14/05/2018 (Agence Europe) – The Council of the EU extended the mandate of the EU training mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) for two years, until 18 May 2020. The Council also amended the mandate of its mission mandate on Monday 14 May. In addition to training units from the Malian Armed Forces, developing autonomous training capacity and providing advice on reform of the Army, its objectives will also include providing advice and training support to the G5 Sahel Joint Force. A budget of €59.7 million for the period from 19 May 2018 to 18 May 2020 has been allocated, compared to €33.4 for the current two-year period. According to a Council press release this decision means “the efforts carried out over recent months to regionalise the work of both civilian and military CSDP missions in the Sahel will become more operational”. It also explains that “The aim is to support regional security cooperation”. (CG)