ANNEX U.K. THE EUROPEAN NETWORK OF INDEPENDENT NON-PROLIFERATION THINK TANKS IN SUPPORT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EU STRATEGY AGAINST PROLIFERATION OF WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION (EU WMD STRATEGY)

3. Description of the projects U.K.

3.2. Project 2: Creation of an Internet platform U.K.

3.2.1. Purpose of the project U.K.

The establishment of an Internet website will facilitate intersessional contacts between the network meetings and foster research dialogue among the non-proliferation think tanks. The institutions of the Union and Member States could also benefit from a dedicated website where network participants are free to exchange information, share their ideas and to publish their studies on non-proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery and conventional weapons issues, including SALW. The website could be accompanied by an e-newsletter.

The project will provide an online follow-up to the events and a window for European research. It will contribute to efficient dissemination of research results among the think tank community and to governmental circles. This will lead to better anticipation and knowledge of threats linked to the proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery, and conventional weapons, including the illicit trade and excessive accumulation of SALW and their ammunition.

3.2.2. Results of the project U.K.

• establish a platform where non-proliferation think tanks can share their independent views and analysis on WMD proliferation and conventional weapons issues, including SALW,

• promote a better understanding of the EU WMD and SALW Strategies within the civil society and serve as an interface between the Union and the network of think tanks,

• allow the free download of documents from the network’s meetings and from independent think tanks who may wish to share their research results without financial compensation,

• increase awareness and knowledge of the institutions of the Union, the Member States, civil society and third countries about threats related to conventional weapons, WMD and their means of delivery, allowing them to improve anticipation.

3.2.3. Description of the project U.K.

The use of a social network-service type of technology, when feasible and appropriate, could be explored in order to save costs and allow active online communication and information exchange between the network participants in a familiar environment. The EU Non-Proliferation Consortium, in charge of the project, would be responsible for webhosting, webdesign and technical maintenance of the website. The consortium could provide basic training to the representative of the HR and the relevant Council working parties on the website.