Article 5 Civilian Operation Commander

The Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC) Director shall be the Civilian Operation Commander for EUPOL COPPS.

The Civilian Operation Commander, under the political control and strategic direction of the PSC and the overall authority of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR), shall exercise command and control of EUPOL COPPS at the strategic level.

The Civilian Operation Commander shall ensure, with regard to the conduct of operations, proper and effective implementation of the Council's decisions as well as the PSC's decisions, including by issuing instructions at the strategic level as required to the Head of Mission and providing him with advice and technical support.

The Civilian Operation Commander shall report to the Council through the HR.

All seconded staff shall remain under the full command of the national authorities of the seconding State in accordance with national rules, of the Union institution concerned or of the European External Action Service (EEAS). Those authorities shall transfer Operational Control (OPCON) of their personnel, teams and units to the Civilian Operation Commander.

The Civilian Operation Commander shall have overall responsibility for ensuring that the Union's duty of care is properly discharged.

The Civilian Operation Commander and the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the Middle East peace process shall consult each other as required.