Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2302 of 12 December 2017 in support of the OPCW activities to assist clean-up operations at the former chemical weapons storage site in Libya in the framework of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

1 The Union shall support the OPCW in the complete destruction of Libya's chemical weapons stockpile subject to the verification measures provided for in the CWC.

2 The project supported through this Council Decision shall contribute to costs associated with the clean-up operations of the OPCW at the former chemical weapons storage site Ruwagha in Libya. A detailed description of the project 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 The technical implementation of the activities referred to in Article 1(2) shall be entrusted to the OPCW. It shall perform this task under the responsibility of the HR. For this purpose, the HR shall enter into the necessary arrangements with the OPCW.

1 The financial reference amount for the implementation of the project referred to in Article 1(2) shall be EUR 3035590,80.

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 a financing agreement with the OPCW. The financing agreement shall stipulate that the OPCW is to ensure visibility of the Union's 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 Decision. It shall inform the Council of any difficulties in that process and of the date of conclusion of the financing agreement.

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

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

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

2 It shall expire 20 months after the date of the conclusion of the financing agreement between the Commission and the OPCW referred to in Article 3(3), or it shall expire six months after its entry into force if that financing agreement has not been concluded by that time.