(1)

On 8 February 2024, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2024/583 (1), which established a European Union maritime security operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in relation to the Red Sea crisis (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES).

(2)

Ships and personnel operating in the framework of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES require supplies and support, including logistical and medical support.

(3)

On 12 March 2024, by a unilateral declaration, the Republic of Djibouti (‘Djibouti’) decided that EUNAVFOR ASPIDES is allowed to be deployed in Djibouti to procure support it needs and that, pending the entry into force of an international agreement to that effect, the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Djibouti on the status of the European Union-led forces in the Republic of Djibouti in the framework of the EU military operation Atalanta (2), concluded on 5 January 2009, applies to EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and its personnel in Djibouti. In addition, that declaration stated that EUNAVFOR ASPIDES is allowed to bring by air to the airport of Djibouti military devices useful to its ships, to store such military devices there and to have them transported to the sea port where they can be embarked aboard its ships.

(4)

On 4 April 2024, the Council adopted a decision authorising the opening of negotiations with Djibouti with a view to the conclusion of an agreement on the status of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES. An agreement has been negotiated between the Union and the Republic of Djibouti on the basis of that decision.

(5)

The Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Djibouti on the status of the European Union-led forces in the Republic of Djibouti in the framework of the European Union maritime security operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in relation to the Red Sea crisis (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES) should be approved and its signing should be authorised in order to bind the Union,