3142th FOREIGN AFFAIRS Council meeting
Brussels, 23 January 2012
The Council adopted the following conclusions:
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"In the context of the Strategic Framework for the Horn of Africa, the EU is conducting two military operations – EUNAVFOR Atalanta and EUTM Somalia – and has commenced operational planning to launch a civilian mission to strengthen regional maritime capacities in Somalia and in the wider Horn of Africa region. The simultaneous conduct of three CSDP actions in the region will require an enhanced level of coordination and interaction, including between military and civilian actors. In this regard, the activation of the Operations Center will contribute to reinforcing the EU's comprehensive approach that mobilizes the different tools at the EU's disposal and to improving the performance of the existing EU CSDP structures and of its missions and operations.
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To this end, and recalling its Conclusions of 1 December 2011, the Council agrees to activate the EU Operations Centre, in accordance with its Terms of Reference, for the Horn of Africa operations, subject to a Council Decision to be adopted as soon as possible. The Operations Centre will inter alia provide direct support to the Civilian Operations Commander for the operational planning and conduct of the RMCB Mission; provide support to the EUTM Mission Commander and enhance strategic coordination between the Mission and other CSDP actions in the Horn of Africa; strengthen civ-mil synergies; liaise with Operation Atalanta; and facilitate interaction between the mission/operations and the Brussels-based structures. The Council welcomes the intention of the Member States to provide personnel to the Operations Centre including for its leadership.
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The Council calls for the PSC to keep under regular review all relevant aspects of the Operations Centre."