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 21 March 2011, the Council welcomed the European Union Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel region (the ‘EU Sahel Strategy’), underlining that the Union has a longstanding interest in reducing insecurity and improving development in the Sahel region.

On 16 July 2012, by Decision 2012/392/CFSP^f1, the Council launched the common security and defence policy (CSDP) mission EUCAP Sahel Niger, which assists in training and advising internal security forces in Niger and reinforces regional coordination with Mali and Mauritania in the security field.

On 23 July 2012, the Council stated that it was alarmed at the deteriorating situation in Mali and its adverse impact on regional and international peace and stability. In order to continue implementation of the EU Sahel Strategy, the Council invited the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR) and the Commission to make specific proposals with a view to the swift implementation of all action relating to governance, security, development and conflict settlement envisaged in the EU Sahel Strategy for the north of Mali.

On 18 February 2013, by Decision 2013/87/CFSP^f2, the Council launched a military training mission of the Malian armed forces (EUTM Mali) to provide advice and training for the Malian armed forces operating under the control of Mali's legitimate civilian authorities.

On 27 May 2013, the Council reiterated its readiness to discuss, particularly in the context of the CSDP, the options for urgent support for the Malian authorities in the area of internal security and justice, including the fight against terrorism and organised crime.

On 20 February 2014, the Republic of Mali sent a letter inviting the Union to deploy a Union civilian mission to support the Malian security forces.

On 17 March 2014, the Council approved the Crisis Management Concept for a possible CSDP action to support Mali's internal security forces.

EUCAP Sahel Mali 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 (TEU),

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: