Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 28(1) and 42(4) thereof,

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

Whereas:

On 18 July 2005, the Council adopted Joint Action 2005/575/CFSP^f1 establishing the European Security and Defence College ('ESDC'). That Joint Action was replaced on 23 June 2008 by Council Joint Action 2008/550/CFSP^f2, which, in turn, was replaced by Council Decision 2013/189/CFSP^f3. Finally, Decision 2013/189/CFSP was replaced by Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/2382^f4.

On 10 and 11 November 2008, the Council adopted the European Young Officers Exchange Scheme, inspired by the Erasmus programme and agreed that an implementing working party will meet within the framework of the Executive Academic Board of the ESDC.

On 26 June 2020, the ESDC Steering Committee ('Steering Committee') agreed on recommendations on the future perspectives of the ESDC.

Whilst the staff of the ESDC should consist mainly of seconded national experts, it may be necessary to fill certain critical posts by contracted staff members.

Pursuant to Council Decision 2010/427/EU^f5, which establishes the organisation and functioning of the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EEAS should provide the ESDC with the support previously provided by the General Secretariat of the Council.

Decision (CFSP) 2016/2382 should therefore be repealed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: