               19.6.2018

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 215/241

         P8_TA(2016)0364
   Request for the waiver of the immunity of Giorgos Grammatikakis
   European Parliament decision of 4 October 2016 on the request for waiver of the immunity of Giorgos Grammatikakis (2016/2084(IMM))
   (2018/C 215/35)

      The European Parliament,

               —

               having regard to the request for waiver of the immunity of Giorgos Grammatikakis, forwarded on 1 April 2016 by the Deputy Prosecutor at the Supreme Court of the Hellenic Republic in connection with proceedings proposed by the Rethymno Public Prosecutor for breach of trust in the performance of his duties, committed in conjunction with others, at Rethymno, Crete, over the period 2000-2002 (file ref: ABM:AB05/1956), and announced in plenary on 27 April 2016,

               —

               having regard to the fact that Giorgos Grammatikakis waived his right to a hearing in accordance with Rule 9(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

               —

               having regard to Articles 8 and 9 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, and Article 6(2) of the Act of 20 September 1976 concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage,

               —

               having regard to the judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union of 12 May 1964, 10 July 1986, 15 and 21 October 2008, 19 March 2010, 6 September 2011 and 17 January 2013 (1),

               —

               having regard to Article 62 of the Constitution of Greece, Article 54 of the Greek Code of Civil Procedure and Article 83 of the Rules of Procedure of the Hellenic Parliament,

               —

               having regard to Order No 5181/18.11.2015 of the Appeals Court Prosecutor of Crete,

               —

               having regard to the report of 7 April 2015 on the appearance of Giorgos Grammatikakis, MEP, together with his defence plea and supporting documents,

               —

               having regard to Ruling No 104/2015 of the Appeals Council of Crete,

               —

               having regard to Rule 5(2), Rule 6(1) and Rule 9 of its Rules of Procedure,

               —

               having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A8-0279/2016),

               A.

               whereas the deputy public prosecutor at the Supreme Court of the Hellenic Republic has requested the waiver of the immunity of Giorgos Grammatikakis, MEP, in connection with proceedings relating to an alleged offence;

               B.

               whereas, pursuant to Article 9 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, Members of the European Parliament enjoy, in the territory of their own state, the immunities accorded to members of the parliament of that state;

               C.

               whereas, pursuant to Article 62 of the Constitution of Greece, during the parliamentary term, Members of Parliament may not be prosecuted, arrested, imprisoned or otherwise confined without prior leave granted by the parliament;

               D.

               whereas the Greek authorities are proposing to prosecute Giorgos Grammatikakis, in conjunction with others, for failing to comply with certain legal obligations;

               E.

               whereas the proposed proceedings concern a discussion held on 8 March 1996 on the possibility of concluding a new private collective insurance policy — in addition to the compulsory insurance policy — for all employees of the University of Crete and allegedly unlawful payments being made in successive instalments over the period 2000-2002;

               F.

               whereas a previous proceeding on the same case covered the period from 2000 onwards and resulted in the acquittal of all the accused;

               G.

               whereas the proposed proceedings are clearly unrelated to Giorgos Grammatikakis’s status as a Member of the European Parliament, given that they relate to his former position as Rector of the Senate of the University of Crete;

               H.

               whereas the proposed proceedings do not concern opinions expressed or votes cast in the performance of the duties of the Member of the European Parliament in question within the meaning of Article 8 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union;

               I.

               whereas the proposed proceedings have been extended to cover the period from 1996 to 2000 and include the last meeting of the Senate of the University of Crete with Giorgos Grammatikakis as the Rector, where the issue was discussed but no decision was made; whereas there is no indication that the intention underlying the proposed proceedings is to cause political damage to the MEP concerned;

               J.

               whereas the proposed proceedings have been permanently dismissed for many co-accused members of the Senate of the University of Crete and of the ELKE Committee due to the passage of the prescription period of 15 years for the alleged crimes, while others were definitively acquitted of all charges by the court in May 2016;

               K.

               surprised that the waiver of immunity is being requested some 20 years after the events have occurred, and that the Greek justice system was not able to bring proceedings against Giorgos Grammatikakis during this period and intends to do so now while he is a Member of the European Parliament;

               L.

               whereas a justice system that moves slowly will never be truly just because the people involved are no longer the same as they were 20 years ago; whereas if justice is to be worthy of the name, it has to be done in due time;

               1.

               Decides to waive the immunity of Giorgos Grammatikakis, as requested by Giorgos Grammatikakis himself in order to put an end to this long judicial process;

               2.

               Instructs its President to forward this decision and the report of its committee responsible immediately to the Greek authorities and to Giorgos Grammatikakis.

      (1)  Judgment of the Court of Justice of 12 May 1964, Wagner v Fohrmann and Krier, 101/63, ECLI:EU:C:1964:28; judgment of the Court of Justice of 10 July 1986, Wybot v Faure and others, 149/85, ECLI:EU:C:1986:310; judgment of the General Court of 15 October 2008, Mote v Parliament, T-345/05, ECLI:EU:T:2008:440; judgment of the Court of Justice of 21 October 2008, Marra v De Gregorio and Clemente, C 200/07 and C-201/07, ECLI:EU:C:2008:579; judgment of the General Court of 19 March 2010, Gollnisch v Parliament, T-42/06, ECLI:EU:T:2010:102; judgment of the Court of Justice of 6 September 2011, Patriciello, C 163/10, ECLI: EU:C:2011:543; judgment of the General Court of 17 January 2013, Gollnisch v Parliament, T-346/11 and T-347/11, ECLI:EU:T:2013:23.


title: Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/903 of 25 June 2018 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative in Kosovo (This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.)

text:
                  26.6.2018

                  EN

                  Official Journal of the European Union

                  L 161/7

            COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2018/903
      of 25 June 2018
      extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative in Kosovo (*1)

      THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
      Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 33 and Article 31(2) thereof,
      Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
      Whereas:

                  (1)

                  On 4 August 2016, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2016/1338 (1) extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) in Kosovo and appointing Ms Nataliya APOSTOLOVA as the EUSR in Kosovo. The EUSR's mandate is to expire on 30 June 2018.

                  (2)

                  The EUSR's mandate should be extended for a further period of 20 months.

                  (3)

                  The EUSR will implement the mandate 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,

            HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
      Article 1
      European Union Special Representative
      The mandate of Ms Nataliya APOSTOLOVA as the EUSR for Kosovo is extended until 29 February 2020. The Council may decide that the mandate of the EUSR be terminated earlier, based on an assessment by the Political and Security Committee (PSC) and a proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR).
      Article 2
      Policy objectives
      The EUSR's mandate shall be based on the policy objectives of the Union in Kosovo. These include playing a leading role in promoting a stable, viable, peaceful, democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo; strengthening stability in the region and contributing to regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations in the Western Balkans; promoting a Kosovo that is committed to the rule of law and to the protection of minorities and of cultural and religious heritage; supporting Kosovo's European perspective and rapprochement with the Union in line with the perspective of the region and in accordance with the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and Kosovo, of the other part (2) (hereinafter ‘the Stabilisation and Association Agreement’) and Council Decision (EU) 2015/1988 (3), and in line with the relevant Council conclusions.
      Article 3
      Mandate
      In order to achieve the policy objectives, the EUSR's mandate shall be to:

                  (a)

                  offer the Union's advice and support in the political process;

                  (b)

                  promote overall Union political coordination in Kosovo;

                  (c)

                  strengthen the presence of the Union in Kosovo and ensure its coherence and effectiveness;

                  (d)

                  provide local political guidance to the Head of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX KOSOVO), including on the political aspects of issues relating to executive responsibilities;

                  (e)

                  ensure consistency and coherence of Union action in Kosovo, including in guiding locally the EULEX KOSOVO transition for the eventual transfer of activities to the EUSR or the EU Office in Kosovo and/or the local authorities, as appropriate;

                  (f)

                  support Kosovo's European perspective and rapprochement with the Union, in line with the perspective of the region and in accordance with the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and Decision (EU) 2015/1988, and in line with the relevant Council conclusions, through targeted public communication and Union outreach activities designed to ensure a broader understanding and support from the Kosovo public on issues related to the Union, including the work of EULEX KOSOVO;

                  (g)

                  monitor, assist and facilitate, by all the means and instruments at the disposal of the EUSR and with the support of the EU office in Kosovo, progress on political, economic and European priorities, in line with respective institutional competencies and responsibilities, and support the implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, including through the European Reform Agenda;

                  (h)

                  contribute to the development and consolidation of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Kosovo, including with regard to women and children and protection of minorities, in accordance with the Union's human rights policy and Union Guidelines on Human Rights;

                  (i)

                  assist in the implementation of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue facilitated by the Union, including operational support tasks to be transferred from EULEX KOSOVO;

                  (j)

                  support the mandate of the Specialist Chambers and the Specialist Prosecutor Office, as appropriate, including through communication and outreach.

            Article 4
      Implementation of the mandate
      1.   The EUSR shall be responsible for the implementation of the mandate, acting under the authority of the HR.
      2.   The PSC shall maintain a privileged link with the EUSR and shall be the EUSR's primary point of contact with the Council. The PSC shall provide the EUSR with strategic guidance and political direction within the framework of the mandate, without prejudice to the powers of the HR.
      3.   The EUSR shall work in close coordination with the European External Action Service (EEAS) and its relevant departments.
      Article 5
      Financing
      1.   The financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure related to the EUSR's mandate for the period from 1 July 2018 to 29 February 2020 shall be EUR 5 150 000.
      2.   The expenditure shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the general budget of the Union. Participation of natural and legal persons in the award of procurement contracts by the EUSR shall be open without limitations. Furthermore, no rule of origin for the goods purchased by the EUSR shall apply.
      3.   The management of the expenditure shall be subject to a contract between the EUSR and the Commission. The EUSR shall be accountable to the Commission for all expenditure.
      Article 6
      Constitution and composition of the team
      1.   Within the limits of the EUSR's mandate and the corresponding financial means made available, the EUSR shall be responsible for constituting a team. The team shall include the expertise on specific policy issues as required by the mandate. The EUSR shall keep the Council and the Commission promptly informed of the composition of the team.
      2.   Member States, institutions of the Union and the EEAS may propose the secondment of staff to work with the EUSR. The salary of such seconded personnel shall be covered by the Member State, the institution of the Union concerned or the EEAS, respectively. Experts seconded by Member States to the institutions of the Union or the EEAS may also be posted to work with the EUSR. International contracted staff shall have the nationality of a Member State.
      3.   All seconded personnel shall remain under the administrative authority of the sending Member State, the sending institution of the Union or the EEAS and shall carry out their duties and act in the interest of the EUSR's mandate.
      Article 7
      Privileges and immunities of the EUSR and the EUSR's staff
      The privileges, immunities and further guarantees necessary for the completion and smooth functioning of the EUSR's mission and the members of the EUSR's staff shall be agreed with the host parties, as appropriate. Member States and the EEAS shall grant all necessary support to such effect.
      Article 8
      Security of EU classified information
      1.   The EUSR and the members of the EUSR's team shall respect the security principles and minimum standards established by Council Decision 2013/488/EU (4).
      2.   The HR shall be authorised to release to NATO/KFOR EU classified information and documents up to the level ‘CONFIDENTIEL UE/EU CONFIDENTIAL’ generated for the purposes of the action, in accordance with the security rules for protecting EU classified information.
      3.   The HR shall be authorised to release to the United Nations and to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, in accordance with the operational needs of the EUSR, EU classified information and documents up to the level ‘RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED’ which are generated for the purposes of the action, in accordance with the security rules for protecting EU classified information. Local arrangements shall be drawn up for this purpose.
      4.   The HR shall be authorised to release to third parties associated with this Decision EU non-classified documents related to the deliberations of the Council with regard to the action covered by the obligation of professional secrecy pursuant to Article 6(1) of the Council's Rules of Procedure (5).
      Article 9
      Access to information and logistical support
      1.   Member States, the Commission and the General Secretariat of the Council shall ensure that the EUSR is given access to any relevant information.
      2.   The Union delegation and/or Member States, as appropriate, shall provide logistical support in the region.
      Article 10
      Security
      In accordance with the Union's policy on the security of personnel deployed outside the Union in an operational capacity under Title V of the Treaty, the EUSR shall take all reasonably practicable measures, in accordance with the EUSR's mandate and the security situation in the area of responsibility, for the security of all personnel under the EUSR's direct authority, in particular by:

                  (a)

                  establishing a specific security plan based on guidance from the EEAS, including specific physical, organisational and procedural security measures, governing the management of the secure movement of personnel to, and within, the area of responsibility, as well as management of security incidents and providing for a contingency and evacuation plan;

                  (b)

                  ensuring that all personnel deployed outside the Union are covered by high-risk insurance, as required by the conditions in the area of responsibility;

                  (c)

                  ensuring that all members of the EUSR's team to be deployed outside the Union, including locally contracted personnel, have received appropriate security training before or upon arriving in the area of responsibility, based on the risk ratings assigned to that area by the EEAS;

                  (d)

                  ensuring that all agreed recommendations made following regular security assessments are implemented and providing the Council, the HR and the Commission with written reports on their implementation and on other security issues within the framework of the progress report and the report on the implementation of the mandate.

            Article 11
      Reporting
      The EUSR shall regularly provide the HR and the PSC with oral and written reports. The EUSR shall also report to Council working parties as necessary. Regular reports shall be circulated through the COREU network. The EUSR may provide the Foreign Affairs Council with reports. In accordance with Article 36 of the Treaty, the EUSR may be involved in briefing the European Parliament.
      Article 12
      Coordination
      1.   The EUSR shall contribute to the unity, consistency and effectiveness of the Union's action and shall help ensure that all Union instruments and Member States' actions are engaged consistently, to attain the Union's policy objectives. Liaison with Member States shall be sought where appropriate. The activities of the EUSR shall be coordinated with those of the Commission, as well as those of other EUSRs active in the region, as appropriate. The EUSR shall provide regular briefings to Member States' missions and Union delegations.
      2.   In the field, close liaison shall be maintained with the Heads of Union delegations in the region and Member States' Heads of Mission. They shall make every effort to assist the EUSR in the implementation of the mandate. The EUSR shall provide local political guidance to the Head of EULEX KOSOVO, including on the political aspects of issues relating to executive responsibilities. The EUSR and the Civilian Operation Commander shall consult each other as required. The EUSR shall also liaise with relevant local bodies and other international and regional actors in the field.
      3.   The EUSR, with other Union actors present in the field, shall ensure the dissemination and sharing of information among Union actors in theatre with a view to achieving a high degree of common situation awareness and assessment.
      Article 13
      Assistance in relation to claims
      The EUSR and the EUSR's staff shall assist in providing elements to respond to any claims and obligations arising from the mandates of the previous EUSRs in Kosovo, and shall provide administrative assistance and access to relevant files for such purposes.
      Article 14
      Review
      The implementation of this Decision and its consistency with other contributions from the Union to the region shall be kept under regular review. The EUSR shall present the Council, the HR and the Commission with a progress report by 31 October 2018 and a comprehensive mandate implementation report by 30 November 2019.
      Article 15
      Entry into force
      This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

         Done at Luxembourg, 25 June 2018.

               For the Council

               The President

            F. MOGHERINI

         (*1)  This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.

         (1)  Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/1338 of 4 August 2016 amending Decision (CFSP) 2015/2052 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative in Kosovo (This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.) (OJ L 212, 5.8.2016, p. 109).

         (2)  OJ L 71, 16.3.2016, p. 3.

         (3)  Council Decision (EU) 2015/1988 of 22 October 2015 on the signing, on behalf of the Union, of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European union and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and Kosovo, of the other part (OJ L 290, 6.11.2015, p. 4).

         (4)  Council Decision 2013/488/EU of 23 September 2013 on the security rules for protecting EU classified information (OJ L 274, 15.10.2013, p. 1).

         (5)  Council Decision 2009/937/EU of 1 December 2009 adopting the Council's Rules of Procedure (OJ L 325, 11.12.2009, p. 35).


title: Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/907 of 25 June 2018 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia

text:
               26.6.2018

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 161/27

         COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2018/907
   of 25 June 2018
   extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 33 and Article 31(2) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 13 November 2017, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2017/2071 (1) appointing Mr Toivo KLAAR as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia. The EUSR's mandate is to expire on 30 June 2018.

               (2)

               The EUSR's mandate should be extended for a further period of 20 months.

