**Summary:**
Council Decision CFSP 2015/972, adopted on June 22, 2015, formally launches the European Union military operation in the southern Central Mediterranean, EUNAVFOR MED, effective the same date. This decision follows Council Decision CFSP 2015/778 of May 18, 2015, which established the framework for the operation. The approved Operation Plan and Rules of Engagement govern EUNAVFOR MED. The Council will assess the conditions for transitioning beyond the initial phase, considering any relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and consent from involved coastal states. The Political and Security Committee is authorized to decide on transitions between operational phases, as per Article 6.1 of Decision CFSP 2015/778, subject to the Council's assessment according to Article 23 of Decision CFSP 2015/778. Denmark does not participate in this decision, is not bound by it, nor subject to its application, and does not participate in the financing of this operation, in accordance with Article 5 of Protocol No 22.
Key Entities Referenced
European Union: A political and economic union of member states located primarily in Europe.
Council Decision CFSP 2015/972: Council Decision regarding the launch of the European Union military operation in the southern Central Mediterranean.
EUNAVFOR MED: The European Union military operation in the southern Central Mediterranean.
Treaty on European Union: One of the primary treaties forming the constitutional basis of the European Union.
Council Decision CFSP 2015/778: Council Decision on a European Union military operation in the southern Central Mediterranean EUNAVFOR MED 1.
High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy: A high-ranking official responsible for representing the European Union's foreign and security policy.
Denmark: A country in Northern Europe, specifically mentioned regarding its non-participation in decisions with defence implications.
Political and Security Committee: A committee within the European Union responsible for dealing with the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
23.6.2015 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 157/51
COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2015/972
of 22 June 2015
launching the European Union military operation in the southern Central Mediterranean
(EUNAVFOR MED)
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 Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/778 of 18 May 2015 on a European Union military operation in the
southern Central Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR MED) (1), and in particular Article 5 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
Whereas:
(1) On 18 May 2015, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2015/778.
(2) Following the recommendation of the Operation Commander, EUNAVFOR MED should be launched on 22 June
2015.
(3) 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 implementation of decisions and actions of the Union which have defence implications.
Consequently, Denmark is not participating in the adoption of this Decision, is neither bound by it nor subject to
its application, and does not participate in the financing of this operation,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
The Operation Plan and the Rules of Engagement concerning the European Union military operation in the southern
Central Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR MED) are hereby approved.
Article 2
1. EUNAVFOR MED shall be launched on 22 June 2015.
2. In accordance with Article 2(3) of Decision (CFSP) 2015/778, the Council shall assess whether the conditions for
transition beyond the first phase of the operation have been met, taking into account any applicable UN Security
Council Resolution and consent by the coastal states concerned. Subject to such assessment by the Council, and in
accordance with Article 6(1) of Decision (CFSP) 2015/778, the Political and Security Committee shall have the power to
decide when to make the transition between the different phases of the operation.
Article 3
This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.
Done at Luxembourg, 22 June 2015.
For the Council
The President
F. MOGHERINI
(1) OJ L 122, 19.5.2015, p. 31.