Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/1451 of 15 July 2025 in support of efforts to prevent and combat the illicit proliferation of and trafficking in small arms and light weapons (SALW) and ammunition and their impact in the Americas – Phase III

1 In the context of the implementation of the EU SALW Strategy, the purpose of this Decision is to address armed violence in the Americas. To that effect, the Union shall finance the project described in the Annex, the aim of which is to counter the illicit proliferation of and trafficking in firearms and ammunition, and to prevent engagement with firearms in highly impacted communities.

2 The objectives of this Decision are: (a) to strengthen regulatory frameworks to address trafficking in firearms in the Americas; (b) to increase the sharing of knowledge and information in respect of trafficking in firearms and the illicit proliferation of SALW in the Americas; (c) to improve state capacities to manage the lifecycle of SALW and ammunition, reducing the risk of diversion to the illicit market; (d) to strengthen national systems for systematic tracing of illicit SALW; (e) to reduce risk factors associated with armed violence at the community level; and (f) to strengthen sub-regional cooperation through the development and implementation of the Sub-Regional Firearms Roadmap.

3 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 (‘HR’) shall be responsible for implementing this Decision.

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

3 The OAS shall perform its tasks under the responsibility of the HR. For that purpose, the HR shall enter into the necessary arrangements with the OAS.

1 The financial reference amount for the implementation of the project financed by the Union shall be EUR 4055956.

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 referred to in paragraph 2. For that purpose, it shall conclude the necessary financing agreement with the OAS. The financing agreement shall stipulate that the OAS has 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 that process and of the date of conclusion of the financing agreement.

1 The HR shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of regular narrative reports prepared by the OAS. Those reports shall form the basis of the evaluation to be carried out by the Council.

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 financing 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.