Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/654 of 20 March 2023 in support of the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004) on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery

The Union shall support the following activities corresponding to measures of the EU strategy against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction: (a) thematic capacity-building workshops and trainings for up to five assistance requests from States; (b) Regional Points of Contact Training; (c) support the development of National Action Plans and provide tailored support; (d) Virtual Regional Assistance Conference on UNSCR 1540 (2004) implementation; (e) Regional Outreach Conferences; (f) Knowledge Generation and Dissemination. A detailed description of those activities 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 the implementation of this Decision.

2 The technical implementation of the activities referred to in Article 1 shall be entrusted to UNODA. It shall perform that task 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 activities referred to in Article 1 shall be EUR 2368769,46.

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 referred to in paragraph 1. For that purpose, it shall conclude the necessary agreement with UNODA. The agreement shall stipulate that UNODA is to ensure visibility of the Union 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 conclusion of that agreement.

The HR shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of regular reports prepared by UNODA. Those reports shall form the basis for the evaluation carried out by the Council. The Commission shall provide information on the financial aspects of the activities 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 agreement referred to in Article 3(3), or on 21 September 2023 if that agreement has not been concluded by that date.