The Council of the European Union published in the OJEU on September 29th, a Council Joint Action appointing Mr. Pierre Morel, as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the crisis in Georgia for the period from September 25tth, 2008, to February 28th 2009. The EUSR will enhance the effectiveness and visibility of the EU in helping to resolve the conflict in Georgia.

On September 1st, 2008, the European Council expressed its grave concern at the open conflict which had broken out in Georgia, and expressed the readiness of the European Union to commit itself to supporting every effort to secure a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict.

This declaration was followed by a Joint Action appointing a European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia, whose objectives would be to provide civilian monitoring of Parties' actions, and to assure compliance to the six-point Agreement and subsequent implementing measures throughout Georgia. At the same time, the Council decided that Mr Pierre Morel should be appointed as EUSR for the crisis in Georgia.

The EUSR’s mandate in Georgia will involve the following points:

• Help prepare for the international talks to be held under point 6 of the settlement plan of August 12th, 2008, which are in particular to cover:

1. Arrangements for security and stability in the region,
2. The issue of refugees and displaced persons, on the basis of internationally recognised principles,
3. Any other subject, by mutual agreement between the parties.

• Help establish the EU’s position and represent it, at his level, in those talks.
• Facilitate the implementation of the agreement concluded on September 8th, 2008 in Moscow and Tbilisi, as well as the agreement of August 12th, 2008 in close coordination with the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
• In general, and releting to the previous objectives, to contribute to the implementation of the EU’s human rights policy and of its approach in this field, in particular with regard to children and women.

The EUSR will be responsible for the implementation of his mandate acting under the authority and operational direction of the Secretary-General/High Representative (SG/HR). The EUSR will regularly provide oral and written reports to the SG/HR and to the PSC. The EUSR will also report as necessary to working groups. Regular written reports shall be circulated through the COREU network. Upon recommendation of the SG/HR or the PSC, the EUSR may provide reports to the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC).

Besides, regarding the operational actions put in place by the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM Georgia) , whose financial reference amount was in principle 31 M€, the special needs of this action have required the Council adoption of a new Joint Action 2008/760/CFSP,  in order to increase the expenditure to 35 M€.