The Council announced the creation of a Common Security and Defence Policy mission to support the training and reorganisation of the Malian Armed Forces. Brigadier General François Lecointre from France was appointed as the EU mission commander.

The EU training mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) which is intended to help improve the military capacity of the Malian Armed Forces in order to allow, under civilian authority, the restoration of the country's territorial integrity, was established by the Council. According to this European institution, it represents an integral part of the EU's comprehensive approach to the situation in Mali and the Sahel. In April 2012, €9 million from the EU funds were allocated to respond to the new humanitarian needs in northern Mali.

The decision creates the legal basis for the operation and is another step towards its deployment. The Council stressed that the EUTM Mali will provide military training as well as train and advise the Malian Armed Forces on command and control, logistics, human resources as well as on international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians and human rights. The Council also pointed out that the mission will not be involved in combat operations.

Brigadier General François Lecointre from France was appointed by the Council as the EU mission commander. Besides, it estimated the common costs of the operation at €12.3 million for the mandate of 15 months. The headquarters will be in Bamako while training is to take place in a dedicated location north-east of Bamako.