2010/322/CFSP: Council Decision 2010/322/CFSP of 8 June 2010 amending and extending Joint Action 2008/124/CFSP on the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, EULEX KOSOVO

‘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 of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR), shall exercise command and control of EULEX KOSOVO at the strategic level.’;

‘3 International civilian staff and local staff may also be recruited by EULEX KOSOVO, as required, on a contractual basis, if the functions required are not provided by personnel seconded by Member States. Exceptionally, in duly justified cases, where no qualified applications from Member States are available, nationals from participating third States may be recruited on a contractual basis, as appropriate.

4 All staff shall carry out their duties and act in the interest of the Mission. All staff shall respect the security principles and minimum standards established by Council Decision 2001/264/EC of 19 March 2001 adopting the Council’s security regulations .

‘2 Under the responsibility of the Council and the HR, the PSC shall exercise political control and strategic direction of EULEX KOSOVO.

3 As also laid down in Article 7, the Civilian Operation Commander, under the political control and strategic direction of the PSC and the overall authority of the HR, shall be the commander of EULEX KOSOVO at strategic level and, as such, shall issue the Head of Mission with instructions and provide him with advice and technical support.

4 The Civilian Operation Commander shall report to the Council through the HR.’;

‘1 The PSC shall exercise, under the responsibility of the Council and the HR, political control and strategic direction of EULEX KOSOVO.

2 The Council hereby authorises the PSC to take the relevant decisions for this purpose, in accordance with the third paragraph of Article 38 of the Treaty. This authorisation shall include the powers to amend the OPLAN and the chain of command. It shall also include powers to take subsequent decisions regarding the appointment of the Head of Mission. The Council, on the recommendation of the HR, shall decide on the objectives and termination of EULEX KOSOVO.’;

‘4 Detailed arrangements regarding the participation of third States shall be laid down in an agreement to be concluded in accordance with Article 37 of the Treaty and Article 218 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Where the EU and a third State conclude an agreement establishing a framework for the participation of such third State in the EU crisis management operations, the provisions of such agreement shall apply in the context of EULEX KOSOVO.’;

‘1 The financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure of EULEX KOSOVO until 14 October 2010 shall be EUR 265000000. The financial reference amount for the subsequent periods for EULEX KOSOVO shall be decided by the Council.

2 All expenditure shall be managed in accordance with the rules and procedures applicable to the general budget of the EU.’;

1 The HR shall be authorised to release to the United Nations, NATO/KFOR and to other third parties associated with this Joint Action, EU classified information and documents generated for the purposes of EULEX KOSOVO up to the level of the relevant classification respectively for each of them, in accordance with Decision 2001/264/EC. Local technical arrangements shall be drawn up to facilitate this.

2 In the event of a specific and immediate operational need, the HR shall also be authorised to release to the competent local authorities EU classified information and documents up to the level “RESTREINT UE” generated for the purposes of EULEX KOSOVO, in accordance with Decision 2001/264/EC. In all other cases, such information and documents shall be released to the competent local authorities in accordance with the procedures appropriate to those authorities’ level of cooperation with the EU.

3 The HR shall be authorised to release to the United Nations, NATO/KFOR, to other third parties associated with this Joint Action and to the relevant local authorities, EU non-classified documents related to the deliberations of the Council with regard to EULEX KOSOVO covered by the obligation of professional secrecy pursuant to Article 6(1) of the Council’s Rules of Procedure .

The Council shall evaluate, not later than 6 months before the expiry of this Joint Action whether EULEX KOSOVO should be extended.’;

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