Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/901 of 29 June 2020 on Union support for the activities of the Preparatory Commission of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) in order to strengthen its monitoring and verification capabilities and in the framework of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

1 For the purpose of continuing the effective implementation of the Strategy, the Union shall support the activities of the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO, which aim to: (a) strengthen the capabilities of the CTBT monitoring and verification system, including radionuclide detection; (b) strengthen the capabilities of the States Signatories to the CTBT to fulfil their verification responsibilities under the CTBT and to enable them to benefit fully from their participation in the CTBT regime.

2 The projects to be financed by the Union shall support: (a) maintenance of certified auxiliary seismic stations, part of the CTBTO IMS; (b) engagement with State Signatories, including technical system validation and testing using Cloud technology for phase 3 of the IDC Reengineering; (c) development of the Enhanced High Resolution Atmospheric Transport model; (d) a study on possible performance improvements of FLEXPART simulations through Graphics Processing Unit acceleration; (e) development of a background estimator tool to quantify radio xenon contributions to detections at IMS stations; (f) development of a source-term estimator tool; (g) provision of helpdesk and upgrading support to the virtual exploitation data centre platform; (h) continuation of the radio xenon mobile measurement campaigns in different regions of the world; (i) provision of technical assistance including integrated capacity building and outreach such as enhancement of seismic, hydroacoustic and infrasound (SHI) automatic processing capabilities in NDC-in-a-Box and simplified, standards compliant IDC products and services access for National Data Centres (NDCs); (j) support training, workshops and follow-up for emerging NDCs in developing countries worldwide, and acquisition and maintenance of capacity building systems for the NDCs; (k) support the evolution and homogenisation of the multi-waveform technology processing and interactive system; (l) organisation of open source seismic impact regional introductory courses for two CTBT geographical regions; (m) conduct of outreach to non-signatories and non-ratifying countries, including States whose signature and ratification are required for entry into force of the CTBT, and capacity building for youth, parliamentarians, journalists and scientists in developing or emerging countries.

3 In the implementation of the projects referred to in paragraph 2, Union visibility shall be ensured, as well as proper programme management in the implementation of this Decision.

4 The projects shall be carried out for the benefit of all States Signatories to the CTBT.

5 All project components shall be supported by proactive and innovative public outreach activities, and resources shall be allocated accordingly.

6 A detailed description of the projects is set out in the Annex to this Decision.

1 The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (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 carried out by the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO. It shall perform this task under the control of the High Representative. For that purpose, the High Representative shall enter into the necessary arrangements with the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO.

1 The financial reference amount for the implementation of the projects referred to in Article 1(2) shall be EUR 6288892,37.

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 European Commission shall supervise the proper management of the financial reference amount referred to in paragraph 1. For that purpose, it shall conclude a financing agreement with the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO. The financing agreement shall stipulate that the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO is to ensure visibility of the Union contribution, commensurate with its size.

4 The European 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 High Representative shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of regular reports prepared by the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO. Those reports shall form the basis for the evaluation carried out by the Council.

2 The European Commission shall provide 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 This Decision shall expire 36 months after the date of conclusion of the financing agreement referred to in Article 3(3) or six months after the date of its adoption if no financing agreement has been concluded within that period.