2003/529/CFSP: Political and Security Committee Decision DRC 2/2003 of 11 July 2003 on the setting up of the Committee of Contributors for the European Union military operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Date: 2003-07-11
Institutions: Political and Security Committee
Subjects: Congo, comitology, committee (EU), military cooperation

23.7.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 184/13

II

(Acts whose publication is not obligatory)

COUNCIL

POLITICAL AND SECURITY COMMITTEE DECISION DRC 2/2003

of 11 July 2003

on the setting up of the Committee of Contributors for the European Union military operation in
the Democratic Republic of Congo

(2003/529/CFSP)

THE POLITICAL AND SECURITY COMMITTEE,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in parti-
cular Article 25, last paragraph, thereof,

Having regard to the Council Joint Action 2003/423/CFSP of 5
June 2003 on the European Union military operation in the
Democratic Republic of Congo (1), and in particular Article 10
thereof,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Under Article 10 of the Joint Action 2003/423/CFSP,
the Council
and Security
authorised the Political
Committee (PSC) to take relevant decisions on the setting
up of a Committee of Contributors, in case that the third
States provide significant military contributions.

The European Council conclusions of Nice and Brussels
have laid down the arrangements for the participation of
third States in crisis management operations and the
setting up of a Committee of Contributors.

The Committee of Contributors will play a key role in
the operation. The
the day-to-day management of
Committee will be the main forum where contributing
States collectively address questions
relating to the
employment of their forces in the operation. The PSC,
which exercises the political control and strategic direc-
tion of the operation, will take account of the views
expressed by the Committee of Contributors.

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

(1) OJ L 143, 11.6.2003, p. 50.

of the European Union which have defence implications.
Denmark does not participate in the financing of the
operation,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

Establishment

A Committee of Contributors for the European Union military
operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (hereafter
called the CoC) is hereby established.

Article 2

Functions

the CoC are laid down in the
The terms of reference of
European Council Conclusions of Nice (7, 8 and 9 December
2000) and Brussels (24 to 25 October 2002).

Article 3

Composition

1.

The CoC members shall be as follows:

— Representatives of all EU Member States,

— Representatives of

the third States participating in the
operation and providing significant military contributions,
referred to in the Annex.

2.
The Director General of the European Union Military
Staff and the Operation Commander are also entitled to attend
or to be represented at the CoC meetings.

L 184/14

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

23.7.2003

Article 4

Chair

In conformity with the Nice conclusions and without prejudice
to the prerogatives of the Presidency, the CoC for this opera-
tion will be chaired by the Secretary General/High Representa-
tive or his representative in close consultation with the Presi-
dency, assisted by the Chairman of the European Union Mili-
tary Committee or representative.

Article 5

Meetings

1.
The CoC shall be convened by the Chair on a regular
basis. Where circumstances require, emergency meetings may
be convened on the Chair's initiative, or at the request of a
member.

2.
The Chair shall circulate in advance a provisional agenda
and documents relating to the meeting. The proceedings shall
be circulated after each meeting.

3.
Representatives of the Commission and other persons
may be invited for relevant parts of the discussion, as appro-
priate.

Article 6

Procedure

1.
Except as provided in paragraph 3 and without prejudice
to the competencies of the Political and Security Committee
and the responsibilities of the Operation Commander,

— unanimity of the representatives of States contributing to
the operation shall apply when the CoC takes decisions on
day-to-day management of the operation,

— unanimity of the CoC members shall apply when the CoC
makes recommendations on possible adjustments to opera-
tional planning, including possible adjustment to objectives.

The abstention of a member shall not preclude unanimity.

2.
The Chair shall establish that the majority of the represen-
tatives of States entitled to take part in the deliberations is
present.

All procedural questions shall be settled by the simple

3.
majority of the members present at the meeting.

Denmark shall not

4.
Committee.

take part

in any decision of

the

Article 7

Confidentiality

1.
The Council Security Regulations shall apply to the meet-
ings and proceedings of the CoC. In particular, representatives
in the CoC shall possess adequate security clearances.

2.
The deliberations of the CoC shall be covered by the obli-
gation of professional secrecy, except insofar the CoC unani-
mously decides otherwise.

Article 8

Entry into force

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

Done at Brussels, 11 July 2003.

For the Political and Security Committee

The President

M. MELANI

ANNEX

LIST OF THIRD STATES REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 3

— Brazil

— Canada

— South Africa.