Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/257 of 18 February 2021 in support of the Oslo Action Plan for the implementation of the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction

1 To contribute to human security by supporting the implementation of the Oslo Action Plan 2020-2024 (the ‘Oslo Action Plan’) adopted by the States Parties at the Fourth Review Conference of the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction (the ‘Convention’), in the framework of the European Security Strategy and in accordance with relevant decisions of the international community, the Union shall pursue the following objectives: (a) to support the efforts of States Parties to implement the survey and clearance and mine risk education and reduction aspects of the Oslo Action Plan; (b) to support the efforts of States Parties to implement the victim assistance aspects of the Oslo Action Plan; (c) to promote the universalisation of the Convention and promote norms against any use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines and on their destruction; (d) to support the efforts of States Parties that retain anti-personnel mines for permitted purposes to increase reporting capabilities, ensure that the number of such mines retained does not exceed the minimum number absolutely necessary, and explore alternatives to live anti-personnel mines for training and research purposes where possible; (e) to demonstrate the ongoing commitment of the Union and its Member States to the Convention and their resolve to cooperate with and extend assistance to those States Parties that need support in meeting their commitments under the Convention, thereby enhancing the leading role of the Union in pursuing the Convention’s vision of a conclusive end to the suffering and casualties caused by anti-personnel mines.

2 The objectives referred to in paragraph 1 shall be pursued in such a way as to reinforce the Convention’s tradition of partnership and collaboration between States, non-governmental organisations and other organisations, including representatives from mine-affected communities. All actions shall ensure an inclusive approach at all levels.

3 In order to achieve the objectives referred to in paragraph 1, the Union shall support the following projects: (a) support for implementation of Article 5 of the Convention, for international cooperation and assistance, and for transparency and exchange of information; (b) support for implementation of victim assistance, for international cooperation and assistance, and for transparency and exchange of information; (c) support for universalisation efforts and for promotion of the Convention’s norms; (d) support for alternatives to the use of live anti-personnel mines for training, and for increased cooperation and assistance; (e) demonstrating the commitment of the Union and its Member States and ensuring their visibility, in particular through annual briefings to publicise the activities provided for in this Decision and their outcomes and through the organisation of a closing event, thereby underlining the Union’s contribution to the implementation of the Convention.

4 A detailed description of the measures to be undertaken in order to meet the objectives referred to in paragraph 1 is set out in the Annex.

1 The High Representative for 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(3) shall be entrusted to the ISU, represented by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD).

3 The ISU shall implement the projects referred to in Article 1(3) under the responsibility of the High Representative. For that purpose, the High Representative shall enter into the necessary arrangements with the GICHD.

1 The financial reference amount for the implementation of the projects referred to in Article 1(3) shall be EUR 2658139.

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 Union.

3 The Commission shall supervise the proper management of the expenditure financed by the amount set out in paragraph 1. For that purpose, it shall conclude a financing agreement with the GICHD, stipulating that the ISU is to ensure identity and visibility of the Union 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 the process and of the date of conclusion of the financing agreement.

5 The ISU shall implement the projects referred to in Article 1(3) in accordance with the Decision on strengthening financial governance and transparency within the ISU, taken at the Fourteenth Meeting of the States Parties in 2015. The ISU shall provide, amongst other reporting, narrative and quarterly reports, as well as a logical framework and activity matrix as set out in the Annex.

The High Representative shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of regular reports prepared by the ISU. Those reports shall form the basis for the evaluation by the Council. The Commission shall provide information on the financial aspects of the implementation of this Decision.

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

2 This Decision shall expire 48 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.