Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/124 of 17 January 2023 in support of the Hague Code of Conduct and ballistic missile non-proliferation in the framework of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

1 With a view to the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, the Global Strategy for the European Union’s Foreign and Security Policy and the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence, the Union shall further support the universalisation, full implementation and enhancement of the Hague Code of Conduct through an operational action.

2 The objectives of the action referred to in paragraph 1 shall be to: (a) promote universal subscription to the Hague Code of Conduct; (b) promote the full implementation of the Hague Code of Conduct by subscribing states; and (c) contribute to better inserting the Hague Code of Conduct into efforts to curb the proliferation of ballistic missiles.

3 A detailed description of the action referred to in paragraph 1 is set out in the Annex.

1 The High Representative (‘HR’) shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision.

2 The technical implementation of the action referred to in Article 1 shall be carried out by the Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS).

3 The FRS shall perform the task referred to in paragraph 2 under the responsibility of the HR. For that purpose, the HR shall enter into the necessary arrangements with the FRS.

1 The financial reference amount for the implementation of the action referred to in Article 1 shall be EUR 1042614,72.

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 financed by the reference amount referred to in paragraph 1. For that purpose, it shall conclude a grant agreement with the FRS. The grant agreement shall stipulate that the FRS is to ensure the visibility of the Union’s contribution, appropriate to its size.

4 The Commission shall endeavour to conclude the 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 the conclusion of the agreement.

1 The HR shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of regular reports by the FRS. The reports shall form the basis of the evaluation carried out by the Council.

2 The Commission shall provide information on the financial aspects of the implementation of the action 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 conclusion of the agreement referred to in Article 3(3). However, it shall expire six months after the date of its entry into force if no agreement has been concluded within that period.