               (3)

               The EUSR will implement the mandate 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,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   European Union Special Representative
   The mandate of Mr Toivo KLAAR as the EUSR for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia is extended until 29 February 2020. The Council may decide that the mandate of the EUSR be terminated earlier, based on an assessment by the Political and Security Committee (PSC) and a proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR).
   Article 2
   Policy objectives
   The EUSR's mandate shall be based on the policy objectives of the Union for the South Caucasus, including the objectives set out in the conclusions of the extraordinary European Council meeting held in Brussels on 1 September 2008 and the Council conclusions of 15 September 2008, as well as those of 27 February 2012. Those objectives include:

               (a)

               in accordance with the existing mechanisms, including the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and its Minsk Group, to prevent conflicts in the region, to contribute to a peaceful settlement of conflicts in the region, including the crisis in Georgia and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, by promoting the return of refugees and internally displaced persons and through other appropriate means, and to support the implementation of such a settlement in accordance with the principles of international law;

               (b)

               to engage constructively with the main interested actors regarding the region;

               (c)

               to encourage and to support further cooperation between Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, and, as appropriate, their neighbouring countries;

               (d)

               to enhance the Union's effectiveness and visibility in the region.

         Article 3
   Mandate
   In order to achieve the policy objectives, the EUSR's mandate shall be to:

               (a)

               develop contacts with governments, parliaments, other key political actors, the judiciary and civil society in the region;

               (b)

               encourage the countries in the region to cooperate on regional themes of common interest, such as common security threats, the fight against terrorism, illicit trafficking and organised crime;

               (c)

               contribute to the peaceful settlement of conflicts in accordance with the principles of international law and facilitate the implementation of such settlement in close coordination with the United Nations, the OSCE and its Minsk Group;

               (d)

               with respect to the crisis in Georgia:

                           (i)

                           help prepare for the international talks held under point 6 of the settlement plan of 12 August 2008, the Geneva International Discussions, and its implementing measures of 8 September 2008, including on arrangements for security and stability in the region, the issue of refugees and internally displaced persons, on the basis of internationally recognised principles, and any other subject, by mutual agreement between the parties;

                           (ii)

                           help establish the Union's position and represent it, at the level of the EUSR, in the talks referred to in point (i); and

                           (iii)

                           facilitate the implementation of the settlement plan of 12 August 2008 and its implementing measures of 8 September 2008;

               (e)

               facilitate the development and implementation of confidence-building measures in coordination with Member States' expertise where available and appropriate;

               (f)

               assist in the preparation, as appropriate, of Union contributions to the implementation of a possible conflict settlement;

               (g)

               intensify the Union's dialogue with the main actors concerned regarding the region;

               (h)

               assist the Union in further developing a comprehensive policy towards the South Caucasus;

               (i)

               in the framework of the activities set out in this Article, contribute to the implementation of the Union's human rights policy and the Union Guidelines on Human Rights, in particular with regard to children and women in areas affected by conflicts, especially by monitoring and addressing developments in this regard.

         Article 4
   Implementation of the mandate
   1.   The EUSR shall be responsible for the implementation of the mandate, acting under the authority of the HR.
   2.   The PSC shall maintain a privileged link with the EUSR and shall be the EUSR's primary point of contact with the Council. The PSC shall provide the EUSR with strategic guidance and political direction within the framework of the mandate, without prejudice to the powers of the HR.
   3.   The EUSR shall work in close coordination with the European External Action Service (EEAS) and its relevant departments.
   Article 5
   Financing
   1.   The financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure related to the EUSR's mandate for the period from 1 July 2018 to 29 February 2020 shall be EUR 4 340 000.
   2.   The expenditure shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the general budget of the Union.
   3.   The management of the expenditure shall be subject to a contract between the EUSR and the Commission. The EUSR shall be accountable to the Commission for all expenditure.
   Article 6
   Constitution and composition of the team
   1.   Within the limits of the EUSR's mandate and the corresponding financial means made available, the EUSR shall be responsible for constituting a team. The team shall include the expertise on specific policy issues as required by the mandate. The EUSR shall keep the Council and the Commission promptly informed of the composition of the team.
   2.   Member States, the institutions of the Union and the EEAS may propose the secondment of staff to the EUSR. The salary of such seconded personnel shall be covered by the Member State, the institution of the Union concerned or the EEAS, respectively. Experts seconded by Member States to the institutions of the Union or the EEAS may also be posted to work with the EUSR. International contracted staff shall have the nationality of a Member State.
   3.   All seconded personnel shall remain under the administrative authority of the sending Member State, the sending institution of the Union or the EEAS and shall carry out their duties and act in the interest of the EUSR's mandate.
   4.   The EUSR staff shall be co-located with the relevant EEAS departments or Union delegations in order to ensure coherence and consistency of their respective activities.
   Article 7
   Privileges and immunities of the EUSR and the staff of the EUSR
   The privileges, immunities and further guarantees necessary for the completion and smooth functioning of the EUSR's mission and the members of the EUSR's staff shall be agreed with the host countries, as appropriate. Member States and the EEAS shall grant all necessary support to such effect.
   Article 8
   Security of EU classified information
   The EUSR and the members of the EUSR's team shall respect the security principles and minimum standards established by Council Decision 2013/488/EU (2).
   Article 9
   Access to information and logistical support
   1.   Member States, the Commission and the General Secretariat of the Council shall ensure that the EUSR is given access to any relevant information.
   2.   The Union delegations in the region and/or the Member States, as appropriate, shall provide logistical support in the region.
   Article 10
   Security
   In accordance with the Union's policy on the security of personnel deployed outside the Union in an operational capacity under Title V of the Treaty, the EUSR shall take all reasonably practicable measures, in accordance with the EUSR's mandate and the security situation in the area of responsibility, for the security of all personnel under the EUSR's direct authority, in particular by:

               (a)

               establishing a specific security plan based on guidance from the EEAS, including specific physical, organisational and procedural security measures, governing the management of the secure movement of personnel to and within the area of responsibility, as well as management of security incidents and providing for a contingency and evacuation plan;

               (b)

               ensuring that all personnel deployed outside the Union are covered by high-risk insurance, as required by the conditions in the area of responsibility;

               (c)

               ensuring that all members of the EUSR's team to be deployed outside the Union, including locally contracted personnel, have received appropriate security training before or upon arriving in the area of responsibility, based on the risk ratings assigned to that area by the EEAS;

               (d)

               ensuring that all agreed recommendations made following regular security assessments are implemented and providing the Council, the HR and the Commission with written reports on their implementation and on other security issues within the framework of the progress report and the report on the implementation of the mandate.

         Article 11
   Reporting
   The EUSR shall regularly provide the HR and the PSC with oral and written reports. The EUSR shall also report to Council working parties as necessary. Regular reports shall be circulated through the COREU network. The EUSR may provide the Foreign Affairs Council with reports. In accordance with Article 36 of the Treaty, the EUSR may be involved in briefing the European Parliament.
   Article 12
   Coordination
   1.   The EUSR shall contribute to the unity, consistency and effectiveness of the Union's action and shall help ensure that all Union instruments and Member States' actions are engaged consistently, to attain the Union's policy objectives. Liaison with Member States shall be sought where appropriate. The activities of the EUSR shall be coordinated with those of the Commission. The EUSR shall provide regular briefings to Member States' missions and the Union's delegations.
   2.   In the field, close liaison shall be maintained with the Heads of Union delegations and Member States' Heads of Mission. They shall make every effort to assist the EUSR in the implementation of the mandate. The EUSR, in close co-ordination with the Head of Union Delegation to Georgia, shall provide the Head of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM Georgia) with local political guidance. The EUSR and the Civilian Operation Commander for EUMM Georgia shall consult each other as required. The EUSR shall also liaise with other international and regional actors in the field.
   Article 13
   Assistance in relation to claims
   The EUSR and the EUSR's staff shall assist in providing elements to respond to any claims and obligations arising from the mandates of the previous EUSRs for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, and shall provide administrative assistance and access to relevant files for such purposes.
   Article 14
   Review
   The implementation of this Decision and its consistency with other contributions from the Union to the region shall be kept under regular review. The EUSR shall present the Council, the HR and the Commission with a progress report by 31 October 2018 and a comprehensive mandate implementation report by 30 November 2019.
   Article 15
   Entry into force
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Luxembourg, 25 June 2018.

            For the Council

            The President

         F. MOGHERINI

      (1)  Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2071 of 13 November 2017 appointing the European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia (OJ L 295, 14.11.2017, p. 55).

      (2)  Council Decision 2013/488/EU of 23 September 2013 on the security rules for protecting EU classified information (OJ L 274, 15.10.2013, p. 1).


title: Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/909 of 25 June 2018 establishing a common set of governance rules for PESCO projects

text:
               26.6.2018

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 161/37

         COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2018/909
   of 25 June 2018
   establishing a common set of governance rules for PESCO projects
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, in particular Article 46(6) thereof,
   Having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2315 of 11 December 2017 establishing permanent structured cooperation (PESCO) and determining the list of participating Member States (1),
   Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 11 December 2017, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2017/2315.

               (2)

               Article 4(2)(f) of that Decision provides that the Council is to establish a common set of governance rules for projects, which the participating Member States taking part in an individual project could adapt as necessary for that project.

               (3)

               As specified in recital (5) of Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/340 (2), in order to ensure consistency the implementation of all PESCO projects will be based on the common set of governance rules for projects, including, inter alia, rules on the role of observers if appropriate.

               (4)

               In accordance with paragraph 12 of Council Recommendation of 6 March 2018 concerning a roadmap for the implementation of PESCO (3), the common set of governance rules for projects should be adopted by the Council by June 2018. It should provide a framework that will ensure a coherent and consistent implementation of PESCO projects and include modalities to regularly inform the Council about the development of individual projects, in accordance with Article 5(3) of Decision (CFSP) 2017/2315, and to allow the necessary oversight by the Council. In this regard, the roles and responsibilities of the participating Member States, including, inter alia, the role of observer States if appropriate, as well as the PESCO secretariat which is provided jointly by the European External Action Service (EEAS), including the EU Military Staff (EUMS), and the European Defence Agency (EDA), should be further specified. This framework should also provide general guidance to participants in designing the suitable arrangements for the management of each project, in accordance with Article 5(3) of Decision (CFSP) 2017/2315. In this context, the Council will also revert by June 2018 to the issue of coordination functions of the participating Member States within the projects.

               (5)

               Article 7 of Decision (CFSP) 2017/2315 provides that the EEAS, including the EUMS, and the EDA shall jointly provide the necessary secretariat functions for PESCO, and further specifies the roles and responsibilities of these entities in supporting the functioning of PESCO, including PESCO projects.

               (6)

               In accordance with Article 4(2)(g) of Decision (CFSP) 2017/2315, the Council should adopt a decision establishing, in due time, the general conditions under which third States could exceptionally be invited to participate in individual projects, in accordance with Article 9 in particular Article 9(1) thereof and with paragraph 13 of the Council Recommendation of 6 March 2018.

               (7)

               The Council should therefore adopt a Decision establishing a common set of governance rules for PESCO projects,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   Definition
   For the purpose of this Decision, ‘project members’ shall mean the participating Member States taking part in a PESCO project.
   Article 2
   Council information and oversight
   1.   By November each year, the Council shall review, and update as appropriate, Decision (CFSP) 2018/340. The updated list of the project members of each project, consisting of those which submitted the project proposal, as well as those which were admitted to the project in accordance with Article 5(2) of Decision (CFSP) 2017/2315, shall be published together with such updated Council Decision.
   2.   The Council shall be duly informed by the project members on the development of the respective PESCO projects once a year. To that end, the project members, through the project coordinators, shall report to the PESCO secretariat on the progress achieved within the respective PESCO projects, using the PESCO project description template referred to in paragraph 11 of the Council Recommendation of 6 March 2018, through a common electronic workspace. These reports shall contain consolidated information on progress made towards the implementation of the project, its roadmap, objectives and milestones, and its contribution to the fulfilment of the relevant more binding commitments. Consistent with Council Decision 2013/488/EU (4), the project members may agree upon the classification of the relevant parts of the information to be provided.
   The PESCO secretariat shall issue a calling notice, allowing project coordinators six weeks to report, and shall collect the consolidated information on the PESCO projects with a view to its transmission to the Council. In principle, the transmission to the Council shall precede the annual report on PESCO submitted by the High Representative taking into account paragraphs 14, 15 and 16 of the Council Recommendation of 6 March 2018.
   3.   Upon request by the Council, the project members shall provide, through the project coordinators, additional information on certain specific projects, besides the regular information referred to in paragraph 2.
   4.   The participating Member States shall also provide information on their individual contribution to the PESCO projects in which they take part, by means of their National Implementation Plans, which are to be reviewed and updated annually, as appropriate, in accordance with Article 3(2) of Decision (CFSP) 2017/2315.
   5.   The common electronic workspace shall be used by the project coordinators to report on other relevant progress and changes regarding the project including the admission of new project members and observers and the date of their admission. The common electronic workspace shall be used in such a way as to ensure transparency towards all participating Member States of the information provided.
   Article 3
   PESCO secretariat
   In accordance with Article 7 of Decision (CFSP) 2017/2315, and in order to fulfil its responsibilities, the PESCO secretariat shall:

               (a)

               provide a single point of contact within the Union's framework for all PESCO matters;

               (b)

               provide a single point of contact also for all participating Member States with a view to sharing relevant information, using a functional email address and a common electronic workspace. The PESCO secretariat shall also distribute its documents via the common electronic workspace;

               (c)

               provide supporting and coordinating functions related to the assessment of PESCO projects proposals, and contribute to implementing in a structured way the submission by the participating Member States of the information required for assessing the projects as well as for the reporting to the Council;

               (d)

               support at their request participating Member States which intend to propose a project when they inform the other participating Member States. In accordance with Article 5(2) of Decision (CFSP) 2017/2315, such information shall be circulated in due time in order to gather support and to give interested participating Member States the opportunity to join in collectively submitting the proposal;

               (e)

               support project members when they provide updates on their respective projects in the relevant Council preparatory bodies and in the EDA framework, as appropriate;

               (f)

               forward requests received from project members to the relevant services in the EEAS, including the EUMS, and to the EDA, in order to support the respective projects and their implementation.

         Article 4
   Project members
   1.   In accordance with Article 5(3) of Decision (CFSP) 2017/2315, the project members shall agree among themselves by unanimity on the arrangements for, and the scope of, their cooperation and the management of the project.
   2.   These arrangements may include the necessary contributions needed to participate in the project and its requirements, the decision-making process within the project, conditions for leaving the project or for other participating Member States to join the project, and provisions relating to the observer status. These arrangements may also cover the matters referred to in Article 7.
   3.   In accordance with Article 5(2) of Decision (CFSP) 2017/2315, the project members may agree among themselves by unanimity to admit other participating Member States to the project, upon request by the latter. They shall inform the Council of the admission of the new members.
   4.   The project members may agree among themselves by unanimity that certain decisions, such as those relating to administrative matters, will be taken according to different voting rules.
   5.   The project members shall contribute to the project with their own resources and expertise. Depending on the scope of the project, each project member shall determine the nature of its contribution, which may include human resources, financial resources, expertise, equipment or contributions in kind. Such contributions shall support the achievement of the project's objective and shall have an impact on the project.
   6.   The project members shall strive to design each project in order to ensure the coherence of output and timelines with other PESCO projects, and for the project be coherent with initiatives developed in other relevant institutional frameworks, while ensuring transparency and inclusiveness and avoiding unnecessary duplication.
   7.   In line with the more binding commitments undertaken as participating Member States, the project members shall aim to deliver usable forces and capabilities which are in particular well-equipped, trained and interoperable, with the requisite structures, supplies and spares and that can deploy to, execute and sustain operations.
   8.   Each project member shall designate a national point of contact for each PESCO project in which it takes part.
   Article 5
   Project coordinators
   1.   The project members of each PESCO project shall identify and designate among themselves one or more project coordinators which shall perform coordination functions. In principle, the initiators of a project may assume the role of coordinator.
   2.   In particular, project coordinators:

               (a)

               shall update at least once a year the project information on a common electronic workspace established by the PESCO secretariat, on the basis of the PESCO project description template;

               (b)

               shall facilitate the cooperation among project members, as well as with other project coordinators in relevant other PESCO projects, as appropriate, and act as a focal point for questions related to the project;

               (c)

               may support the development of the arrangements governing the project referred to in Article 4 as well as the necessary project documentation including reporting. To that effect, the projects coordinators may use the project management support tools offered to the participating Member States in the EDA framework;

               (d)

               shall promote, as appropriate, efforts for the capabilities developed under the project to aim at overcoming capability shortcomings identified in the Capability Development Plan and Coordinated Annual Review on Defence, and contribute to fulfilling the more binding commitments including with a view to the most demanding missions, and contribute to achieving the Union level of ambition.

         3.   The project members may agree among themselves upon supplementary arrangements on the functions and responsibilities of the project coordinator, reflecting the specificities of the project. In particular, where the project members agree to assign the role of project coordinator to several of them, a single point of contact shall be maintained towards the PESCO secretariat.
   Article 6
   Observers
   1.   The project members may agree among themselves to allow other participating Member States to become observers to the project.
   2.   Participating Member States may, in principle, only become observers subject to conditions, including with regard to duration, to be determined by the project members in accordance with the specificity of the project. These conditions shall be provided by the project coordinators upon request.
   3.   The project members may agree among themselves upon specific arrangements on the status of observer, reflecting the particularities of the project and its different stages of development.
   4.   Observers shall have no obligation to contribute to a project with their own resources and expertise. They may seek to become a project member at a later stage without delaying progress in implementing the project.
   Article 7
   Other matters covered by project arrangements
   1.   The arrangements that the project members may agree among themselves, where appropriate in writing, within each PESCO project, in order to implement Article 5(3) of Decision (CFSP) 2017/2315, include inter alia some or all of the following areas:

               —

               preparation, chairing and coordination of meetings of the project members,

               —

               distribution of roles and responsibilities among the project members,

               —

               invitation to the Commission to be involved, as appropriate, in the proceedings of the project,

               —

               rules on budget and finance,

               —

               presence of observers in the proceedings of the project,

               —

               rules to be applied in case a project member decides to leave the project, including legal and financial aspects, or where a participating Member State seeks to join the project,

               —

               determination of cases where the support of the EEAS, including the EUMS, and the EDA, may be requested by the project members,

               —

               specifications, acquisition strategy, choice of a project management support structure, and selection of industrial companies. In this regard, the project members may agree among themselves to apply the project management tools used by the EDA, such as project arrangements, common staff targets, common staff requirements, or business cases.

         2.   Project members may agree among themselves by unanimity to take decisions on the abovementioned matters in accordance with Article 4(4).
   Article 8
   Use of forces and capabilities developed
   Forces and capabilities developed within a PESCO project may be used individually by project members or collectively, as appropriate, in the context of activities undertaken by the European Union as well as the UN, NATO or other frameworks.
   Article 9
   Review
   This Decision shall be reviewed by 31 December 2020.
   This Decision shall be adapted if necessary in order to take account of the general conditions for participation of third States in individual projects, to be decided by the Council in accordance with Article 4(2)(g) and Article 9(1) of Decision (CFSP) 2017/2315.
   Article 10
   Entry into force
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Luxembourg, 25 June 2018.

            For the Council

            The President

         F. MOGHERINI

      (1)  OJ L 331, 14.12.2017, p. 57.

      (2)  Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/340 of 6 March 2018 establishing the list of projects to be developed under PESCO (OJ L 65, 8.3.2018, p. 24).

      (3)  OJ C 88, 8.3.2018, p. 1.

      (4)  Council Decision 2013/488/EU of 23 September 2013 on the security rules for protecting EU classified information (OJ L 274, 15.10.2013, p. 1).


title: Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/905 of 25 June 2018 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative for the Horn of Africa

text:
               26.6.2018

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 161/16

         COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2018/905
   of 25 June 2018
   extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative for the Horn of Africa
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 33 and Article 31(2) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 8 December 2011, the Council adopted Decision 2011/819/CFSP (1) appointing Mr Alexander RONDOS as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the Horn of Africa. The EUSR's mandate is to expire on 20 June 2018.

               (2)

               The EUSR's mandate should be extended for a further period of 20 months.

               (3)

               The EUSR will implement the mandate 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,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   European Union Special Representative
   1.   The mandate of Mr Alexander RONDOS as the EUSR for the Horn of Africa is extended until 29 February 2020. The Council may decide that the mandate of the EUSR be terminated earlier, based on an assessment by the Political and Security Committee (PSC) and a proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR).
   2.   For the purposes of the mandate of the EUSR, the Horn of Africa is defined as comprising the Republic of Djibouti, the State of Eritrea, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Republic of Kenya, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of the Sudan, the Republic of South Sudan and the Republic of Uganda. For issues with broader regional implications, the EUSR shall engage with countries and regional entities beyond the Horn of Africa, as appropriate.
   Article 2
   Policy objectives
   1.   The EUSR's mandate shall be based on the Union's policy objectives in relation to the Horn of Africa, as set out in its EU Global Strategy of June 2016, its Strategic Framework for the Horn of Africa adopted on 14 November 2011, the Horn of Africa Regional Action Plan 2015-2020, adopted on 26 October 2015, and in relevant Council conclusions, namely to contribute actively to regional and international efforts to achieve peaceful coexistence and lasting peace, security and development within and among the countries in the region. The EUSR shall furthermore contribute to enhancing the quality, intensity, impact and visibility of the Union's multi-faceted engagement in the Horn of Africa.
   2.   The policy objectives to which the EUSR shall contribute shall include, inter alia:

               (a)

               the continued stabilisation of the Horn of Africa, taking into account broader regional dynamics;

               (b)

               the resolution of conflicts, specifically those in Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan, and the prevention and early warning of potential conflicts between or within countries in the region;

               (c)

               support for political, security and economic regional cooperation, in particular in the context of renewed political engagement between the Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD);

               (d)

               improved management of mixed migration flows from and within the Horn of Africa, addressing also the root causes of such flows and their humanitarian aspects;

               (e)

               security around the Red Sea.

         Article 3
   Mandate
   1.   In order to achieve the Union's policy objectives in relation to the Horn of Africa, the EUSR's mandate shall be to:

               (a)

               on the basis of the Strategic Framework and its Regional Action Plan, engage with all relevant stakeholders in the region, governments, regional authorities, international and regional organisations, civil society and diasporas, with a view to furthering the Union's objectives, and contribute to a better understanding of the role of the Union in the region;

               (b)

               engage with major actors outside the region with influence within the Horn of Africa, in the interests of tackling issues of broader regional stability, including with regard to the Red Sea, to the Western Indian Ocean and to financing of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Those contacts shall include bilateral engagement with the United States of America, the countries of the Gulf, Egypt, Turkey and China, regional contacts with the Gulf Cooperation Council, and interaction with other relevant actors as they emerge;

               (c)

               represent the Union in relevant international fora, as appropriate, and ensure visibility for the Union's support to crisis management, as well as conflict resolution and prevention;

               (d)

               encourage and support effective political and security cooperation and economic integration in the region through the Union's partnership with the African Union (AU) and regional organisations, in particular IGAD; contribute to the follow-up of EU/IGAD ministerial meetings and informal EU ministerial meetings with member countries of IGAD;

               (e)

               follow political developments in the region and contribute to the development of the Union's policy towards the region, with a view to formulating concrete proposals for action, including in relation to Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, the Djibouti-Eritrea border dispute, the Ethiopia-Eritrea border dispute, implementation of the Algiers Agreement, the Nile dispute, and other concerns in the region that impact on its security, stability and prosperity;

               (f)

               with regard to Somalia, and working in close coordination with the Head of the Union Delegation to Somalia and relevant regional and international partners, including the UN Secretary-General Special Representative for Somalia, the AU and IGAD, continue to contribute actively to actions and initiatives leading to further stabilisation for Somalia, in particular the completion of the federal state-formation process and the implementation of the Transition Plan to usher in the gradual transition and transfer of responsibilities from AMISOM to the Somali government and institutions. In addition, the EUSR shall continue to support the development of the security sector in Somalia, including through the Union's Common Security and Defence Policy missions deployed in the region, and to work towards enhanced coordination of international donors to support security sector in Somalia, in close consultation with Member States;

               (g)

               with regard to Sudan, and working in close cooperation with the Heads of the Union Delegations in Khartoum and to the AU in Addis Ababa, contribute to the coherence and effectiveness of the Union's policy towards Sudan and support political solutions to the situation in Darfur, Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile, and national reconciliation through a holistic political process including towards planned elections in 2020; in that regard, the EUSR shall contribute to a coherent international approach with the AU and in particular the AU High Level Implementation Panel for Sudan and South Sudan, the UN and other leading regional and international stakeholders, keeping in mind also the need to support the peaceful coexistence of Sudan and South Sudan, in particular through the implementation of the Addis Agreements and resolution of the outstanding issues following the Comprehensive Peace Agreement;

               (h)

               with regard to South Sudan, building on the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan and the High Level Revitalization Forum process, continue to engage at a regional level, particularly with the UN, the AU, IGAD, South Sudan's neighbours and other leading international partners, to ensure the prevention of further conflict and implementation of any credible agreement; in that regard the EUSR shall work in close cooperation with the Heads of the Union Delegations in Juba and to the AU in Addis Ababa;

               (i)

               examine trans-boundary challenges, in particular on migration and, upon request, engage in dialogues on migration with relevant stakeholders and contribute more generally to the Union's policy on migration and refugees with respect to the region, in line with the Union's political priorities, in order to increase cooperation, including on return and readmission;

               (j)

               follow closely other trans-boundary challenges affecting the Horn of Africa, with a focus on radicalisation and terrorism, but looking also at maritime security and piracy, organised crime, smuggling and trafficking of weapons, wildlife products, drugs and other contraband, and any political and security consequences of humanitarian crises;

               (k)

               promote humanitarian access throughout the region;

               (l)

               contribute to the implementation of Council Decision 2011/168/CFSP (2) and the Union's human rights policy, in cooperation with the EUSR for Human Rights, including the EU Guidelines on human rights, in particular the EU Guidelines on children and armed conflict as well as the EU Guidelines on violence against women and girls and combating all forms of discrimination against them, and the Union's policy regarding UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000), including by monitoring and reporting on developments as well as formulating recommendations in this regard.

