20/06/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 20 June, the Council adopted a decision to support the regionalisation of EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions in the Sahel region, namely EUCAP Sahel Mali, EUCAP Sahel Niger and EUTM Mali. The aim is to encourage regional cooperation between G5 Sahel countries (Mali, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad). This decision creates a regional coordination cell within EUCAP Sahel Mali, but also with internal security and defence experts deployed in G5 countries. The cell will conduct an assessment of G5 Sahel countries' security and defence needs and gaps, with a view to the development of a CSDP regional implementation plan. It will also facilitate the organisation of training courses by the EU CSDP Missions in the Sahel for G5 Sahel countries security and defence trainees. (CG)