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2409th Council Meeting General Affairs, 
Brussels, 18 February 2002

General Affairs Council of the European Union on the
replacement of the UN International Police Task Force
(IPTF) in Bosnia-Herzegovina

 
 INTERNATIONAL POLICE TASK FORCE (IPTF) FOLLOW-ON - Council conclusions

"1. Recalling its conclusions of 28 January 2002, the Council announced the EU's readiness to
ensure, by the 1st of January 2003, the follow-on to the United Nations International Police
Task Force (IPTF) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). In order to ensure a successful follow-up
to the UN IPTF, the EU´s aim would be a broad approach with activities addressing the whole
range of Rule of Law aspects, including institution building programmes and police activities
which should be mutually supportive and reinforcing. The EU Police Mission (EUPM),
supported by the European Community's institution building programmes, would contribute to
the overall peace implementation in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as to the achievements of
the EU overall's policy in the region, notably the Stabilisation and Association Process.

2. In line with the general objectives of Annex 11 of the Dayton Agreement, the mission would
establish sustainable policing arrangements under BiH ownership in accordance with best
European and international practice, and thereby raising current BiH police standards. The
EUPM, entrusted with the necessary authority to monitor, mentor and inspect, should achieve
its goals by the end of 2005.

3. Recalling that the EU sees the future of BiH lying in integration into the European structures,
the Council expressed its willingness to appoint as the EU Special Representative in BiH
(EUSR) the next High Representative in BiH. He would maintain an overview of the whole
range of activities in the field of the Rule of Law, and in that context provide advice to the
Secretary General/High Representative (SG/HR) and the Commission as necessary. The PSC
would exercise the political control of and provide strategic direction to the mission.

4. The Council stressed the importance of a seamless transition between the UNIPTF and the
EUPM, and, in this respect, underlined the central role of the Police Commissioner to be
designated.

5. The Council invited the Presidency, assisted by the SG/HR, to inform the international
community of the EU's readiness to establish the EUPM, and to continue to co-ordinate with the
UN and to consult with relevant organisations, in particular NATO and the OSCE.

6. Appropriate contacts with the Government of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the relevant authorities
will be established.

7. The financing of the EUPM is set out in Annex IV.

8. Acknowledging the valuable contributions other States have made to UNIPTF, the Council
agreed to invite, in the first instance, the non-EU European NATO members and other States
which are candidates for accession to the EU, as well as other non-EU OSCE Member States
currently contributing to IPTF, to make offers of contributions, in due course, for the EUPM. In
order to ensure necessary consultation, the Council invited the PSC to hold meetings, as soon as
possible, with these potential contributors, in accordance with the procedures set out in the
relevant annex.

9. The mission statement, the chain of command, the co-ordination and financing arrangements, as
well as the modalities for third States contributions to the EUPM are described in the annexes
attached to these conclusions.

10. The Council invited its competent bodies to continue work on the EUPM and to prepare the
necessary legal instruments in view of its meeting of 11 March 2002."