Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 28, Article 42(4) and Article 43(2) thereof,

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

Whereas:

On 14 November 2005, the Council adopted Joint Action 2005/797/CFSP^f1 on the European Union Police Mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS) which was last extended by Council Decision 2009/955/CFSP^f2 and expired on 31 December 2010.

On 17 December 2010, the Council adopted Decision 2010/784/CFSP^f3 continuing as from 1 January 2011 the European Union Police Mission for the Palestinian Territories, and expiring on 31 December 2011.

On 8 November 2011, the Political and Security Committee (PSC) recommended the technical extension of EUPOL COPPS for further 6 months.

EUPOL COPPS should be further extended from 1 January 2012 until 30 June 2012 on the basis of its current mandate.

It is also necessary to lay down the financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure related to EUPOL COPPS for the period from 1 January 2012 to 30 June 2012.

EUPOL COPPS will be conducted 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 on European Union,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: