Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/1344 of 26 June 2023 in support of enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)

1 With a view to the implementation of the EU Strategy against the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, the EU shall support the implementation and universalisation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (the ‘CWC’) through an operational action.

2 The action referred to in paragraph 1 shall have the following objectives: (a) to verify the elimination of chemical weapons stockpiles and chemical weapons production facilities subject to the verification measures provided for in the CWC; (b) to prevent the re-emergence and reduce the threat of chemical weapons use; (c) to respond effectively and credibly to chemical weapons use and allegations thereof; (d) to ensure preparedness through the provision of assistance and protection against chemical weapons, their use, or threat of use in accordance with the provisions of Article X of the CWC; (e) to promote peaceful uses of chemistry in economic and technological development through international cooperation in the field of chemical activities for purposes not prohibited under the CWC; (f) to work towards universal adherence to the CWC; and (g) to ensure that the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (the ‘OPCW’) remains fit for purpose to face the challenges and opportunities generated by progress in science and technology.

3 A detailed description of the action referred to in paragraph 1 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 action referred to in Article 1 shall be carried out by the Technical Secretariat of the OPCW.

3 The OPCW shall perform the task referred to in paragraph 2 under the supervision of the High Representative. For that purpose, the High Representative shall enter into the necessary arrangements with the OPCW.

1 The financial reference amount for the implementation of the action referred to in Article 1 shall be EUR 5350000.

2 The expenditure financed by the reference amount set out in paragraph 1 shall be managed in accordance with the rules and procedures 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 contribution agreement with the OPCW. The contribution agreement shall stipulate that the OPCW 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 following 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 High Representative shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of the regular reports of the OPCW. The reports of the High Representative 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.