Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 33 and 31(2) thereof,

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

Whereas:

On 22 July 2013, the Council adopted Decision 2013/393/CFSP^f1 appointing Mr Franz-Michael SKJOLD MELLBIN as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) in Afghanistan.

On 10 November 2015, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2015/2005^f2 extending the mandate of the EUSR until 28 February 2017.

On 12 May 2016, the Council confirmed the Union's commitment to supporting civilian policing in Afghanistan beyond the completion of EUPOL Afghanistan in 2016. The Council highlighted in particular that the progress achieved by Afghanistan in the respect, protection and promotion of human rights and especially women's and children's rights, must be consolidated and further improved and mainstreamed in all government activities. That support should be provided in particular through the reinforcement of the EUSR mandate in Afghanistan.

The mandate of the EUSR should be extended for a further period of six months.

The EUSR will implement his mandate 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,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: