The Union hereby establishes a civilian European Union Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova (EUPM Moldova) under the common security and defence policy.
Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/855 of 24 April 2023 on a European Union Partnership Mission in Moldova (EUPM Moldova)
Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/855 of 24 April 2023 on a European Union Partnership Mission in Moldova (EUPM Moldova)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 42(4) and 43(2) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
Whereas:
In its conclusions of 24 June 2022, the European Council recognised the European perspective of the Republic of Moldova, among others, affirmed that the future of the Republic of Moldova and its citizens lies within the European Union, and decided to grant it, along with Ukraine, the status of candidate country.
In its conclusions of 15 December 2022, the European Council affirmed that the Union will continue to provide all relevant support to the Republic of Moldova as it deals with the multifaceted impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
By letter dated 28 January 2023 addressed to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Prime minister of the Republic of Moldova invited the Union to deploy a civilian Mission in the Republic of Moldova under the common security and defence policy (CSDP).
On 31 January 2023, the Political and Security Committee endorsed a Political Framework for Crisis Approach in the Republic of Moldova.
On 5 April 2023, the Council approved a Crisis Management Concept for a possible civilian CSDP mission in the Republic of Moldova. That mission should therefore be established.
The CSDP mission in the Republic of Moldova will be conducted in the context of a situation which may deteriorate and could impede the achievement of the objectives of the Union’s external action as set out in Article 21 of the Treaty,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1 Mission
Article 2 Mandate
1.
EUPM Moldova shall contribute to enhancing the resilience of the security sector of the Republic of Moldova in the areas of crisis management and hybrid threats, including cybersecurity and countering foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI).
2.
For that purpose, EUPM Moldova shall:
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contribute to strengthening the Moldovan crisis management structures focused on the security sector through:
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the identification of needs for organisation, training and equipment;
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the gradual implementation of proposed actions and identified solutions;
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assist in enhancing resilience to hybrid threats by:
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providing advice at strategic level on the development of strategies and policies for countering hybrid threats and FIMI, including disinformation, for enhancing cybersecurity and for the protection of classified information;
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identifying the needs for capacity building in the security sector for early warning, detection, identification, attribution of threats and the response to those threats;
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contributing to the implementation of the proposed actions and identified solutions;
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support the implementation of the aforementioned tasks by means of a project cell offering targeted operational support, as needed, in line with the Integrated Approach and, as far as possible, in close coordination with other actors.
3.
International humanitarian law, human rights and the principle of gender equality, the protection of civilians and the agendas under United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security, 2250 (2015) on Youth, Peace and Security and 1612 (2005) on Children and Armed Conflict shall be fully integrated and proactively mainstreamed in the EUPM Moldova’s strategic and operational planning, activities and reporting.
Article 3 Chain of command and structure
1.
EUPM Moldova shall have a unified chain of command as a crisis management operation.
2.
EUPM Moldova shall have its Headquarters in the Republic of Moldova.
3.
EUPM Moldova shall be structured in accordance with its planning documents.
Article 4 Civilian Operation Commander
1.
The Managing Director of the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC) shall be the Civilian Operation Commander for EUPM Moldova. The CPCC shall be at the disposal of the Civilian Operation Commander for the planning and conduct of EUPM Moldova.
2.
The Civilian Operation Commander, under the political control and strategic direction of the Political and Security Committee (PSC) and the overall authority of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (‘the High Representative’), shall exercise command and control of EUPM Moldova at the strategic level.
3.
The Civilian Operation Commander shall ensure the proper and effective implementation of the decisions of the Council and of the PSC with regard to the conduct of operations, including by issuing instructions at the strategic level, as required, and providing advice and technical support to the Head of Mission.
4.
The Civilian Operation Commander shall report to the Council through the High Representative.
5.
All seconded staff shall remain under the full command of the national authorities of the seconding State in accordance with national rules, of the Union institution concerned or of the European External Action Service (EEAS), respectively. Those authorities shall transfer the operational control (OPCON) of their staff to the Civilian Operation Commander.
6.
The Civilian Operation Commander shall have overall responsibility for ensuring that the Union’s duty of care is properly discharged.
7.
The Civilian Operation Commander and the Head of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova shall consult each other as required.