Activation
Article 4
1. In the event of a crisis, the decision to activate the IPCR shall be taken by the Presidency. Any Member State may invite the Presidency to do so. 2. Where the solidarity clause has been invoked, the Presidency shall activate the IPCR immediately in full mode, in accordance with Article 5(1) of Decision 2014/415/EU, if not already in use. 3. Where the solidarity clause has not been invoked, before deciding to activate, the Presidency shall consult the affected Member States as appropriate, as well as the Commission and the HR. 4. The Presidency shall be advised and supported by the GSC. The Presidency may also seek expertise from the Commission services and the EEAS, within their respective roles and responsibilities, as well as relevant Union Agencies, Member States and relevant stakeholders or organisations. 5. The decision to activate the IPCR in information sharing mode may also be taken by agreement of the GSC, the Commission services and the EEAS, in consultation with the Presidency. 6. Depending on the evolution of the crisis and the political needs, the Presidency may decide at any point to escalate or de-escalate the operation from one mode of activation to the other. As long as the invocation of the solidarity clause remains active, the IPCR shall be kept in full mode. 7. The Presidency shall notify the Secretary-General of the Council of the decision to activate the IPCR. The GSC shall inform the Commission and the HR as well as the Cabinet of the President of the European Council without delay.