Article 7 Staff

Until 31 December 2016 , the numbers and competence of EUPOL AFGHANISTAN staff shall be consistent with the objectives set out in Article 2, the tasks set out in Article 3 and the structure of the Mission set out in Article 4. As from 1 January 2017 , the numbers and competence of EUPOL AFGHANISTAN staff shall be consistent with the aim to achieve the Mission's liquidation in a swift and orderly manner.

EUPOL AFGHANISTAN shall consist primarily of staff seconded by Member States or EU institutions.

Each Member State or EU institution shall bear the costs related to any of the staff seconded by it, including travel expenses to and from the place of deployment, salaries, medical coverage, and allowances, other than applicable per diems as well as hardship and risk allowances.

International civilian staff and local staff may also be recruited by EUPOL AFGHANISTAN, as required, on a contractual basis, if the functions required are not provided by personnel seconded by Member States. Exceptionally, in duly justified cases, where no qualified applications from Member States are available, nationals from participating third States may be recruited on a contractual basis, as appropriate.

All staff shall carry out their duties and act in the interest of the Mission. All staff shall respect the security principles and minimum standards established by Council Decision 2013/488/EU ^f1 .