Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/442 of 28 February 2025 on Union outreach activities 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 undertake project activities with the following objectives: (a) the reinforcement or development of arms transfer control capacities and expertise for ATT implementation in beneficiary countries; (b) outreach to other countries, including non-States Parties to the ATT, with a view to supporting the universalisation of the ATT at national, regional and multilateral level.

2 In order to achieve the objectives set out in paragraph 1, the Union shall undertake the following project activities: (a) national workshops; (b) ad hoc assistance; (c) train-the-trainer activities; (d) regional and multilateral activities, such as conferences, workshops and study visits; (e) side events. A detailed description of the project activities is set out in the Annex.

3 The project activities referred to in this Decision shall be implemented in complementarity and synergy with Union assistance projects in the field of export control for conventional arms and dual-use goods, and, where appropriate, with other donors’ assistance projects in the field of arms trade control.

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 activities referred to in Article 1(2) shall be carried out by the German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle – BAFA) and Expertise France.

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

1 The financial reference amount for the implementation of the project activities referred to in Article 1(2) shall be EUR 3100000,00.

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 financial reference amount referred to in paragraph 1. For that purpose, it shall conclude the necessary agreements with BAFA and Expertise France. The agreements shall stipulate that BAFA and Expertise France are to ensure the visibility of the Union’s contribution, appropriate to its size.

4 The Commission shall endeavour to conclude the agreements 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 those agreements.

1 The High Representative shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of annual reports prepared by BAFA and Expertise France.

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

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 agreements referred to in Article 3(3) or six months after the date of its entry into force if those agreements have not been concluded within that period.