Political control and strategic direction
Article 8
1. Under the responsibility of the Council and of the HR, the PSC shall exercise the political control and strategic direction of EUNAVFOR MED IRINI. 2. The Council hereby authorises the PSC to take the relevant decisions in accordance with Article 38 TEU. This authorisation shall include the powers to amend the planning documents, including the Operations Plan, the Chain of Command and the Rules of Engagement. It shall also include the powers to take decisions on the appointment of the EU Operation Commander and the EU Force Commander. The powers of decision with respect to the objectives and termination of the EU military operation shall remain vested in the Council. 3. Notwithstanding the period set out in Article 15(2), the authorisation of the operation shall be reconfirmed every four months. The PSC shall prolong the operation unless the deployment of maritime assets of the operation produces a pull effect on migration on the basis of substantiated evidence gathered according to the criteria set in the Operations Plan. 4. The Operation Commander shall report regularly on the conduct of the operation, including its impact in the Area of Operation. In accordance with Article 38 TEU, the PSC may at any time, upon a request from the HR or a Member State, give direction to the Operation Commander on the deployment of assets. 5. The PSC shall report to the Council at regular intervals. 6. The Chairman of the EU Military Committee (EUMC) shall, at regular intervals, report to the PSC on the conduct of EUNAVFOR MED IRINI. The PSC may invite the EU Operation Commander or the EU Force Commander to its meetings, as appropriate.