Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/349 of 16 January 2024 in support of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention

1 In the context of 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 activities of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) through an operational action in support of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC).

2 The objectives of the action referred to in paragraph 1 shall be to: (a) promote universal adherence to the BTWC by encouraging States not party to the BTWC to better understand the benefits of joining the BTWC and getting more involved in BTWC meetings and other activities; (b) develop national capacities for BTWC implementation in developing countries in order to ensure the effective implementation of the Convention, while also establishing active cooperation networks with national counterparts, experts and national institutions able to provide high-quality and relevant assistance; (c) provide capacity-development opportunities for young policymakers, scientists and academics from the Global South engaged in fields related to the BTWC, encouraging the development of young professionals’ networks and capitalising on training materials developed by the Union; (d) support the intersessional programme from 2024 to 2026; and (e) enable tools for awareness raising, education and engagement.

3 A detailed description of the action is set out in the Annex.

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

2 The technical implementation of the activities referred to in Article 1 shall be carried out by UNODA.

3 UNODA 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 UNODA.

1 The financial reference amount for the implementation of the action financed by the Union referred to in Article 1 shall be EUR 2760292,43.

2 The expenditure financed by the 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 amount set out in paragraph 1. For that purpose, it shall conclude a contribution agreement with UNODA. The contribution agreement shall stipulate that UNODA 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 HR shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of regular reports by UNODA. Those 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.