be amended accordingly.

(7) EUCAP Sahel Mali 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 Decision 2014/219/CFSP is amended as follows: (1) in Article 2, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: ‘2. In order to support the Malian dynamic in restoring State authority, as well as the implementation of the Accord for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali signed on 15 May and 20 June 2015 and in close coordination with other international actors, in particular the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), EUCAP Sahel Mali shall assist and advise the ISF in the implementation of the security sector reform led by the Government of Mali, with the aim of: (a) improving the operational efficacy of the ISF; (b) re-establishing the respective hierarchical chains of the ISF through a more coherent management of resources; (c) reinforcing the role of judicial and administrative authorities with regard to the management and supervision of their missions, contributing to the prevention of corruption and impunity; (d) facilitating the redeployment of the ISF to the centre of Mali; and (e) supporting in a gradual and modular process the redeployment of Mali’s civilian administrative authorities to the centre of Mali, based on good governance principles.’; (2) in Article 14(1), the following subparagraph is added: ‘The financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure related to EUCAP Sahel Mali between 15 January 2021 and 31 January 2023 shall be EUR 89 100 000.’; (3) in Article 14a, paragraph 3 is replaced by the following: ‘3. The objectives of the RACC, in close cooperation with existing CSDP Missions in the Sahel, shall be to: (a) improve the cooperation and coordination between G5 Sahel structures and G5 Sahel countries in order to enhance regional cooperation and operational capabilities in the field of defence and security, in compliance with international law, human rights and the EU Strategic Approach to Women, Peace and Security as set out by the Council in its conclusions of 10 December 2018; (b) with a view to reinforcing the national capacities of G5 Sahel countries, prepare and support the regionalisation of the CSDP action; (c) in support of the Union Delegations in G5 Sahel countries and of the secretariat of the Partnership for Stability and Security in the Sahel (P3S), facilitate and support the organisation of information-gathering and sharing with all partners of the G5 Sahel.’; (4) in Article 18, the second sentence is replaced by the following: ‘It shall apply until 31 January 2023.’.

Article 2 This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption. It shall apply from 15 January 2021.

Done at Brussels, 7 January 2021. For the Council The President A.P. ZACARIAS

(1) OJ L 113, 16.4.2014, p. 21.

(2) Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/312 of 21 February 2019 amending and extending Decision 2014/219/CFSP on the European Union CSDP Mission in Mali (EUCAP Sahel Mali) (OJ L 51, 22.2.2019, p. 29).

(3) Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/762 of 13 May 2019 amending Decision 2014/219/CFSP on the European Union CSDP Mission in Mali (EUCAP Sahel Mali) (OJ L 125, 14.5.2019, p. 18).

(4) Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/652 of 14 May 2020 amending Decision 2014/219/CFSP on the European Union CSDP Mission in Mali (EUCAP Sahel Mali) (OJ L 153, 15.5.2020, p. 5).