Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2565 of 15 December 2025 in support of the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons in all its aspects and the Global Framework on Ammunition

1 In line with the EU SALW Strategy, the purpose of this Decision is to reduce the prevalence of illicit arms and ammunition and prevent their devastating human cost. This will be achieved through: (a) the strengthening of relevant international frameworks and of global policy frameworks; and, (b) the translation of global policy frameworks into action through the support to multilateral processes, regional cooperation and targeted national support, which will contribute to combating illicit SALW and ammunition, while helping to prevent armed violence and conflict. The project is designed to build the resilience of States and civil society organisations to prevent the illicit trafficking of arms and ammunition due to diversion, and to strengthen weapons and ammunition management globally.

2 Pursuant to paragraph 1, the objectives of this Decision are the following: (a) to strengthen forward-looking and action-oriented policy outcomes under the GFA, the UN PoA and the ITI; (b) to support the coordinated and strengthened implementation of the international instruments at the national, sub-regional and regional level; and, (c) to leverage SALW and ammunition control in broader peace and security efforts frameworks to more effectively prevent armed violence and promote peace and development.

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 UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA).

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

1 The financial reference amount for the implementation of the project financed by the Union shall be EUR 4399030,86.

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 1. For that purpose, it shall conclude the necessary financing agreement with the UNODA. The financing agreement shall stipulate that the UNODA 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 UNODA. 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 6 months after the date of its entry into force if no such financing agreement has been concluded within that period.