Political and Security Committee Decision (CFSP) 2020/401 of 12 March 2020 on the appointment of the EU Force Commander for the European Union military operation to contribute to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast (Atalanta) and repealing Decision (CFSP) 2019/1988 (ATALANTA/1/2020)

Political and Security Committee Decision (CFSP) 2020/401 of 12 March 2020 on the appointment of the EU Force Commander for the European Union military operation to contribute to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast (Atalanta) and repealing Decision (CFSP) 2019/1988 (ATALANTA/1/2020) THE POLITICAL AND SECURITY COMMITTEE, Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 38 thereof, Having regard to Council Joint Action 2008/851/CFSP of 10 November 2008 on a European Union military operation to contribute to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast OJ L 301, 12.11.2008, p. 33. , and in particular Article 6(1) thereof, Whereas: (1) Pursuant to Article 6(1) of Joint Action 2008/851/CFSP, the Council authorised the Political and Security Committee (PSC) to take the relevant decisions on the appointment of the EU Force Commander for the European Union military operation to contribute to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast (EU Force Commander). (2) On 26 November 2019, the PSC adopted Decision (CFSP) 2019/1988 Political and Security Committee Decision (CFSP) 2019/1988 of 26 November 2019 on the appointment of the EU Force Commander for the European Union military operation to contribute to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast (Atalanta) and repealing Decision (CFSP) 2019/1245 (ATALANTA/4/2019) (OJ L 308, 29.11.2019, p. 98). appointing Commodore José VIZINHA MIRONES as EU Force Commander. (3) The EU Operation Commander has recommended the appointment of Rear Admiral Ignacio VILLANUEVA SERRANO as the new EU Force Commander as from 17 March 2020. (4) On 21 February 2020, the EU Military Committee supported that recommendation. (5) Decision (CFSP) 2019/1988 should therefore be repealed. (6) 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 the implementation of decisions and actions of the Union which have defence implications, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

Rear Admiral Ignacio VILLANUEVA SERRANO is hereby appointed EU Force Commander for the European Union military operation to contribute to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast (Atalanta) as from 17 March 2020.

Article 2

Decision (CFSP) 2019/1988 is repealed.

Article 3

This Decision shall enter into force on 17 March 2020. Done at Brussels, 12 March 2020. For the Political and Security Committee The Chairperson S. From-Emmesberger