Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/2539 of 13 November 2023 supporting a project on the promotion of effective arms export controls

1 With a view to the implementation of the EU Strategy against illicit firearms, small arms and light weapons and their ammunition (‘Securing arms, protecting citizens’) and Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP, the Union shall further support a project on the promotion of effective arms export controls.

2 The objectives of the project referred to in paragraph 1 shall be to: (a) promote effective controls on arms exports by third countries in accordance with the principles set out in Common Position 2008/944/CFSP and in the ATT; (b) support third countries’ efforts at national and regional level to render trade in conventional weapons more responsible and transparent, and to mitigate the risk of the diversion of arms to unauthorised users.

3 Project activities shall be implemented in complementarity and synergy with Union assistance projects in the field of export controls on conventional arms and dual-use goods, and, when appropriate, with other donors’ assistance projects in the field of export controls.

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

1 The High Representative shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision.

2 The implementation of the project referred to in Article 1 shall be carried out by the German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control, Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle, (‘BAFA’).

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

1 The financial reference amount for the implementation of the project referred to in Article 1 shall be EUR 682464,03.

2 The expenditure financed by the financial 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 this purpose, it shall conclude the necessary agreement with BAFA. The agreement shall stipulate that BAFA 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 BAFA. Those 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 referred to in Article 1.

This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption. It shall expire 14 months after the date of the conclusion of the agreement referred to in Article 3(3), or 6 months after the date of its adoption if the necessary agreement has not been concluded before the expiry of that period.