         2.   For the purpose of the fulfilment of the mandate, the EUSR shall, inter alia:

               (a)

               advise and report on the definition of Union positions in international fora, as appropriate, in order to promote proactively the Union's comprehensive policy approach towards the Horn of Africa;

               (b)

               maintain an overview of all activities of the Union.

         Article 4
   Implementation of the mandate
   1.   The EUSR shall be responsible for the implementation of the mandate, acting under the authority of the HR.
   2.   The PSC shall maintain a privileged link with the EUSR and shall be the EUSR's primary point of contact with the Council. The PSC shall provide the EUSR with strategic guidance and political direction within the framework of the mandate, without prejudice to the powers of the HR.
   3.   The EUSR shall work in close coordination with the European External Action Service (EEAS) and its relevant departments.
   4.   The EUSR shall be primarily based in the region while ensuring a regular presence at EEAS headquarters.
   Article 5
   Financing
   1.   The financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure related to the EUSR's mandate for the period from 1 July 2018 to 29 February 2020 shall be EUR 4 295 000.
   2.   The expenditure shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the general budget of the Union.
   3.   The management of the expenditure shall be subject to a contract between the EUSR and the Commission. The EUSR shall be accountable to the Commission for all expenditure.
   Article 6
   Constitution and composition of the team
   1.   Within the limits of the EUSR's mandate and the corresponding financial means made available, the EUSR shall be responsible for constituting a team. The team shall include the expertise on specific policy and security issues as required by the mandate, including gender. The EUSR shall promptly and regularly inform the Council and the Commission of the composition of the team.
   2.   Member States, institutions of the Union and the EEAS may propose the secondment of staff to work with the EUSR. The salary of such seconded personnel shall be covered by the Member State, the institution of the Union concerned or the EEAS, respectively. Experts seconded by Member States to the institutions of the Union or the EEAS may also be posted to work with the EUSR. International contracted staff shall have the nationality of a Member State.
   3.   All seconded personnel shall remain under the administrative authority of the sending Member State, the sending institution of the Union or the EEAS, and shall carry out their duties and act in the interest of the EUSR's mandate.
   4.   The EUSR staff shall be co-located with the relevant EEAS departments or Union delegations in order to ensure coherence and consistency of their respective activities.
   Article 7
   Privileges and immunities of the EUSR and the EUSR's staff
   The privileges, immunities and further guarantees necessary for the completion and smooth functioning of the EUSR's mission and the members of the EUSR's staff shall be agreed with the host countries, as appropriate. Member States and the EEAS shall grant all necessary support to such effect.
   Article 8
   Security of EU classified information
   The EUSR and the members of the EUSR's team shall respect the security principles and minimum standards established by Council Decision 2013/488/EU (3).
   Article 9
   Access to information and logistical support
   1.   Member States, the Commission, the EEAS and the General Secretariat of the Council shall ensure that the EUSR is given access to any relevant information.
   2.   The Union delegations in the region and/or the Member States, as appropriate, shall provide logistical support in the region.
   Article 10
   Security
   In accordance with the Union's policy on the security of personnel deployed outside the Union in an operational capacity under Title V of the Treaty, the EUSR shall take all reasonably practicable measures, in accordance with the EUSR's mandate and the security situation in the area of responsibility, for the security of all personnel under the EUSR's direct authority, in particular by:

               (a)

               establishing a specific security plan based on guidance from the EEAS, including specific physical, organisational and procedural security measures, governing the management of the secure movement of personnel to, and within, the area of responsibility, as well as management of security incidents and providing for a contingency and evacuation plan;

               (b)

               ensuring that all personnel deployed outside the Union are covered by high-risk insurance, as required by the conditions in the area of responsibility;

               (c)

               ensuring that all members of the EUSR's team to be deployed outside the Union, including locally contracted personnel, have received appropriate security training before or upon arriving in the area of responsibility, based on the risk ratings assigned to that area by the EEAS;

               (d)

               ensuring that all agreed recommendations made following regular security assessments are implemented and providing the Council, the HR and the Commission with written reports on their implementation and on other security issues within the framework of the progress report and the report on the implementation of the mandate.

         Article 11
   Reporting
   The EUSR shall regularly provide the HR and the PSC with oral and written reports. The EUSR shall also report to Council working parties, as necessary. Regular reports shall be circulated through the COREU network. The EUSR may provide the Foreign Affairs Council with reports. In accordance with Article 36 of the Treaty, the EUSR may be involved in briefing the European Parliament.
   Article 12
   Coordination
   1.   The EUSR shall contribute to the unity, consistency and effectiveness of the Union's actions and shall help ensure that all Union instruments and Member States' action are engaged consistently, to attain the Union's policy objectives. Liaison with Member States shall be sought where appropriate. The activities of the EUSR shall be coordinated with those of Union delegations and of the Commission. The EUSR shall provide regular briefings to Member States' missions and Union delegations in the region.
   2.   In the field, close liaison shall be maintained with the relevant Heads of Member States' missions and Heads of Union delegations. They shall make every effort to assist the EUSR in the implementation of the mandate. The EUSR, in close co-ordination with the relevant Union delegations, shall provide local political guidance to the Force Commander of EUNAVFOR Atalanta, the Mission Commander of EUTM Somalia and the Head of Mission of EUCAP Somalia. The EUSR, the EU Operation Commanders and the Civilian Operation Commander shall consult each other as required.
   3.   The EUSR shall closely cooperate with the authorities of the countries involved, the UN, the AU, IGAD, other national, regional and international stakeholders, and also with civil society in the region.
   Article 13
   Assistance in relation to claims
   The EUSR and the EUSR's staff shall assist in providing elements to respond to any claims and obligations arising from the mandates of the previous EUSRs in Sudan (and South Sudan), and shall provide administrative assistance and access to relevant files for such purposes.
   Article 14
   Review
   The implementation of this Decision and its consistency with other contributions from the Union to the region shall be kept under regular review. The EUSR shall present the Council, the HR and the Commission with a progress report by 31 October 2018 and a comprehensive mandate implementation report by 30 November 2019.
   Article 15
   Entry into force
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Luxembourg, 25 June 2018.

            For the Council

            The President

         F. MOGHERINI

      (1)  Council Decision 2011/819/CFSP of 8 December 2011 appointing the European Union Special Representative for the Horn of Africa (OJ L 327, 9.12.2011, p. 62).

      (2)  Council Decision 2011/168/CFSP of 21 March 2011 on the International Criminal Court and repealing Common Position 2003/444/CFSP (OJ L 76, 22.3.2011, p. 56).

      (3)  Council Decision 2013/488/EU of 23 September 2013 on the security rules for protecting EU classified information (OJ L 274, 15.10.2013, p. 1).


title: Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/908 of 25 June 2018 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina

text:
               26.6.2018

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 161/32

         COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2018/908
   of 25 June 2018
   extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 33 and Article 31(2) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 19 January 2015, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2015/77 (1) appointing Mr Lars-Gunnar WIGEMARK as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The EUSR's mandate is to expire on 30 June 2018.

               (2)

               The EUSR's mandate should be extended for a further period of 14 months.

               (3)

               The EUSR will implement the mandate 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,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   European Union Special Representative
   The mandate of Lars-Gunnar WIGEMARK as the EUSR in Bosnia and Herzegovina is extended until 31 August 2019. The Council may decide that the mandate of the EUSR be terminated earlier, based on an assessment by the Political and Security Committee (PSC) and a proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR).
   Article 2
   Policy objectives
   1.   The EUSR's mandate shall be based on the following policy objectives of the Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH):

               (a)

               continuing progress in the Stabilisation and Association Process;

               (b)

               ensuring a stable, viable, peaceful, multi-ethnic and united BiH that cooperates peacefully with its neighbours; and

               (c)

               ensuring that BiH is irreversibly on track towards EU membership.

