Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2598 of 15 December 2025 in support of the Hague Code of Conduct and ballistic missile non-proliferation in the framework of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

1 With a view to 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 universalisation, full implementation and enhancement of the Hague Code of Conduct through an operational action.

2 The objectives of the operational action referred to in paragraph 1 shall be to: (a) promote universal subscription to the Hague Code of Conduct; (b) promote the full implementation of the Hague Code of Conduct by subscribing states; and (c) contribute to better integrating the Hague Code of Conduct into efforts to curb the proliferation of ballistic missiles.

3 A detailed description of the operational action referred to in paragraph 1 is set out in the Annex.

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 operational action referred to in Article 1 shall be carried out by the Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS).

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

1 The financial reference amount for the implementation of the action referred to in Article 1 shall be EUR 1099446,40.

2 The expenditure financed by the reference amount set out in paragraph 1 (the ‘expenditure’) shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the Union’s budget.

3 The Commission shall supervise the proper management of the expenditure. For that purpose, it shall conclude the necessary agreement with the FRS (the ‘agreement’). The agreement shall stipulate that the FRS is to ensure the visibility of the Union’s contribution in a manner appropriate to the size of that contribution.

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 doing so 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 prepared by the FRS. Those reports shall form the basis of an evaluation carried out by the Council.

2 The Commission shall provide information on the financial aspects of the action 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 agreement. However, it shall expire six months after the date of its entry into force if the agreement has not been concluded within that period.