Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/208 of 30 January 2025 in support of 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, entitled ‘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 objective of the project referred to in paragraph 1 shall be: (a) to render international trade in conventional weapons more responsible and transparent; (b) to mitigate the risk of the diversion of arms to unauthorised users. The objectives set out in the first subparagraph of this paragraph shall be achieved through the transfer of expertise with the aim of supporting alignment with the legal and operational standards of the Union and its Member States, in line with Common Position 2008/944/CFSP, with a particular focus on the Union candidate countries.

3 Project activities shall be implemented in a manner that is complementary to, and in synergy with, Union assistance projects in the field of export controls on conventional arms and on dual-use goods and, where 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 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 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 financed by the Union, referred to in Article 1, shall be EUR 2100000,00.

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 budget.

3 The Commission shall supervise the proper management of the expenditure referred to in paragraph 2. For that purpose, it shall conclude the necessary agreement with BAFA. That 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 six-monthly reports prepared by BAFA.

2 The Commission shall report on the financial aspects of the project 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). However, it shall expire six months after the date of its entry into force if no such agreement has been concluded within that period.