         2.   The EU will also continue to support the implementation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in BiH.
   Article 3
   Mandate
   In order to achieve the policy objectives, the EUSR's mandate shall be to:

               (a)

               offer the Union's advice and facilitate the political process, in particular with the promotion of dialogue between the different levels of government;

               (b)

               ensure consistency and coherence of Union action;

               (c)

               facilitate progress on political, economic and Union priorities, in particular by encouraging further work on the coordination mechanism on Union matters and the continued implementation of the Reform Agenda;

               (d)

               support domestic efforts in line with European standards to ensure that election results can be implemented;

               (e)

               monitor and advise the executive and legislative authorities at all levels of government in BiH, and liaise with the authorities and political parties in BiH;

               (f)

               ensure the implementation of the Union's efforts in the whole range of activities in the field of the rule of law and the security sector reform, promote overall Union coordination of, and give local political direction to, Union efforts in tackling organised crime, corruption and terrorism and, in that context, provide the HR and the Commission with assessments and advice as necessary;

               (g)

               provide support for a reinforced and more effective interface between criminal justice and the police in BiH, as well as for initiatives which aim to strengthen the efficiency and impartiality of the judicial institutions, in particular the Structured Dialogue on Justice;

               (h)

               without prejudice to the military chain of command, offer the EU Force Commander political guidance on military issues with a local political dimension, in particular concerning sensitive operations, and on relations with local authorities and with the local media; consult with the EU Force Commander before taking political action that may have an impact on the security situation and coordinate regarding coherent messages to local authorities and other international organisations; contribute to the consultations on the Strategic Review of EUFOR/ALTHEA;

               (i)

               coordinate and implement the Union's communication efforts on Union issues towards the public in BiH;

               (j)

               promote the process of Union integration through targeted public diplomacy and Union outreach activities designed to ensure a broader understanding and support among the BiH public on Union-related matters, including by means of engagement of local civil society actors;

               (k)

               contribute to the development and consolidation of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in BiH, in accordance with the EU human rights policy and EU Guidelines on Human Rights;

               (l)

               engage with relevant BiH authorities with regard to their full cooperation with the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals;

               (m)

               in line with the Union integration process, advise, assist, facilitate and monitor political dialogue on the necessary constitutional and relevant legislative changes;

               (n)

               maintain close contacts and close consultations with the High Representative in BiH and other relevant international organisations working in the country; in that context, inform the Council about discussions on the ground regarding the international presence in the country, including the Office of the High Representative;

               (o)

               provide advice to the HR as necessary concerning natural or legal persons on whom restrictive measures could be imposed in view of the situation in BiH;

               (p)

               without prejudice to the applicable chains of command, help to ensure that all Union instruments in the field are applied coherently to attain the Union's policy objectives.

         Article 4
   Implementation of the mandate
   1.   The EUSR shall be responsible for the implementation of the mandate, acting under the authority of the HR.
   2.   The PSC shall maintain a privileged link with the EUSR and shall be the EUSR's primary point of contact with the Council. The PSC shall provide the EUSR with strategic guidance and political direction within the framework of the mandate, without prejudice to the powers of the HR.
   3.   The EUSR shall work in close coordination with the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the relevant departments thereof.
   Article 5
   Financing
   1.   The financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure related to the EUSR's mandate for the period from 1 July 2018 to 31 August 2019 shall be EUR 7 521 937.
   2.   The expenditure shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the general budget of the Union. Participation of natural and legal persons in the award of procurement contracts by the EUSR shall be open without limitations. Furthermore, no rule of origin for the goods purchased by the EUSR shall apply.
   3.   The management of the expenditure shall be subject to a contract between the EUSR and the Commission. The EUSR shall be accountable to the Commission for all expenditure.
   Article 6
   Constitution and composition of the team
   1.   Within the limits of the EUSR's mandate and the corresponding financial means made available, the EUSR shall be responsible for constituting a team. The team shall include the expertise on specific policy issues as required by the mandate. The EUSR shall keep the Council and the Commission promptly informed of the composition of the team.
   2.   Member States, institutions of the Union and the EEAS may propose the secondment of staff to work with the EUSR. The salary of such seconded personnel shall be covered by the Member State, the institution of the Union concerned or the EEAS, respectively. Experts seconded by Member States to the institutions of the Union or the EEAS may also be posted to work with the EUSR. International contracted staff shall have the nationality of a Member State.
   3.   All seconded personnel shall remain under the administrative authority of the sending Member State, the sending institution of the Union or the EEAS and shall carry out their duties and act in the interest of the EUSR's mandate.
   Article 7
   Privileges and immunities of the EUSR and the EUSR's staff
   The privileges, immunities and further guarantees necessary for the completion and smooth functioning of the EUSR's mission and the members of the EUSR's staff shall be agreed with the host parties, as appropriate. Member States and the EEAS shall grant all necessary support to such effect.
   Article 8
   Security of EU classified information
   The EUSR and the members of the EUSR's team shall respect the security principles and minimum standards established by Council Decision 2013/488/EU (2).
   Article 9
   Access to information and logistical support
   1.   Member States, the Commission and the General Secretariat of the Council shall ensure that the EUSR is given access to any relevant information.
   2.   The Union delegation and/or Member States, as appropriate, shall provide logistical support in the region.
   Article 10
   Security
   In accordance with the Union's policy on the security of personnel deployed outside the Union in an operational capacity under Title V of the Treaty, the EUSR shall take all reasonably practicable measures, in accordance with the EUSR's mandate and the security situation in the area of responsibility, for the security of all personnel under the EUSR's direct authority, in particular by:

               (a)

               establishing a specific security plan based on guidance from the EEAS, including specific physical, organisational and procedural security measures, governing the management of the secure movement of personnel to, and within, the area of responsibility, as well as management of security incidents and providing for a contingency and evacuation plan;

               (b)

               ensuring that all personnel deployed outside the Union are covered by high-risk insurance, as required by the conditions in the area of responsibility;

               (c)

               ensuring that all members of the EUSR's team to be deployed outside the Union, including locally contracted personnel, have received appropriate security training before or upon arriving in the area of responsibility, based on the risk ratings assigned to that area by the EEAS;

               (d)

               ensuring that all agreed recommendations made following regular security assessments are implemented and providing the Council, the HR and the Commission with written reports on their implementation and on other security issues within the framework of the progress report and the report on the implementation of the mandate.

         Article 11
   Reporting
   The EUSR shall regularly provide the HR and the PSC with reports. The EUSR shall also report to Council working parties as necessary. Regular reports shall be circulated through the COREU network. The EUSR may provide the Foreign Affairs Council with reports. In accordance with Article 36 of the Treaty, the EUSR may be involved in briefing the European Parliament.
   Article 12
   Coordination
   1.   The EUSR shall contribute to the unity, consistency and effectiveness of the Union's action and shall help ensure that all Union instruments and Member States' actions are engaged consistently, to attain the Union's policy objectives. Liaison with Member States shall be sought where appropriate. The activities of the EUSR shall be coordinated with those of the Commission, as well as those of other EUSRs active in the region, as appropriate. The EUSR shall provide regular briefings to Member States' missions and Union delegations.
   2.   In the field, close liaison shall be maintained with the Heads of Union delegations in the region and Member States' Heads of Mission. They shall make every effort to assist the EUSR in the implementation of the mandate. The EUSR shall also liaise with international and regional actors in the field, and in particular maintain close coordination with the High Representative in BiH.
   3.   In support of Union crisis management operations, the EUSR, with other Union actors present in the field, shall improve the dissemination and sharing of information by those Union actors with a view to achieving a high degree of common situation awareness and assessment.
   Article 13
   Assistance in relation to claims
   The EUSR and the EUSR's staff shall assist in providing elements to respond to any claims and obligations arising from the mandates of the previous EUSRs in BiH, and shall provide administrative assistance and access to relevant files for such purposes.
   Article 14
   Review
   The implementation of this Decision and its consistency with other contributions from the Union to the region shall be kept under regular review. The EUSR shall present the Council, the HR and the Commission with a progress report by 31 October 2018 and a comprehensive mandate implementation report by 31 May 2019.
   Article 15
   Entry into force
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Luxembourg, 25 June 2018.

