Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/494 of 11 March 2025 in support of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, its inter-sessional programme and the preparations for its Tenth Review Conference

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), its inter-sessional programme and preparations for the Tenth Review Conference (the ‘action’).

2 The objectives of the action shall be: (a) to support the BTWC inter-sessional programme by facilitating the discussions taking place within the Working Group on the Strengthening of the BTWC as well as the preparations for the Tenth Review Conference in 2027. (b) to strengthen implementation of the Convention by building on the achievements of previous Council Decisions (CFSP).

3 A detailed description of the action 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 activities referred to in Article 1(1) shall be carried out by UNODA.

3 UNODA shall perform the task referred to in paragraph 2 under the responsibility of the High Representative. For that purpose, the High Representative shall enter into the necessary arrangements with UNODA.

1 The financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure related to the implementation of the action (the ‘expenditure’) shall be EUR 1474753,82.

2 The expenditure 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. For that purpose, it shall conclude a contribution agreement with UNODA (the ‘agreement’). The 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 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 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.

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. However, it shall expire 6 months after the date of its entry into force if the agreement has not been concluded within that period.