Council Decision 2014/485/CFSP of 22 July 2014 amending Decision 2012/389/CFSP on the European Union Mission on Regional Maritime Capacity Building in the Horn of Africa (EUCAP NESTOR)

EUCAP NESTOR is to assist countries in the Horn of Africa and the Western Indian Ocean in strengthening their maritime security capacity in order to enable them to fight piracy more effectively. EUCAP NESTOR will have primary focus on Somalia, and a secondary focus on Djibouti, the Seychelles and Tanzania.’.

1 In order to achieve the Mission Statement set out in Article 2, EUCAP NESTOR shall: (a) enhance the capacity of the States mentioned in Article 2 to exert effective maritime governance over their coastline, internal waters, territorial seas and exclusive economic zones; (b) support these States in taking ownership of the fight against piracy in accordance with the rule of law and human rights standards; (c) strengthen regional cooperation and coordination of maritime security; (d) make a targeted and specific contribution to ongoing international efforts.

2 To achieve the objectives, EUCAP NESTOR shall operate in accordance with the lines of operation and tasks set out in the operational planning documents approved by the Council.

3 EUCAP NESTOR shall not carry out any executive function.’.

EUCAP NESTOR shall have the capacity to procure services and supplies, enter into contracts and administrative arrangements, employ staff, hold bank accounts, acquire and dispose of assets, discharge its liabilities and to be a party to legal proceedings, as required in order to implement this Decision.’.

1 The financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure related to EUCAP NESTOR from 16 July 2012 to 15 November 2013 shall be EUR 22880000. The financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure related to EUCAP NESTOR for the period from 16 November 2013 to 15 October 2014 shall be EUR 11950000.

2 All expenditure shall be managed in accordance with the rules and procedures applicable to the general budget of the Union. Nationals of third States and host country nationals shall be allowed to tender for contracts. Subject to the Commission's approval, the EUCAP NESTOR may conclude technical arrangements with Member States, the host State, participating third States and other international actors regarding the provision of equipment, services and premises to EUCAP NESTOR.

3 EUCAP NESTOR shall be responsible for the implementation of its budget. For this purpose, EUCAP NESTOR shall sign an agreement with the Commission.

4 Without prejudice to the existing provisions on the status of EUCAP NESTOR and its personnel, EUCAP NESTOR shall be responsible for any claims and obligations arising from the implementation of the mandate starting from 16 July 2014, with the exception of any claims relating to serious misconduct by the Head of Mission, for which the Head of Mission shall bear responsibility.

5 The implementation of the financial arrangements shall be without prejudice to the chain of command as provided for in Articles 4, 5 and 6 and the operational requirements of EUCAP NESTOR, including compatibility of equipment and interoperability of its teams.

6 Expenditure shall be eligible as of 16 July 2012.’.

1 EUCAP NESTOR shall have a Project Cell for identifying and implementing projects. EUCAP NESTOR shall, as appropriate, facilitate and provide advice on projects implemented by Member States and third States under their responsibility in areas related to EUCAP NESTOR and in support of its objectives.

2 EUCAP NESTOR shall be authorised to seek recourse to financial contributions from the Member States or from third States to implement projects identified as supplementing EUCAP NESTOR's other actions in a consistent manner, if the project is: (a) provided for in the financial statement relating to this Decision; or (b) integrated during the mandate by means of an amendment to the financial statement requested by the Head of Mission. EUCAP NESTOR shall conclude an arrangement with those States, covering in particular the specific procedures for dealing with any complaint from third parties concerning damage caused as a result of acts or omissions by EUCAP NESTOR in the use of the funds provided by those States. Under no circumstances may the contributing States hold the Union or the HR liable for acts or omissions by EUCAP NESTOR in the use of the funds provided by those States.

3 The PSC shall agree on the acceptance of a financial contribution from third States to the Project Cell.’.

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption. It shall apply from 16 July 2014.