The EUSR shall be responsible for the implementation of the mandate, acting under the authority of the HR.

The PSC shall maintain a privileged link with the EUSR and shall be the EUSR's primary point of contact with the Council. The PSC shall provide the EUSR with strategic guidance and political direction within the framework of the mandate, without prejudice to the powers of the HR.

The EUSR shall work in close coordination with the European External Action Service (EEAS) and its relevant departments, Union delegations in the region and the Commission.