            For the Council

            The President

         F. MOGHERINI

      (1)  Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/77 of 19 January 2015 appointing the European Union Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina (OJ L 13, 20.1.2015, p. 7).

      (2)  Council Decision 2013/488/EU of 23 September 2013 on the security rules for protecting EU classified information (OJ L 274, 15.10.2013, p. 1).


title: Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/904 of 25 June 2018 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia

text:
               26.6.2018

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 161/12

         COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2018/904
   of 25 June 2018
   extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 33 and Article 31(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 2015, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2015/598 (1) appointing Mr Peter BURIAN as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia. The EUSR's mandate is to expire on 30 June 2018.

               (2)

               The EUSR's mandate should be extended for a further period of 20 months.

               (3)

               The EUSR will implement the mandate 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,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   European Union Special Representative
   The mandate of Mr Peter BURIAN as the EUSR for Central Asia is extended until 29 February 2020. The Council may decide that the mandate of the EUSR be terminated earlier, based on an assessment by the Political and Security Committee (PSC) and a proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR).
   Article 2
   Policy objectives
   The EUSR's mandate shall be based on the policy objectives of the Union in Central Asia. Those objectives include:

               (a)

               promoting good and close relations between the Union and the countries of Central Asia 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 democracy, the 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 the Union;

               (e)

               enhancing the Union's effectiveness and visibility in the region, including through closer coordination with other relevant partners and international organisations, such as the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the UN.

         Article 3
   Mandate
   1.   In order to achieve the policy objectives, the EUSR's mandate shall be to:

               (a)

               promote overall Union political coordination in Central Asia and help to ensure consistency of the external actions of the Union in the region;

               (b)

               monitor, on behalf of the HR, together with the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Commission, the implementation process of the Union Strategy for a New Partnership with Central Asia, complemented by relevant Council conclusions and subsequent progress reports on the implementation of the Union Strategy for Central Asia, make recommendations and report to relevant Council bodies on a regular basis;

               (c)

               assist the Council in further developing a comprehensive policy towards Central Asia;

               (d)

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

               (e)

               encourage Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to cooperate on regional issues of common interest;

               (f)

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

               (g)

               contribute to the implementation of the Union's human rights policy in the region in cooperation with the EUSR for Human Rights, including the Union Guidelines on human rights, in particular the Union Guidelines on Children and Armed Conflict as well as on violence against women and girls and combating all forms of discrimination against them, and Union policy regarding UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security, including by monitoring and reporting on developments as well as formulating recommendations in this regard;

               (h)

               contribute, in close cooperation with the UN and the OSCE, to conflict prevention and resolution by developing contacts with the authorities and other local actors such as non-governmental organisations, political parties, minorities, religious groups and their leaders;

               (i)

               provide input to the formulation of energy security, border security, countering serious crime, including narcotics and trafficking in human beings, as well as water resource management, environment and climate change aspects of the Common Foreign and Security Policy with respect to Central Asia;

               (j)

               promote regional security within Central Asian borders in the context of the reduction of the international presence in Afghanistan.

         2.   The EUSR shall support the work of the HR and maintain an overview of all activities of the Union in the region.
   Article 4
   Implementation of the mandate
   1.   The EUSR shall be responsible for the implementation of the mandate, acting under the authority of the HR.
   2.   The PSC shall maintain a privileged link with the EUSR and shall be the EUSR's primary point of contact with the Council. The PSC shall provide the EUSR with strategic guidance and political direction within the framework of the mandate, without prejudice to the powers of the HR.
   3.   The EUSR shall work in close coordination with the EEAS and its relevant departments.
   Article 5
   Financing
   1.   The financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure related to the EUSR's mandate for the period from 1 July 2018 to 29 February 2020 shall be EUR 1 660 000.
   2.   The expenditure shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the general budget of the Union.
   3.   The management of the expenditure shall be subject to a contract between the EUSR and the Commission. The EUSR shall be accountable to the Commission for all expenditure.
   Article 6
   Constitution and composition of the team
   1.   Within the limits of the EUSR's mandate and the corresponding financial means made available, the EUSR shall be responsible for constituting a team. The team shall include the expertise on specific policy issues as required by the mandate. The EUSR shall keep the Council and the Commission promptly informed of the composition of the team.
   2.   Member States, institutions of the Union and the EEAS may propose the secondment of staff to the EUSR. The salary of such seconded personnel shall be covered by the Member State concerned, the institution of the Union concerned or the EEAS, respectively. Experts seconded by Member States to the institutions of the Union or the EEAS may also be posted to work with the EUSR. International contracted staff shall have the nationality of a Member State.
   3.   All seconded personnel shall remain under the administrative authority of the sending Member State, the sending institution of the Union or the EEAS, and shall carry out their duties and act in the interest of the EUSR's mandate.
   4.   The EUSR staff shall be co-located with the relevant EEAS departments or Union delegations in order to ensure coherence and consistency of their respective activities.
   Article 7
   Privileges and immunities of the EUSR and the EUSR's staff
   The privileges, immunities and further guarantees necessary for the completion and smooth functioning of the EUSR's mission and the members of the EUSR's staff shall be agreed with the host countries, as appropriate. Member States and the EEAS shall grant all necessary support to such effect.
   Article 8
   Security of EU classified information
   The EUSR and the members of the EUSR's team shall respect the security principles and minimum standards established by Council Decision 2013/488/EU (2).
   Article 9
   Access to information and logistical support
   1.   Member States, the Commission, the EEAS and the General Secretariat of the Council shall ensure that the EUSR is given access to any relevant information.
   2.   The Union delegations in the region and/or the Member States, as appropriate, shall provide logistical support in the region.
   Article 10
   Security
   In accordance with the Union's policy on the security of personnel deployed outside the Union in an operational capacity under Title V of the Treaty, the EUSR shall take all reasonably practicable measures, in accordance with the EUSR's mandate and the security situation in the area of responsibility, for the security of all personnel under the EUSR's direct authority, in particular by:

               (a)

               establishing a specific security plan based on guidance from the EEAS, including specific physical, organisational and procedural security measures, governing the management of the secure movement of personnel to, and within, the area of responsibility, as well as management of security incidents and providing for a contingency and evacuation plan;

               (b)

               ensuring that all personnel deployed outside the Union are covered by high-risk insurance, as required by the conditions in the area of responsibility;

               (c)

               ensuring that all members of the EUSR's team to be deployed outside the Union, including locally contracted personnel, have received appropriate security training before or upon arriving in the area of responsibility, based on the risk ratings assigned to that area by the EEAS;

               (d)

               ensuring that all agreed recommendations made following regular security assessments are implemented and providing the Council, the HR and the Commission with written reports on their implementation and on other security issues within the framework of the progress report and the report on the implementation of the mandate.

         Article 11
   Reporting
   The EUSR shall regularly provide the HR and the PSC with oral and written reports. The EUSR shall also report to Council working parties, as necessary. Regular reports shall be circulated through the COREU network. The EUSR may provide the Foreign Affairs Council with reports. In accordance with Article 36 of the Treaty, the EUSR may be involved in briefing the European Parliament.
   Article 12
   Coordination
   1.   The EUSR shall contribute to the unity, consistency and effectiveness of the Union's action and shall help ensure that all Union instruments and Member States' actions are engaged consistently, to attain the Union's policy objectives. Liaison with Member States shall be sought where appropriate. The activities of the EUSR shall be coordinated with the relevant geographic department of the EEAS, as well as with the Commission. The EUSR shall provide regular briefings to Member States' missions and Union delegations.
   2.   In the field, close liaison shall be maintained with the relevant Heads of Member States' Missions and Heads of Union delegations. They shall make every effort 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 13
   Assistance in relation to claims
   The EUSR and the EUSR's staff shall assist in providing elements to respond to any claims and obligations arising from the mandates of the previous EUSRs for Central Asia, and shall provide administrative assistance and access to relevant files for such purposes.
   Article 14
   Review
   The implementation of this Decision and its consistency with other contributions from the Union to the region shall be kept under regular review. The EUSR shall present the Council, the HR and the Commission with a progress report by 31 October 2018 and a comprehensive mandate implementation report by 30 November 2019.
   Article 15
   Entry into force
   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

      Done at Luxembourg, 25 June 2018.

            For the Council

            The President

         F. MOGHERINI

      (1)  Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/598 of 15 April 2015 appointing the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia (OJ L 99, 16.4.2015, p. 25).

      (2)  Council Decision 2013/488/EU of 23 September 2013 on the security rules for protecting EU classified information (OJ L 274, 15.10.2013, p. 1).