Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 28, 31(2) and 33 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

On 6 December 2007, the Council adopted Joint Action 2007/805/CFSP^f1 appointing Mr Koen VERVAEKE as European Union Special Representative (hereinafter the EUSR) to the African Union (AU).

On 1 December 2008, the Council adopted Joint Action 2008/898/CFSP^f2 extending the mandate of the EUSR until 28 February 2010.

On 25 February 2010, the Council adopted Decision 2010/119/CFSP^f3 amending the mandate of the EUSR and extending it until 31 August 2010.

The mandate of the EUSR should be extended until 31 August 2011. However, the mandate of the EUSR may be terminated earlier, if the Council so decides, on a proposal of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (hereinafter the HR) following the entry into force of the Decision establishing the European External Action Service.

The EUSR is to implement his mandate in the context of a situation which may deteriorate and could harm the objectives of the Common Foreign and Security Policy, as set out in Article 21 of the Treaty,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: