Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/2296 of 23 October 2023 on Union support for activities of the Arms Trade Treaty Secretariat in support of the implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty

1 For the purpose of supporting the effective implementation and universalisation of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), the Union shall support the ATT Secretariat in undertaking activities with the following objectives: to support States Parties to the ATT (‘States Parties’) in strengthening their arms transfer control systems for the effective implementation of the ATT; to strengthen the institutional set-up of the ATT Secretariat as the principal body to assist States Parties in implementing the ATT.

2 In order to achieve the objectives referred to in paragraph 1, the Union shall support the following project activities: (a) training for national and regional ATT experts to provide support to States Parties in implementing the ATT at national level; (b) strengthening of States Parties’ understanding of ATT reporting obligations and capacity to meet such obligations, including through the development of a voluntary guidance document and training materials, practical workshops, and the coordination of other international assistance; (c) maintenance of the database for matching offers of and requests for assistance to implement the ATT. A detailed description of the project activities referred to in this paragraph is set out in the Annex.

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

2 The technical implementation of the project activities referred to in Article 1(2) shall be carried out by the ATT Secretariat.

3 The ATT Secretariat shall perform its tasks under the responsibility of the High Representative. For that purpose, the High Representative shall enter into the necessary arrangements with the ATT Secretariat.

1 The financial reference amount for the implementation of the project activities referred to in Article 1(2) shall be EUR 1298000,00.

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 Union’s budget.

3 The Commission shall supervise the proper management of the financial reference amount referred to in paragraph 1. For that purpose, it shall conclude the necessary agreement with the ATT Secretariat. The agreement shall stipulate that the ATT Secretariat 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 conclusion of the agreement.

1 The High Representative shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of regular reports prepared by the ATT Secretariat. The reports shall form the basis for the evaluation carried out by the Council.

2 The Commission shall provide information on the financial aspects of the implementation of the project activities referred to in Article 1(2).

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption. It shall expire 24 months after the date of conclusion of the agreement referred to in Article 3(3), or six months after the date of its adoption if that agreement has not been concluded within that period.