Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/2215 of 30 November 2015 in support of UNSCR 2235 (2015), establishing an OPCW-UN joint investigative mechanism to identify the perpetrators of chemical attacks in the Syrian Arab Republic

1 In order to implement certain elements of the Strategy, the Union shall support the OPCW and the JIM by contributing to costs associated with their activities under UNSCR 2235 (2015), with the following overall objective: identification to the greatest extent feasible of individuals, entities, groups or governments who were perpetrators, organisers, sponsors or otherwise involved in the use of chemicals, including chlorine or any other toxic chemical, as weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic, where the OPCW FFM determines or has determined that a specific incident in the Syrian Arab Republic involved or likely involved the use of chemicals, including chlorine or any other toxic chemical, as weapons.

2 In order to achieve the objective referred to in paragraph 1, the Union shall support the following projects: (a) OPCW special missions in the Syrian Arab Republic, including activities related to the OPCW FFM in support of the JIM in its analysis of allegations of use of chemicals, including chlorine or any other toxic chemical, as weapons; (b) OPCW-UN JIM, including its establishment and ability to begin its full operations under UNSCR 2235 (2015). A detailed description of these projects is set out in the Annex.

1 The High Representative shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision.

2 The technical implementation of the projects referred to in Article 1(2) shall be entrusted to the OPCW and UNODA as the implementing office of the JIM trust fund. They shall perform this task under the responsibility of the High Representative. For this purpose, the High Representative shall enter into the necessary arrangements with the OPCW and UNODA.

1 The financial reference amount for the implementation of the projects referred to in Article 1(2) shall be EUR 4586096,00.

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 Union budget.

3 The Commission shall supervise the proper management of the expenditure referred to in paragraph 1. For this purpose, it shall conclude financing agreements with the OPCW and with UNODA as the implementing office of the JIM trust fund respectively. The financing agreements shall stipulate that the OPCW and the UN are to ensure visibility of the Union's contribution, 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 of any difficulties in that process and of the date of conclusion of those financing agreements.

1 The High Representative shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of regular reports prepared by the OPCW and the OPCW-UN JIM. Those reports shall form the basis for an evaluation by the Council.

2 The Commission shall provide the Council with information on the financial aspects of the implementation of the projects referred to in Article 1(2).

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

2 It shall expire 18 months after the date of the conclusion of the financing agreements between the Commission and the OPCW and UNODA referred to in Article 3(3), or it shall expire on 31 May 2016 if no such financing agreements have been concluded by that date.