L_202602352EN.000101.fmx.xml

COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2026/2352

of 19 October 2026

appointing the European Union Special Representative for Human Rights

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 33 and 31(2) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

(1)	On 25 July 2012, the Council adopted Decision 2012/440/CFSP (1) appointing a European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for Human Rights.

(2)	On 11 February 2026, the Council adopted Decision (CSFP) 2026/345 (2) appointing Ms Kajsa OLLONGREN as the EUSR for Human Rights for the period 1 March 2026 to 29 February 2028.

(3)	Following the appointment of Ms Kajsa OLLONGREN to another position, a new EUSR for Human Rights should be appointed for the period 19 October 2026 to 29 February 2028.

(4)	The financial reference amount set out in Article 5(1) of Decision (CFSP) 2026/345 should cover expenditure related to the administrative continuity between the EUSRs’ mandates and to the implementation of the mandate of the new EUSR,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION

Article 1

European Union Special Representative

1. The mandate of Mrs. Kajsa OLLONGREN as the European Union Special Representative for Human Rights (the ‘EUSR’) is terminated as of 1 September 2026.

2. Ms Ilze BRANDS KEHRIS is hereby appointed as the EUSR from 19 October 2026 until 29 February 2028. She shall exercise her mandate in accordance with Decision (CSFP) 2026/345.

3. The Council may decide that the EUSR’s mandate (the ‘mandate’) be terminated earlier, on the basis of an assessment by the Political and Security Committee (PSC) and on a proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (the ‘High Representative’).

Article 2

Financing

1. Expenditure related to the administrative continuity between the mandates of Mrs. Kajsa OLLONGREN and that of Ms Ilze BRANDS KEHRIS during the period from 1 September 2026 until 18 October 2026 shall be covered by the financial reference amount set out in Article 5(1) of Decision (CFSP) 2026/345.

2. Expenditure related to the implementation of the mandate during the period from 19 October 2026 until 29 February 2028 shall be covered by the financial reference amount set out in Article 5(1) of Decision (CFSP) 2026/345.

Article 3

Entry into force

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Done at Luxembourg, 19 October 2026.

For the Council

The President

D. CALLEARY

(1) Council Decision 2012/440/CFSP of 25 July 2012 appointing the European Union Special Representative for Human Rights (OJ L 200, 27.7.2012, p. 21, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2012/440/oj).

(2) Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/345 of 11 February 2026 appointing the European Union Special Representative for Human Rights (OJ L, 2026/345, 13.2.2026, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/345/oj).