The Council adopted a decision on 1 April 2011 with a view to underpinning the mandates of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973 (2011). This decision mainly consists in an European Union military operation in support of humanitarian assistance operations in response to the crisis situation in Libya ("EUFOR Libya" operation).

The Council Decision 2011/210/CFSP, EUFOR Libya, on a European Union military operation in support of humanitarian assistance operations in response to the situation in Libya sets out the legal framework for the future operation. This decision establishes the bases to engage the Operation Plan and the Rules of Engagement. EUFOR Libya will, unless the Council decides otherwise, terminate no later than four months after reaching initial operating capability. The financial reference amount for the common costs of EUFOR Libya will be 7,9 million Euro.

The Union shall, if requested by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), conduct in the framework of the Common Security and Defence Policy, a military operation in order to support humanitarian assistance in the region. If requested to do so by the United Nations, EUFOR Libya will contribute to the safe movement and evacuation of displaced persons and support with specific capabilities, the humanitarian agencies in their activities.

Rear Admiral Claudio Gaudiosi has been appointed EU Operation Commander of EUFOR Libya and the Operational Headquarters (OHQ) of EUFOR Libya will be located in Rome, Italy. Once the current risk and threat assessment is been assessed and the following approval of the Operation Plan and the Rules of Engagement, the Council shall adopt the decision to launch the military operation. The operation EUFOR Libya will be under the responsibility of the Council and the High Representative, Catherine Ashton, and the Political and Security Committee (PSC) shall exercise the political control and strategic direction.