Political and Security Committee Decision (CFSP) 2021/87 of 26 January 2021 on the appointment of the EU Operation Commander for the European Union military operation to contribute to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast (Atalanta) and repealing Decision (CFSP) 2019/1613 (ATALANTA/1/2021)

THE POLITICAL AND SECURITY COMMITTEE,

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

Having regard to Council Joint Action 2008/851/CFSP of 10 November 2008 on a European Union military operation to contribute to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast⁽¹⁾, and in particular Article 6 thereof,

Whereas:

1. Pursuant to Article 6(1) of Joint Action 2008/851/CFSP, the Council authorised the Political and Security Committee (PSC) to take decisions on the appointment of the EU Operation Commander for the European Union military operation to contribute to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast (Atalanta).

2. On 25 September 2019, the PSC adopted Decision (CFSP) 2019/1613⁽²⁾ appointing Major General Antonio PLANELLS PALAU as EU Operation Commander for Atalanta as from 1 October 2019.

3. Spain has proposed that Rear Admiral Eugenio DÍAZ DEL RÍO succeed Major General Antonio PLANELLS PALAU as EU Operation Commander for Atalanta.

4. On 17 December 2020, the EU Military Committee supported the nomination of Rear Admiral Eugenio DÍAZ DEL RÍO as EU Operation Commander for Atalanta as from 19 February 2021.

5. In accordance with Article 5 of Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Denmark does not participate in the elaboration and the implementation of decisions and actions of the Union which have defence implications,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: