Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/781 of 14 April 2025 in support of the Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan for the implementation of the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction

1 The Union shall further contribute to the implementation and universalisation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction (‘the Convention’) through an operational action supporting the Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan 2025–2029.

2 The objectives of the action referred to in paragraph 1 shall be to support: (a) greater implementation of Article 5 of the Convention; (b) greater implementation of a rights-based approach to ‘victim assistance’ (Article 6.3 of the Convention); (c) fostering promotion of and adherence to the Convention and its norm; (d) compliance with Article 3 of the Convention including through the fostering of cooperation and assistance; (e) promoting implementation of National legislation under Article 9 of the Convention; and (f) demonstrating the commitment of the Union and Member States to the Convention.

3 The objectives referred to in paragraph 2 shall be pursued in such a way as to reinforce the Convention’s tradition of partnership and collaboration between States, non-governmental organisations and other organisations, including representatives from mine-affected communities. All actions shall ensure an inclusive approach at all levels.

4 A detailed description of the action referred to in paragraph 1 is set out in the Annex to this Decision.

1 The High Representative for 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 action referred to in Article 1 shall be entrusted to the Implementation Support Unit (ISU), represented by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD).

3 The ISU shall perform the tasks 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 the GICHD.

1 The financial reference amount for the implementation of the action referred to in Article 1 shall be EUR 2700000,00.

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 general budget of the Union.

3 The Commission shall supervise the proper management of the expenditure financed by the reference amount set out in paragraph 1. For that purpose, it shall conclude a financing agreement with the GICHD, stipulating that the ISU is to ensure the visibility of the Union’s contribution, appropriate to its size.

4 The Commission shall endeavour to conclude the financing 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 the process and of the date of conclusion of the financing agreement.

5 The ISU shall implement the action referred to in Article 1 in accordance with the Decision on strengthening financial governance and transparency within the ISU, taken at the Fourteenth Meeting of the States Parties in 2015. The ISU shall provide, amongst other reporting, narrative and quarterly reports, as well as a logical framework and activity matrix as set out in the Annex.

1 The High Representative shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of regular reports prepared by the ISU. Those reports shall form the basis for the evaluation by the Council.

2 The Commission shall provide information on the financial aspects of the implementation of this Decision.

1 This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

2 This Decision shall expire 48 months after the date of conclusion of the financing agreement referred to in Article 3(3) or six months after the date of its adoption if no financing agreement has been concluded within that period.