Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/203 of 9 February 2015 in support of the Union proposal for an international Code of Conduct for outer-space activities as a contribution to transparency and confidence-building measures in outer-space activities

To support its proposal for an international Code of Conduct for outer-space activities (‘the Code of Conduct’) as a contribution to the creation of TCBMs in outer-space activities in line with UNGA Resolution A/RES/68/50, the Union pursues the following objective: drawing from experience made under Decision 2012/281/CFSP, to continue to lead the multilateral process on the proposal for an international Code of Conduct for outer-space activities, involving all interested states in an inclusive and transparent manner with a view to building the widest possible consensus on the draft Code of Conduct with a view to its adoption by the international community:

1 The projects to be supported by the Union shall cover the following specific activities: (a) to continue to enhance awareness, knowledge and understanding of the proposal for an international Code of Conduct and the process led by the Union. (b) to continue to provide a framework for the multilateral process on the proposal for an international Code of Conduct for outer-space activities, that will enable the international community to continue to engage with a view to building the widest possible consensus for adoption of the Code of Conduct, through supporting multilateral meetings for negotiations on the draft Code of Conduct, as well for as its formal adoption.

2 The projects and specific activities are described in detail in the Annex.

1 The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR) shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision.

2 The technical implementation of the projects referred to in Article 2 shall be carried out by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), as specified in the Annex. UNODA and UNIDIR shall perform those tasks under the responsibility of the HR. For that purpose, the HR will enter into the necessary arrangements with UNODA and UNIDIR.

1 The financial reference amount for the implementation of the measures referred to in Article 1 shall be EUR 1274398,85. The total estimated budget of the overall project shall be EUR 1475955,15, which shall be provided through co-financing by UNODA and UNIDIR.

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

3 The Commission shall supervise the proper implementation of the Union's contribution referred to in paragraph 1. For this purpose, it shall conclude financing agreements with UNODA and UNIDIR. The agreements shall stipulate that UNODA and UNIDIR are to ensure that the visibility of the Union contribution is appropriate to its size.

4 The Commission shall endeavour to conclude the financing agreements referred to in paragraph 3 as soon as possible after the entry into force of this Decision. It shall inform the Council and the HR of any difficulties in the process and of the date of conclusion of the financing agreement within two weeks of signature.

1 The HR shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of regular reports to be prepared by UNODA and UNIDIR. Those reports shall form the basis for the evaluation by the Council.

2 The Commission shall provide information on the financial aspects of the implementation of the projects referred to in Article 2.

1 This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.

2 It shall expire 24 months after the conclusion of the relevant financing agreements referred to in Article 4(3), or six months after the date of its adoption if no financing agreement has been concluded within this period.