COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2022/1966

of 17 October 2022

amending Decision 2013/34/CFSP on a European Union military mission to contribute to the training of the Malian Armed Forces (EUTM Mali)

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:

(1)	On 17 January 2013, the Council adopted Decision 2013/34/CFSP (1) on a European Union military mission to contribute to the training of the Malian Armed Forces (EUTM Mali).

(2)	On 23 March 2020, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2020/434 (2) adapting and extending the mandate of EUTM Mali until 18 May 2024.

(3)

The UN Security Council in its Resolution 2640 (2022) inter alia encourages the European Union, notably its Special Representative for the Sahel and its EUTM Mali and EUCAP Sahel Mali missions, within their respective mandates, to continue its efforts to support Malian authorities in Security Sector Reform and reestablishment of State authority and presence throughout the Malian territory.

(4)	Following the Holistic Strategic Review of EUTM Mali and EUCAP Sahel Mali, the Political and Security Committee recommended that the mandate of EUTM Mali, which runs until 18 May 2024, be adapted to the political and security situation in Mali.

(5)	Decision 2013/34/CFSP should be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Article 1 of Decision 2013/34/CFSP is hereby amended as follows:

(1)

paragraph 3 is replaced by the following:

‘3. For the purpose of the objective referred to in point (a) of paragraph 2, EUTM Mali shall provide the MAF with military advice and education, unless the PSC decides to suspend those activities. In addition, if the PSC decides that the conditions are met, EUTM Mali shall provide the MAF with training, including pre-deployment training, and with mentoring, through non-executive accompaniment up to the tactical level, in order for EUTM Mali to be able to follow up on the activities of the MAF and to monitor its performance and behaviour, including with regard to respect for human rights and international humanitarian law.’;

(2)

the following paragraphs are added:

‘7. EUTM Mali shall continue, with available means and capabilities, focused activities in Niger and Burkina Faso from Mali under the existing mandate, fully taking into account the political context and the needs expressed by the authorities, until dedicated solutions are established to ensure continuity and permanence of operations.

8. EUTM Mali shall support the strategic communication efforts to foster Union values, promote Union action and expose violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law by foreign forces in Mali.’.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Done at Luxembourg, 17 October 2022.

For the Council

The President

J. BORRELL FONTELLES

(1) Council Decision 2013/34/CFSP of 17 January 2013 on a European Union military mission to contribute to the training of the Malian Armed Forces (EUTM Mali) (OJ L 14, 18.1.2013, p. 19).

(2) Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/434 of 23 March 2020 amending Decision 2013/34/CFSP on a European Union military mission to contribute to the training of the Malian Armed Forces (EUTM Mali) (OJ L 89, 24.3.2020, p. 1).