THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to Joint Action 2002/589/CFSP and in particular Article 6 thereof, in conjunction with the second indent of Article 23(2) of the Treaty on European Union,
Whereas:
(1)
The excessive and uncontrolled accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons has fuelled crime and insecurity in South Eastern Europe, exacerbating conflict in the region and undermining post-conflict peace building, and places a serious constraint on economic and social development in South Eastern Europe.
(2)
In pursuing the objectives set out in Article 1 of Joint Action 2002/589/CFSP, the European Union envisages operating within the relevant international fora and in a regional context, as appropriate, to render assistance through international organisations, programmes and agencies as well as regional arrangements.
(3)
The Regional Implementation Plan on Small Arms and Light Weapons established under the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe is intended to provide a framework for South East European countries to develop programmes and project proposals leading to strengthened capabilities in controlling the illicit proliferation and flow of weapons.
(4)
Under the auspices of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Stability Pact, a ‘South East Europe Regional Clearinghouse for Small Arms Reduction’ was established, located in Belgrade, and consisting of a technical support unit, supporting a number of regional and national level operational activities.
(5)
The objectives of this clearing house include strengthening capabilities of governments and non-governmental organisations to stem the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons throughout South East Europe. The clearing house should place particular emphasis on the development of regional projects to address the reality of cross-border flows of weapons.
(6)
The European Union considers that the Regional Implementation Plan, as well as the objectives of the clearing house, cover matters relating to the supply of, and demand for, small arms and light weapons and are part of the follow-up to the Programme of Action to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects adopted by the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in all its aspects (New York, 9 to 20 July 2001).
(7)
The European Union considers that financial assistance to the clearing house would pursue the objective of close cooperation among States to reach the goals stated in the United Nations Programme of Action, including information-sharing, assistance and standard-setting, and highlights the role of regional organisations in fostering this cooperation.
(8)
The Commission has agreed to be entrusted with the implementation of this Decision.
(9)
The European Union intends therefore to offer financial assistance to the clearing house in accordance with Title II of Joint Action 2002/589/CFSP,
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: