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24.1.2012 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
19/17
DECISIONS
COUNCIL DECISION 2012/33/CFSP
of 23 January 2012
appointing the European Union Special Representative for the Middle East peace process
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Resolutions, the Madrid principles, the Roadmap, the
agreements previously reached by the parties and the Arab
Peace Initiative;
Having regard to the Treaty on European Union and, in
particular, Articles 28, 31(2) and 33 thereof,
(b) a two-State solution with Israel and a democratic,
Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of
contiguous, viable, peaceful and sovereign Palestinian State
the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
living side by side within secure and recognised borders
enjoying normal relations with their neighbours in
Whereas:
accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions 242

(1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002) and 1402 (2002) and
the Madrid principles;
(1) On
21
July
2003,
the
Council
adopted
Joint
Action
2003/537/CFSP ( 1 ) appointing Mr Marc OTTE as the
European Union Special Representative (‘EUSR’) for the
(c) a solution to the Israeli-Syrian and Israeli-Lebanese conflicts;
Middle East peace process.
(2) Mr
Andreas REINICKE should be appointed as EUSR for
(d) a solution to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future
the Middle East peace process from 1 February 2012 to
capital of two states and a just, viable and agreed solution to
30 June 2013.
the problem of Palestinian refugees;
(3) The
EUSR
will
implement
his
mandate
in
the
context
of (e) following-up of the peace process towards a final status
a situation which may deteriorate and could impede the
agreement and the creation of a Palestinian state including
achievement of the objectives of the Union’s external
strengthening the role of the Middle East Quartet (‘the
action set out in Article 21 of the Treaty,
Quartet’) as guardian of the Roadmap, particularly in view
of the monitoring of the implementation of the obligations
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
which both parties have under the Roadmap and in line
with all international efforts to bring about a comprehensive
Arab-Israeli peace.
Article 1
European Union Special Representative
3. These objectives are based on the Union’s commitment to
Mr Andreas REINICKE is appointed as the European Union
work with the parties and with partners in the international
Special Representative (‘EUSR’) for the Middle East peace
community, especially within the framework of the Quartet,
process (‘peace process’) from 1 February 2012 until 30 June
to pursue every opportunity for peace and for a decent future
2013. The mandate of the EUSR may be terminated earlier,
for all people in the region.
if the Council so decides, upon a proposal from the High
Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security
Policy (‘HR’).
4. The EUSR shall support the work of the HR in the region,
including within the framework of the Quartet.
Article 2
Policy objectives
Article 3
1. The mandate of the EUSR shall be based on the Union’s
policy objectives regarding the peace process.
Mandate
In order to achieve the policy objectives, the mandate of the
2. These
objectives
include,
inter
alia:
EUSR shall be to:
(a) a comprehensive peace that should be achieved on the basis
(a) provide an active and efficient Union contribution to
of the relevant United Nations (‘UN’) Security Council
actions and initiatives leading to a final settlement of the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict and of the Israeli-Syrian and
( 1 ) OJ L 184, 23.7.2003, p. 45.
Israeli-Lebanese conflicts;

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L 19/18
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Official Journal of the European Union
24.1.2012
(b) facilitate and maintain close contact with all the parties to
Article 4
the peace process, other countries of the region, members
of the Quartet and other relevant countries, as well as the
Implementation of the mandate
UN and other relevant international organisations, in order
1. The
EUSR
shall
be
responsible
for
the
implementation
of
to work with them in strengthening the peace process;
the mandate, acting under the authority of the HR. In order to
fulfil his mandate and specific responsibilities in the field the
EUSR shall be fully dedicated to the Mission.
(c) ensure continued presence of the Union in relevant inter
national forums and contribute to crisis management and
prevention;
2. The
Political
and
Security
Committee
(‘PSC’)
shall
maintain
a privileged link with the EUSR and shall be the EUSR’s primary
point of contact with the Council. The PSC shall provide the
(d) observe and support peace negotiations between the parties
EUSR with strategic guidance and political direction within the
and put forward Union proposals, on its behalf, in the
framework of the mandate, without prejudice to the powers of
context of those negotiations;
the HR.
(e) contribute, where requested, to the implementation of inter
national agreements reached between the parties and engage
3. The
EUSR
shall
work
in
close
coordination
with
the
with them diplomatically in the event of non-compliance
European External Action Service (‘EEAS’).
with the terms of those agreements;
4. Particularly in the course of his missions, the EUSR shall
(f) pay particular attention to factors affecting the regional
work closely with the EU Representative Office in Jerusalem, the
dimension of the peace process;
Union Delegation in Tel Aviv as well as with all other relevant
Union delegations in the region.
(g) engage constructively with signatories to agreements within
the framework of the peace process in order to promote
Article 5
compliance with the basic norms of democracy, including
respect for human rights and the rule of law;
Financing
1. The
financial
reference
amount
intended
to
cover
the
expenditure related to the mandate of the EUSR in the period
(h) make proposals for Union intervention in the peace process
from 1 February 2012 to 30 June 2013 shall be
and on the best way of pursuing Union initiatives and
EUR 1 300 000.
ongoing peace process-related Union efforts, such as the
Union’s contribution to Palestinian reforms and including
the political aspects of relevant Union development projects;
2. The
expenditure
financed
by
the
amount
stipulated
in
paragraph 1 shall be eligible as from 1 February 2012. The
expenditure shall be managed in accordance with the
(i) monitor actions by both sides on the implementation of the
procedures and rules applicable to the general budget of the
Roadmap and on issues that might prejudice the outcome
Union.
of the permanent status negotiations to enable the Quartet
to better assess the parties’ compliance;
3. The
management
of
the
expenditure
shall
be
subject
to
a
contract between the EUSR and the Commission. The EUSR
(j) as Envoy to the Quartet, report on progress and evolution
shall be accountable to the Commission for all expenditure.
in the negotiations and contribute to the preparation of
Quartet Envoys meetings on the basis of Union positions
and through coordination with other Quartet members;
Article 6
Constitution and composition of the team
(k) contribute to the implementation of the Union’s human
rights policy, including the Union Guidelines on human
1. Within
the
limits
of
his
mandate
and
the
corresponding
rights, in particular the EU Guidelines on Children and
financial means made available, the EUSR shall be responsible
Armed Conflict as well as on violence against women and
for constituting his team. The team shall include the expertise
girls and combating all forms of discrimination against
on specific policy issues as required by the mandate. The EUSR
them, and Union policy regarding UN Security Council
shall promptly and regularly inform the Council and the
Resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security,
Commission of the composition of his team.
including by monitoring and reporting on developments
as well as formulating recommendations in this regard;
2. Member States, institutions of the Union and the EEAS
may propose the secondment of personnel to work with the
(l) contribute to a better understanding of the role of the
EUSR. The salary of such seconded personnel shall be covered
Union among opinion leaders in the region.
by the Member State, the institution of the Union concerned or

