Article 16 Release of classified informationF1

The HR shall be authorised to release to the third States associated with this Decision, as appropriate and in accordance with the needs of the Mission, EU classified information and documents up to ‘ CONFIDENTIEL UE/EU CONFIDENTIAL ’ level generated for the purposes of the Mission, in accordance with Decision 2013/488/EU.

The HR shall also be authorised to release to the UN and the OSCE, in accordance with the operational needs of the Mission, EU classified information and documents up to ‘ RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED ’ level which are generated for the purposes of the Mission, in accordance with Decision 2013/488/EU. Arrangements between the HR and the competent authorities of the UN and the OSCE shall be drawn up for that purpose.

In the event of a specific and immediate operational need, the HR shall also be authorised to release to the host State any EU classified information and documents up to ‘ RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED ’ level which are generated for the purposes of the Mission, in accordance with Decision 2013/488/EU. Arrangements between the HR and the competent authorities of the host State shall be drawn up for that purpose.

The HR shall be authorised to release to the third States associated with this Decision any EU non-classified documents connected with the deliberations of the Council relating to the Mission and covered by the obligation of professional secrecy pursuant to Article 6(1) of the Council’s Rules of Procedure ^f1 .

The HR may delegate the powers referred to in paragraphs 1 to 4, as well as the ability to conclude the arrangements referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3, to persons placed under his/her authority, to the Civilian Operations Commander and/or to the Head of Mission.