On Wednesday 31 January, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, announced that, following the departure of the EU’s military mission in Niger (EUTM Niger), its civilian mission EUCAP Sahel Niger would be leaving the country by June.
“Preparations are under way for the withdrawal of EUCAP by June”, announced Mr Borrell at the end of the informal meeting of European defence ministers in Brussels. In December, Niger denounced the agreement establishing the mission (see EUROPE 13307/20).
The EU Council is also expected to take a decision on the EU military mission in Mali (EUTM Mali), whose mandate ends on 24 May. The Member States must unanimously agree to maintain the mission.
The High Representative also announced that a country-by-country approach would be discussed at the next Foreign Affairs Council, including commitments on security and defence. Africa will be discussed at the informal Council of Foreign Ministers on 3 February (Gymnich) and at their formal Council on 19 February. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)