(1)

Pursuant to Article 3(1) of Decision (CFSP) 2023/1599, the Political and Security Committee (PSC) is authorised, in accordance with Article 38, third paragraph, of the Treaty, to take the relevant decisions for the purpose of exercising the political control and strategic direction of the European Union Security and Defence Initiative in support of West African countries of the Gulf of Guinea (EUSDI Gulf of Guinea), including decisions on the appointment of the Head of the Civilian Command and Support Cell.

(2)

On 4 December 2025, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2025/2472 (2), amending Decision (CFSP) 2023/1599 and extending the mandate of EUSDI Gulf of Guinea from 11 December 2025 to 31 December 2027.

(3)

On 9 December 2025, the PSC adopted Decision (CFSP) 2025/2533 (3), extending the mandate of Mr Philippe CHEVET as Head of the Civilian Command and Support Cell of EUSDI Gulf of Guinea from 11 December 2025 to 19 October 2026.

(4)

On 22 September 2026, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy proposed the appointment of Mr Paulo Antonio PEREIRA SOARES as Head of the Civilian Command and Support Cell of EUSDI Gulf of Guinea from 20 October 2026 to 19 October 2027.

(5)

A decision on the appointment of Mr Paulo Antonio PEREIRA SOARES as Head of the Civilian Command and Support Cell of EUSDI Gulf of Guinea from 20 October 2026 to 19 October 2027 should be taken,