COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION news

 

The Council today decided to renew the mandate of the EU civilian mission EUCAP Sahel Niger until 30 September 2024 with a budget allocation of just … Press material Friday 9 September 2022   ● Council of the EU   09/09/2022 10:30 | Press release | EUCAP Sahel Niger: mission extended until 30 September 2024 with an adjusted mandate   The Council today decided to renew the mandate of the EU civilian mission EUCAP Sahel Niger until 30 September 2024 with a budget allocation of just over €72 million for the period from 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2024. The Council has also decided to slightly adjust the mission’s mandate to allow it to exchange EU classified information with the EU Justice and Home Affairs agencies. Today’s decision was taken as part of the strategic review of the mission. Background EUCAP Sahel Niger, a civilian mission under the Common Security and Defence Policy, was launched at the request of Niger’s government in the summer of 2012. Its aim is to help establish an integrated, coherent, sustainable and human rights-based approach among the various Nigerien security actors in the fight against terrorism and organised crime. Accordingly, the mission is designed to provide advice and training to support the Nigerien authorities with strengthening their capacities. Over 100 international experts, the majority of whom are from European security forces and justice departments, are permanently deployed in Niamey. EUCAP Sahel Niger (website) Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Niger Today the Council adopted a decision that fully suspends the visa facilitation agreement between the EU and Russia. Consequently, the general rules o… Press material Friday 9 September 2022   ● Council of the EU   09/09/2022 10:28 | Press release | Council adopts full suspension of visa facilitation with Russia   Today the Council adopted a decision that fully suspends the visa facilitation agreement between the EU and Russia. Consequently, the general rules of the visa code will apply to Russian citizens. This will result in an increase in the visa application fee from €35 to €80, the need to present additional documentary evidence, increased visa processing times and more restrictive rules for the issuance of multiple-entry visas. "A visa facilitation agreement allows privileged access to the EU for citizens of trusted partners with whom we share common values. With its unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression, including its indiscriminate attacks against civilians, Russia has broken this trust and trampled on the fundamental values of our international community. Today’s decision is a direct consequence of Russia’s actions and further proof of our unwavering commitment to Ukraine and its people." Vít Rakušan, Czech Minister of the Interior The decision is expected to be published in the Official Journal on 9 September 2022. It will enter into force on the day of its adoption and will apply as of 12 September 2022.