L_202400644EN.000101.fmx.xml

POLITICAL AND SECURITY COMMITTEE DECISION (CFSP) 2024/644

of 14 February 2024

on the appointment of the EU Force Commander for the European Union maritime security operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in relation to the Red Sea crisis (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES/1/2024)

THE POLITICAL AND SECURITY COMMITTEE,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 38 thereof,

Having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/583 of 8 February 2024 on a European Union maritime security operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in relation to the Red Sea crisis (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES) (1), and in particular Article 4(2) thereof,

Whereas:

(1)	On 8 February 2024, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2024/583, which established a military European Union maritime security operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in relation to the Red Sea crisis (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES).

(2)	Pursuant to Decision (CFSP) 2024/583, the Council authorised the Political and Security Committee to take decisions on the appointment of the EU Force Commander for EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.

(3)	On 9 February 2024, the Italian military authorities proposed the appointment of Rear Admiral Stefano COSTANTINO as the EU Force Commander for EUNAVFOR ASPIDES (‘the proposed appointment’).

(4)	On 13 February 2024, the EU Military Committee supported the proposed appointment.

(5)	A decision on the appointment of the EU Force Commander for EUNAVFOR ASPIDES should be taken,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Rear Admiral Stefano COSTANTINO is hereby appointed as EU Force Commander for the European Union maritime security operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in relation to the Red Sea crisis (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES).

Article 2

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