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 19 June 2017, the Council reiterated the Union's steadfast support for Iraq's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and underscored the importance of security and the rule of law for stability in Iraq. The Council announced that, in response to the request by the Iraqi authorities, the Union was examining the deployment of an EU Security Sector Reform Advise and Assist Team to assist in the reform efforts in cooperation and coherence with other international partners.

On 17 July 2017, the Council approved a Crisis Management Concept for a possible civilian CSDP Mission in support of Security Sector Reform in Iraq.

On 24 August 2017, the Prime Minister of Iraq welcomed the envisaged Mission in a letter to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR).

Following the recommendation of the Director of the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability, the Mission should be launched.

The Political and Security Committee (PSC) should exercise, under the responsibility of the Council and of the High Representative, political control over the Mission, provide it with strategic direction and take the relevant decisions in accordance with the third paragraph of Article 38 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU).

The Watch-Keeping Capability should be activated for this Mission.

This Mission 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 TEU,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: