21.9.2011 Official Journal of the European Union L 24319 DECISIONS COUNCIL DECISION 2011/621/CFSP of 21 September 2011 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative to the African Union THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 28, Article 31(2) and Article 33 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Whereas: (1) On 6 December 2007, the Council adopted Joint Action 2007/805/CESP (') appointing Mr Koen VERVAEKE as European Union Special Representative ("EUSR') to the African  Union ("AU"). His mandate expired on 31 August 2011. (2)  Therefore, the mandate of the EUSR should be extended from 1 September 2011 until 30 June 2012. (3)  The EUSR will implement his mandate in the context of a situation which may deteriorate and could impede the achievement of the objectives of the Union's external action as set out in Article 21 of the Treaty, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Atticle 1 European Union Special Representative The mandate of Mr Koen VERVAEKE as EUSR to the AU is hereby extended until 30 June 2012. The mandate of the EUSR may be terminated earlier, if the Council so decides, on a proposal of the High Representative ("HR'"). Atticle 2 Policy objectives The mandate of the EUSR shall be based on the EU’s compre- hensive policy objectives in support of African efforts to build a () OJ L 323, 8.12.2007, p. 45. peaceful, democratic and prosperous future as set out in the Joint Africa-EU Strategy. These objectives include: (a) enhancing the EU’s political dialogue and broader rela- tionship with the AU; (b) strengthening the EU-AU partnership in all areas outlined in the Joint Africa-EU Strategy, contributing to the devel- opment and implementation of the Joint Africa-EU Strategy in partnership with the AU, respecting the principle of African ownership and working more closely with African representatives in multilateral fora in coor- dination with multilateral partners; (o) working with, and providing support to the AU by supporting institutional development and strengthening the relationship between EU and AU Institutions, including through development assistance, to promote: — peace and security: predict, prevent, manage, mediate and resolve conlflict, support efforts to promote peace and stability, support post-conflict reconstruction, — human rights and governance: promote and protect human rights; promote fundamental freedoms and respect for the rule of law; support, through political dialogue and financial and technical assistance, African efforts to monitor and improve governance; support growth of participatory democracy and accountability; support the fight against corruption and organised crime and further promote efforts to address the issue of children and armed conflict in all its aspects, — sustainable growth, regional integration and trade: support efforts towards interconnectivity and facilitate people’s access to water and sanitation, energy and information technology; promote a stable, efficient and harmonised legal business framework; assist to integrate Africa into the world trade system, assist African countries to comply with EU rules and standards; support Africa in countering the effects of climate change,