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EN
24.1.2012 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
19/19
the EEAS, respectively. Experts seconded by Member States to
personnel to, and within, the mission area, as well as
the Union institutions or the EEAS may also be posted to work
management of security incidents and including a mission
with the EUSR. Internationally contracted personnel shall have
contingency and evacuation plan;
the nationality of a Member State.
(b) ensuring that all personnel deployed outside the Union are
3. All
seconded
personnel
shall
remain
under
the
adminis
covered by high risk insurance as required by the conditions
trative authority of the sending Member State, the Union insti
in the mission area;
tution or the EEAS and shall carry out their duties and act in
the interest of the mandate of the EUSR.
(c) ensuring that all members of his team to be deployed
outside the Union, including locally contracted personnel,
Article 7
have received appropriate security training before or upon
Privileges and immunities of the EUSR and his personnel
arriving in the mission area, based on the risk ratings
assigned to the mission area by the EEAS;
The privileges, immunities and further guarantees necessary for
the completion and smooth functioning of the mission of the
EUSR and the members of his staff shall be agreed with the host
party or parties, as appropriate. Member States and the
(d) ensuring that all agreed recommendations made following
Commission shall grant all necessary support to such effect.
regular security assessments are implemented and providing
the HR, the Council and the Commission with written
reports on their implementation and on other security
issues within the framework of the mid-term and mandate
Article 8
implementation reports.
Security of EU classified information
The EUSR and the members of his team shall respect the
Article 11
security principles and minimum standards established by
Council Decision 2011/292/EU of 31 March 2011 on the
Reporting
security rules for protecting EU classified information ( 1 ).
The EUSR shall regularly provide the HR and the PSC with oral
and written reports. The EUSR shall also report, as necessary, to
Council working parties. Regular written reports shall be
Article 9
circulated through the COREU network. Upon recommendation
of the HR or the PSC, the EUSR shall provide the Foreign
Access to information and logistical support
Affairs Council with reports.
1. Member States, the Commission and the General Secre
tariat of the Council shall ensure that the EUSR is given access
to any relevant information.
Article 12
Coordination
2. Union
delegations
and/or
Member
States,
as
appropriate, 1. The
EUSR
shall
promote
overall
Union
political
coor
shall provide logistical support in the region.
dination. He shall help to ensure that all Union instruments
in the field are engaged coherently to attain the Union’s
policy objectives. The activities of the EUSR shall be coordinated
with those of the Commission as well as those of other EUSRs
Article 10
active in the region, including the EUSR for the Southern Medi
Security
terranean Region, as appropriate. The EUSR shall provide
Member States’ missions and Union delegations with regular
In accordance with the Union’s policy on the security of
briefings.
personnel deployed outside the Union in an operational
capacity under Title V of the Treaty, the EUSR shall take all
reasonably practicable measures, in conformity with his
mandate and the security situation in his geographical area of
2. In the field, close liaison shall be maintained with the
responsibility, for the security of all personnel under his direct
Heads of the Union delegations and Member States’ Heads of
authority, notably by:
Mission. They shall make every effort to assist the EUSR in the
implementation of the mandate. The EUSR, in close coor
dination with the Head of the Union Delegation in Tel Aviv,
shall provide the Heads of the European Union Police Mission
(a) establishing a mission-specific security plan based on
in the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS) and of the
guidance from the EEAS, including mission-specific
European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah
physical, organisational and procedural security measures,
Crossing Point (EU BAM Rafah) with local political guidance.
governing management of the secure movement of
The EUSR and the Civilian Operation Commander shall consult
each other as required. The EUSR shall also liaise with other
( 1 ) OJ L 141, 27.5.2011, p. 17.
international and regional actors in the field.

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L 19/20
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Official Journal of the European Union
24.1.2012
Article 13
Review
The implementation of this Decision and its consistency with other contributions from the Union to the
region shall be kept under regular review. The EUSR shall present the HR, the Council and the Commission
with a progress report before the end of November 2012 and with a comprehensive mandate implemen
tation report at the end of the mandate.
Article 14
Entry into force
This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.
Done at Brussels, 23 January 2012.
For the Council
The President
C. ASHTON

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