COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2024/632

of 19 February 2024

launching the European Union maritime security operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in relation to the Red Sea crisis (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 42(4) and Article 43(2) 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),

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

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

(2) On 14 February 2024, the Political and Security Committee agreed that the Operation Plan (OPLAN), including the Rules of Engagement, for EUNAVFOR ASPIDES should be approved.

(3) Following the recommendation of the EU Operation Commander, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES should be launched on 19 February 2024,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The OPLAN, including the Rules of Engagement, for EUNAVFOR ASPIDES is hereby approved.

Article 2

EUNAVFOR ASPIDES shall be launched on 19 February 2024.

Article 3

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

Done at Brussels, 19 February 2024.

For the Council

The President

J. BORRELL FONTELLES

(1)

OJ L, 2024/583, 12.2.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2024/583/oj

ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2024/632/oj

ISSN 1977-0677 (electronic edition)