Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/1965 of 17 October 2022 in support of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects

1 With a view to the implementation of the EU SALW Strategy, the purpose of this Decision is to support the full and effective implementation of the UN Programme of Action and the International Tracing Instrument, enhance international, regional and national security, contribute to the realisation of human security, and promote sustainable development through SALW control.

2 Pursuant to paragraph 1, the objectives of this Decision are the following: (a) to support forward-looking global policy developments in the context of the fourth United Nations Conference to Review Progress Made in the Implementation of the UN Programme of Action in 2024; (b) to strengthen effective national and regional implementation of the Programme of Actions and the International Tracing Instrument; (c) to support gender-responsive SALW control policies and programmes.

3 A detailed description of the project is set out in the Annex to this Decision.

1 The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (‘HR’) shall be responsible for implementing this Decision.

2 The technical implementation of the project referred to in Article 1 shall be carried out by the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA).

3 UNODA shall perform its tasks under the responsibility of the HR. For that purpose, the HR shall enter into the necessary arrangements with UNODA.

1 The financial reference amount for the implementation of the project financed by the Union shall be EUR 4524465,05.

2 The expenditure financed by the reference 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 referred to in paragraph 1. For that purpose, it shall conclude the necessary financing agreement with UNODA. The financing agreement shall stipulate that UNODA is to ensure the 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 narrative reports prepared by UNODA. Those reports shall form the basis of the evaluation to be carried out by the Council.

2 The Commission shall report on the financial aspects of the project referred to in Article 1.

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). However, it shall expire 6 months after the date of its entry into force if no financing agreement has been concluded within that period.