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 18 May 2010, the Council adopted Decision 2010/279/CFSP^f1 on the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL AFGHANISTAN).

On 17 December 2014, the Council adopted Decision 2014/922/CFSP^f2 amending and extending Decision 2010/279/CFSP until 31 December 2016 and providing for a financial reference amount for the period from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015.

On 14 December 2015, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2015/2336^f3 providing for a financial reference amount for the period from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2016.

The Council, in its conclusions on Afghanistan on 12 May 2016, confirmed that while the EU remains committed to supporting civilian policing in Afghanistan thereafter, EUPOL AFGHANISTAN will reach its completion in 2016.

EUPOL AFGHANISTAN's operational phase will consequently end on 31 December 2016. Its liquidation phase will start on 1 January 2017. The liquidation phase will require a Liquidation Team in Afghanistan.

Decision 2010/279/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly and a financial reference amount for the period from 1 January to 31 December 2017 should be provided,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: