Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular 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 16 July 2012, the Council adopted Decision 2012/392/CFSP^f1 establishing a European Union CSDP mission in Niger to support the capacity building of the Nigerien security actors to fight terrorism and organised crime (EUCAP Sahel Niger).

The Council extended the Mission until 15 July 2018 through Decision (CFSP) 2016/1172^f2 and provided it with a financial reference until the same date through Decision (CFSP) 2017/1253^f3. Furthermore, the Council extended the Mission and its financial reference amount until 30 September 2018 through Decision (CFSP) 2018/997^f4.

On 28 June 2018, the European Council adopted conclusions on migration.

Following the Strategic Review of the Mission, the Political and Security Committee recommended that the mandate of EUCAP Sahel Niger be amended and extended by two years.

EUCAP Sahel Niger 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.

Decision 2012/392/CFSP should be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: