The EU-led mission to Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR) will be funded in accordance with the ATHENA funding mechanism approved by the Council of the European Union in 2004 and as subsequently amended. The mechanism defines which aspects of EU-led military operations are eligible for common funding by member states.
The incremental costs of deploying elements of the Force HQ to and from the theatre of operations, and associated lodging of Force HQ staff, are eligible for common funding. The costs of deployment and lodging of force elements commanded by the Force HQ are met by the member states that provide the forces on a “costs lie where they fall” basis. A budget request will be submitted by the Operation Commander for the Chad/CAR operation for scrutiny by the ATHENA Special Committee during January 2008 before a resulting budget is approved.