Council Decision (EU) 2021/1210

Contents

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 28(1) and 41(2) thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,Whereas:

(1)In accordance with Decision (CFSP) 2021/509^note, a European Peace Facility (EPF) was established for the financing by Member States of Union actions under the Common Foreign and Security Policy to preserve peace, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security in accordance with Article 21(2), point (c), of the Treaty. In particular, pursuant to Article 1(2), point (b)(ii), of Decision (CFSP) 2021/509, the EPF can finance assistance measures to support the military aspects of peace support operations led by a regional or international organisation.

(2)Assistance measures under the EPF may take the form of a specific measure or of a general programme for support with a given geographical or thematic focus.

(3)The Council acknowledges the continued strategic importance of the Africa-EU Peace and Security Partnership, under the Joint Africa-EU Strategy, in particular the cooperation framework established under the African Peace Facility (APF) and the leading role of the African Union (AU) in preserving peace and security on the African continent as specified in Article 16 of the Protocol relating to the establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union. The Council remains committed to building AU capacities in this area, providing assistance to African-led peace support operations and strengthening the African Peace and Security Architecture towards its full operationalisation, in line with the Memorandum of Understanding between the African Union and the European Union on Peace, Security and Governance of 23 May 2018, as well as to sustaining established cooperation mechanisms, in particular an integrated approach based on partnership, consultation and enhanced strategic coordination.

(4)A seamless transition of Union support from the APF to the EPF should be ensured through the adoption of an assistance measure taking the form of a general programme for support to the AU, covering the second half of 2021 (the ‘Assistance Measure’). It is expected that the Assistance Measure is to be followed by further support to the African Union for the period 2022-2024. A general programme allows for the continued provision of reliable and predictable financing to African-led peace support operations mandated or authorised by the AU Peace and Security Council, while also ensuring the flexibility necessary to effectively and efficiently react to conflict developments on the African continent. It is expected that actions under the Assistance Measure might be implemented by entities that have experience in the implementation of actions under the APF. Actions under this assistance measure will be implemented taking into account the principles and requirements set out in Decision (CFSP) 2021/509 and in accordance with the Rules for the implementation of revenue and expenditure financed under the EPF.

(5)By its letter of June 2021 addressed to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (the ‘High Representative’), the AU requested the Union to provide continued support from 1 July 2021 onwards to African-led peace support operations mandated or authorised by the AU Peace and Security Council.

(6)The Council reaffirms its determination to protect, promote and fulfil human rights, fundamental freedoms and democratic principles, to strengthen the rule of law and good governance in compliance with the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international law, in particular international human rights and international humanitarian law,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: