L 18824 Official Journal of the European Union 19.7.2011 COUNCIL DECISION 2011/424/CFSP of 18 July 2011 appointing a European Union Special Representative for the Southern Mediterranean region THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 28, 31(2) and 33 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Whereas: (1) Recent developments in the Arab world call for a strengthened and comprehensive response from the European Union. (2)  The European Council adopted Declarations on 4 February and 11 March 2011, and Conclusions on 24-25 March 2011 expressing the Union’s intention to support all steps towards democratic transformation in its Southern Neighbourhood and to develop a new partnership with the region. (3)  The Council adopted conclusions on 21 February 2011 on developments in the Southern Neighbourhood, and on 20 June 2011 on the European Neighbourhood Policy, welcoming the proposal of the High Represen- tative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR) for a European Union Special Representative for the Southern Mediterranean region. (4)  The HR and the European Commission have put forward proposals for a Partnership for Democracy and Shared Prosperity and a new approach to partnership with the Union’s  neighbours  through ~ the  European Neighbourhood Policy in their Communications of 8 March and 25 May 2011. (5)  There is a need for enhanced diplomacy by the Union in the countries of the region in order to support an orderly transition to sustainable democracy, as well as human rights and the rule of law. (6) A European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the Southern Mediterranean region should therefore be appointed. (7 The mandate of the EUSR will be implemented 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 Appointment Mr Bernardino LEON is hereby appointed European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the Southern Mediterranean region until 30 June 2012. The mandate of the EUSR may be terminated earlier, if the Council so decides, on a proposal of the HR. Atticle 2 Policy objectives The mandate of the EUSR shall be based on the policy objectives of the Union regarding Southern Neighbourhood as set out in the European Council Declarations of 4 February and 11 March 2011, the Conclusions of 24-25 March 2011, and the Council Conclusions of 21 February and 20 June 2011, and taking into account the proposals of the HR and the Commission in their Communications of 8 March and 25 May 2011. Those objectives include: (a) enhancing the Union’s political dialogue, contributing to the partnership and broader relationship with the countries of the Southern Mediterranean region; (b) contributing to the response of the Union to the developments in the countries of the Southern Mediter- ranean region and, in particular, to strengthening democracy and institution building, the rule of law, good governance, respect for Human Rights and fundamental freedoms, peace and regional cooperation, including through the European Neighbourhood Policy and the Union for the Mediterranean; (c) enhancing the European Union’s effectiveness, presence and visibility in the region and in relevant international forums. Establishing close coordination with relevant local partners and international and regional organisations such as the African Union, the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, the League of Arab States and the United Nations.