THE POLITICAL AND SECURITY COMMITTEE,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 38 thereof,

Having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/583 of 8 February 2024 on a European Union maritime security operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in relation to the Red Sea crisis (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES) (1), and in particular Article 4(2) thereof,

Whereas:

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

(2)	Pursuant to Article 4(2) of Decision (CFSP) 2024/583, the Council authorised the Political and Security Committee (PSC) to take decisions on the appointment of the EU Force Commander for EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.

(3)	On 14 February 2024, the PSC adopted Decision (CFSP) 2024/644 (2), which appointed Rear Admiral Stefano COSTANTINO as EU Force Commander for EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.

(4)

On 29 May 2024, the Dutch Military authorities proposed the appointment of Captain (Navy) George PASTOOR to succeed Rear Admiral Stefano COSTANTINO as EU Force Commander of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES (the ‘proposed appointment’) as from 15 June 2024. The Dutch authorities indicated that Captain (Navy) George PASTOOR would be promoted to Commodore upon his appointment as EU Force Commander for EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.

(5)	On 29 May 2024, the EU Operation Commander of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES supported the proposed appointment.

(6)	On 31 May 2024, the EU Military Committee (EUMC) supported the proposed appointment and agreed that Captain (Navy) George PASTOOR be appointed as EU Force Commander for EUNAVFOR ASPIDES as from 15 June 2024.

(7)	A decision on the appointment of the EU Force Commander for EUNAVFOR ASPIDES should be taken.

(8)	Decision (CFSP) 2024/644 should be repealed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Commodore George PASTOOR is hereby appointed as EU Force Commander for the European Union maritime security operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in relation to the Red Sea crisis (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES) as from 15 June 2024.

Article 2

Decision (CFSP) 2024/644 is hereby repealed.

Article 3

This Decision shall enter into force on 15 June 2024.

Done at Brussels, 11 June 2024.

For the Political and Security Committee

The President

D. PRONK

(2) Political and Security Committee Decision (CFSP) 2024/644 of 14 February 2024 on the appointment of the EU Force Commander for the European Union maritime security operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in relation to the Red Sea crisis (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES/1/2024) (OJ L, 2024/644, 19.2.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2024/644/oj).