Observatory on European defence, November 2014

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: 17 NOVEMBER
AGREEMENT ON THE ADVISORY MISSION FOR CIVILIAN SECURITY SECTOR REFORM IN UKRAINE SIGNED
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin have signed the Status of Mission Agreement to confirm the launch of the Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform. The mission, established by the Council of the European Union on 1 December, will support the Ukrainian authorities in reforming the civil security sector, with a particular attention on police forces and the rule of law. In addition, it will focus on the respect of human rights, the fight against corruption and gender issues. This civil, non-armed and non-executive mission is headquartered in Kiev and will have a starting budget of € 13,1 million. Kálmán Mizsei is the Head of Mission.

7 NOVEMBER
EU MILITARY OPERATION IN THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC EXTENDED
The Council of European Union has extended the EU Military Operation in the Central African Republic (EUFOR RCA) until 15 March 2015 to facilitate the transition towards the UN-led peace operation called MINUSCA. An amount of € 5,7 million have been allocated for the period 16 December 2014 – 15 March 2015. Major General Philippe Pontiès has been the Head of Mission since the inception of the operation in February 2014. The Operational Headquarters is located in Larissa, Greece.

18 NOVEMBER
NATO MULTINATIONAL CYBERDEFENCE EXERCISE “CYBER COALITION 2014” TOOK UP
NATO has started its largest multinational cyber-defence exercise, labeled “Cyber Coalition 2014”. In particular, the exercise evaluates Member States’ ability to safeguard the Alliance’s networks from potential cyber-attacks. Indeed, the exercise involves around 600 participants, including members of governments, technicians and cyber experts, operating from different parts of the Euro-Atlantic area. The exercise has been promoted following NATO Wales Summit conclusions, which have stressed the threat coming from cyber-attacks against the Alliance as real.

21 NOVEMBER
COUNTER-PIRACY OPERATION ATALANTA EXTENDED
The Council of European Union has extended the European Union Counter-piracy Operation Atalanta until 12 December 2016. Since its start, the Operation has been focused not only on deterring and repressing piracy off the Somali coasts, but also on protecting World Food Programme vessels, which are delivering humanitarian aid to Somalia and monitoring fishing activities in the same area. Extending its current mandate, the Council has charged EU Naval Force with duties to foster a comprehensive approach to Somalia, with the aid of the EU Special Representative to the Horn of Africa.

25 NOVEMBER
SANCTIONS RELIEF FOR IRAN EXTENDED
The Council of the European Union has extended the sanction relief for Iran until 30 June 2015. The current suspension permits crude oil sales to current customers; the import, purchase and commerce of petrochemical products; and finally, trade of gold and precious metal. However, sanctions as established by the Joint Action Plan on 25 November 2013 remain valid for future enforcement.

28 NOVEMBER
SANCTIONS AGAINST EASTERN UKRAINE SEPARATISTS STRENGTHENED
The Council of the European Union has strengthened sanctions against separatists who perpetrate actions against Ukrainian territorial integrity. In details, 13 people and 5 entities have been subjected to asset freeze and travel ban in the European Union states. In total, 132 persons and 28 entities have undergone sanctions so far.