Council Joint Action 2008/368/CFSP of 14 May 2008 in support of the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004) and in the framework of the implementation of the EU strategy against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction

1 In accordance with the EU strategy against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, which sets the objective of fostering the role of the UN Security Council and of enhancing its expertise in meeting the challenges of proliferation, the EU shall further support the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1540 (2004) (‘UNSCR 1540’).

2 The projects in support of UNSCR 1540, corresponding to measures of the EU strategy, shall consist of a series of thematic workshops in several targeted subregions. The aim of the workshops shall be twofold: enhancing the capacity and skills of officials in targeted States who are responsible for managing the export control process in all its dimensions, so that they can make effective efforts at the practical level for the implementation of UNSCR 1540, putting officials of targeted States participating in the projects in a position to clearly identify gaps and needs, taking into account different perspectives (government and industry) so that effective requests for assistance can be formulated. A detailed description of the projects is set out in the Annex.

1 The Presidency, assisted by the Secretary-General of the Council/High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (SG/HR) shall be responsible for the implementation of this Joint Action. The Commission shall be fully associated.

2 The technical implementation of the projects referred to in Article 1(2) shall be carried out by the UN Secretariat (Office for Disarmament Affairs) (‘UN Secretariat (ODA)’). It shall perform this task under the control of the SG/HR, assisting the Presidency. For this purpose, the SG/HR shall enter into the necessary arrangements with the UN Secretariat (ODA).

3 The Presidency, the SG/HR and the Commission shall keep each other regularly informed concerning the implementation of this Joint Action, in conformity with their respective competences.

1 The financial reference amount for the implementation of the projects referred to in Article 1(2) shall be EUR 475000 to be funded from the general budget of the European Union.

2 The expenditure financed by the amount stipulated in paragraph 1 shall be managed in accordance with the Community procedures and rules applicable to the general budget of the European Union.

3 The Commission shall supervise the proper management of the expenditure referred to in paragraph 2, which shall take the form of a grant. For this purpose, the Commission shall conclude a financing agreement with the UN Secretariat (ODA). The financing agreement shall stipulate that the UN Secretariat (ODA) is to ensure visibility of the EU contribution, appropriate to its size.

4 The Commission shall endeavour to conclude the financing agreement referred to in paragraph 3 as soon as possible after the entry into force of this Joint Action. It shall inform the Council of any difficulties in that process and of the date of conclusion of the financing agreement.

The Presidency, assisted by the SG/HR, shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Joint Action on the basis of regular reports prepared by the UN Secretariat (ODA). These reports shall form the basis for the evaluation carried out by the Council. The Commission shall be fully associated, and shall report on the financial aspects of the implementation of this Joint Action.

This Joint Action shall enter into force on the day of its adoption. It shall expire 24 months after the conclusion of the financing agreement referred to in Article 3(3), or three months after the date of its adoption if no financing agreement has been concluded within that period.

This Joint Action shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.