2003/202/CFSP: Council Decision 2003/202/CFSP of 18 March 2003 relating to the launch of the EU military operation in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Date: 2003-03-18
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: North Macedonia, military intervention, paramilitary force

22.3.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 76/43

(Acts adopted pursuant to Title V of the Treaty on European Union)

COUNCIL DECISION 2003/202/CFSP

of 18 March 2003

relating to the launch of the EU military operation in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in
particular Article 17(2) and Article 25 thereof,

Having regard to the Joint Action of 27 January 2003/92/CFSP
on the European Union force in the Former Yugoslav Republic
of Macedonia (1), in particular Article 3 thereof,

Whereas:

(7)

(8)

The ongoing negotiations of the SOFA with the govern-
ment of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia are
expected to be completed before the NATO operation
terminates.

In conformity with Article 6 of the Protocol on the posi-
tion of Denmark annexed to the Treaty on European
Union and to the Treaty establishing the European
Community, Denmark does not participate in the
elaboration and implementation of decisions and actions
of the European Union which have defence implications.
Denmark does not participate in the financing of the
operation,

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

President Trajkovski and the Secretary-General/High
Representative have exchanged letters and a further letter
was received from President Trajkovski on 13 March,
inviting the European Union to launch an operation in
the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

The Council decided on 7 February 2003 to appoint the
Operation Commander and the Force Commander and
to designate
the
European Union force in the Former Yugoslav Republic
of Macedonia.

the Operation Headquarters

for

The EU military operation in the Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia shall be launched on 31 March 2003.

Article 2

The Political and Security Committee (PSC) decided on
18 February 2003 to set up a Committee of Contribu-
tors for the operation in the Former Yugoslav Republic
of Macedonia.

The Operation Commander
authorised with
immediate effect to release the activation order (ACTORD) in
order to commence the deployment of the forces, prior to
transfer of authority following their arrival in theatre, and start
execution of the mission.

is hereby

The permanent arrangements on EU-NATO relations
were completed and an Exchange of Letters took place
with NATO on the release of NATO assets and capabil-
ities for the EU military operation in the Former Yugo-
slav Republic of Macedonia.

The Council approved on 18 March 2003 the Operation
Plan, submitted by the PSC in the light of the associated
military advice.

Article 3

The anticipated duration of the EU operation in the Former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is six months. The Political
and Security Committee shall, based on EUMC advice, drawing
upon the views of the Operation Commander, and taking into
account the opinion of the Committee of Contributors, make
this recommendation to the Council for the termination of the
operation. This will follow an assessment of progress made
towards the EU objectives.

The North Atlantic Council decided to terminate its
operation ‘Allied Harmony’
in the Former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia with effect from 31 March 2003.

Article 4

(1) OJ L 34, 11.2.2003, p. 26.

This Decision shall take effect on the date of its adoption.

L 76/44

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

22.3.2003

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

Article 5

Done at Brussels, 18 March 2003.

For the Council

The President

G. PAPANDREOU