Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/259 of 17 February 2015 in support of activities of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in the framework of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

1 For the purpose of giving immediate and practical application to some elements of the EU Strategy, the Union shall support activities of the OPCW, with the following objectives: to enhance the capacities of State Parties in fulfilling their obligations under the CWC, to enhance the preparedness of State Parties to prevent and respond to attacks involving toxic chemicals, to enhance international cooperation in the field of chemical activities, to support the ability of the OPCW to adapt to developments in the field of science and technology, to promote universality by encouraging States not Parties to join the CWC.

2 In this context, the Union-supported activities of the projects of the OPCW, which are in compliance with the measures of the EU Strategy, shall be the following: Project I: National Implementation, Verification and Universality Activities: Regional Training Course for Customs Authorities of State Parties on Technical Aspects of the CWC's Transfers' Regime Updating e-learning tools for national authorities/associated stakeholders Support for Development of ‘Advocacy’ Plans for raising awareness on the national implementation of the CWC National Implementation Capacity Assessment for National Authorities Mentorship Programme Legal workshop for Caribbean and Central American State Parties Strengthening Training Capabilities for OPCW Technical Secretariat inspectors and experts Modernisation of the Information Management Systems for the OPCW Verification Division Visits of Executive Council representatives and Observers of State Parties with developing economies to chemical weapons destruction facilities Implementing the lessons arising from the Syria mission Project II: International Cooperation Activities: Analytical skills development course Industry Outreach Chemical Safety and Security Management Workshops Project III: Science and Technology Activities: Chemical informatics for facilitating international collaboration Assessment of developments in science and technology Multiple uses of chemistry: understanding the security aspects of technological developments Support for Temporary Working Groups (TWGs) of the OPCW's Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) The development of standardised analytical methods for the analysis of biological toxins Project IV: Preparedness of State Parties to prevent and respond to attacks involving chemicals Activities: Regional Assistance and Protection Training — Central Asia Regional Coordination Exercise on Assistance Delivery Regional Assistance and Protection Workshops Table Top Exercises Project V: Universality and outreach Translation and dissemination of education and outreach tools and materials Production of an OPCW exhibition Youth outreach Universality Facilitation for Non-State Parties to join the CWC Support for NGO participation in OPCW activities Support for development and promotion of ‘Fires’ video documentary series Project VI: Africa Programme Regional National Authority Stakeholders Forum Regional Training Course for Customs Authorities of State Parties on Technical Aspects of the CWC's Transfers' Regime Provision of Academic/Informative Materials on CWC Synergies and Partnership for effective implementation Analytical Skills Development Courses Industry Outreach Chemical Safety and Security Management A detailed description of the Union-supported activities of the OPCW referred to above is set out 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 Technical implementation of the projects referred to in Article 1(2) shall be carried out by the OPCW Technical Secretariat (the ‘Technical Secretariat’). It shall perform this task under the responsibility and the control of the HR. For this purpose, the HR shall enter into the necessary arrangements with the Technical Secretariat.

1 The financial reference amount for the implementation of the projects referred to in Article 1(2) shall be EUR 2528069.

2 The expenditure financed by the amount set out in paragraph 1 shall be managed in accordance with the 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 1. For this purpose, it shall conclude a financing agreement with the Technical Secretariat. The agreement shall stipulate that the Technical Secretariat is to ensure visibility of the Union contribution, commensurate with its size and specify measures facilitating developing synergies and avoiding duplication of activities.

4 The Commission shall endeavour to conclude the financing agreement referred to in paragraph 3 as soon as possible after 17 February 2015. It shall inform the Council of any difficulties in that process and of the date of conclusion of the agreement.

The HR shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of regular reports prepared by the Technical Secretariat. The HR reports shall form the basis for the evaluation carried out by the Council. The Commission shall provide information on the financial aspects of the projects referred to in Article 1(2).

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

2 This Decision shall expire 36 months after the date of the conclusion of the financing agreement referred to in Article 3(3). However, it shall expire six months after its entry into force if that financing agreement has not been concluded by that time.