http://www.legislation.gov.uk/id/eudn/2016/2383

on the Union support for the International Atomic Energy Agency activities in the areas of nuclear security and in the framework of the implementation of the EU Strategy against the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 28 and Article 31(1) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

(1)

On 12 December 2003, the European Council adopted the European Union Strategy against the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (‘the Strategy’), Chapter III of which contains a list of measures that need to be taken both within the Union and in third countries to combat such proliferation.

(2)

The Union is actively implementing the Strategy and is giving effect to the measures listed in Chapter III thereof, in particular through releasing financial resources to support specific projects conducted by multilateral institutions, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

(3)

On 17 November 2003, the Council adopted Common Position 2003/805/CFSP1 on the universalisation and reinforcement of multilateral agreements in the field of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and means of delivery. That Common Position calls, inter alia, for the promotion of the conclusion of IAEA comprehensive safeguards agreements and Additional Protocols and commits the Union to work towards making the comprehensive safeguards agreements and Additional Protocols the standard for the IAEA verification system.

(4)

On 17 May 2004, the Council adopted Joint Action 2004/495/CFSP2 on support for IAEA activities under its Nuclear Security Programme and in the framework of the implementation of the Strategy.

(5)

On 18 July 2005, the Council adopted Joint Action 2005/574/CFSP3 on support for IAEA activities in the areas of nuclear security and verification and in the framework of the implementation of the Strategy.

(6)

On 12 June 2006, the Council adopted Joint Action 2006/418/CFSP4 on support for IAEA activities in the areas of nuclear security and verification and in the framework of the implementation of the Strategy.

(7)

On 14 April 2008, the Council adopted Joint Action 2008/314/CFSP5 on support for IAEA activities in the areas of nuclear security and verification and in the framework of the implementation of the Strategy.

(8)

On 27 September 2010, the Council adopted Decision 2010/585/CFSP6 on support for IAEA activities in the areas of nuclear security and verification and in the framework of the implementation of the Strategy.

(9)

On 21 October 2013, the Council adopted Decision 2013/517/CFSP7 on Union support for the activities of the IAEA in the areas of nuclear security and verification and in the framework of the implementation of the Strategy.

(10)

On 8 May 2016, the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (ACPPNM) entered into force. The Union and its Member States promoted the Amendment through diplomatic outreach and financing of the IAEA activities in that regard. Following its entry into force, sustained efforts will be required to ensure national enforcement and universalization of the ACPPNM.

(11)

The IAEA pursues the same objectives set out in Recitals (3) to (10) through the implementation of its Nuclear Security Plan which is financed entirely through voluntary contributions to the IAEA Nuclear Security Fund.

(12)

The Union is committed to strengthening nuclear security worldwide and is ready to continue assisting third countries in that regard. The Union welcomes recent steps to strengthen the IAEA Nuclear Security Programme as well as the International Conference on Nuclear Security: Commitments and Actions, hosted by the IAEA from 5 to 9 December 2016. The Union aims at maintaining the sustainability and effectiveness of the implementation of Joint Actions 2004/495/CFSP, 2005/574/CFSP, 2006/418/CFSP, 2008/314/CFSP and Decision 2010/585/CFSP in support of the IAEA Nuclear Security Plans (‘previous Joint Actions and Decisions’) and is committed to providing further support in view of the adoption of the IAEA Nuclear Security Plan 2018-2021. Close coordination with the EU Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Centres of Excellence Initiative, as well as other initiatives and programs will be undertaken to avoid duplication and to maximise cost effectiveness and continued risk reduction.

(13)

The technical implementation of this Decision should be entrusted to the IAEA which, on the basis of its longstanding and broadly recognised expertise in the area of nuclear security, could significantly strengthen relevant capabilities in the target countries. The projects as supported by the Union can only be financed through voluntary contributions to the IAEA Nuclear Security Fund. Such contributions to be provided by the Union will be instrumental in enabling the IAEA to play a key role in the area of nuclear security by supporting the efforts of countries to fulfil their nuclear security responsibilities.

(14)

The responsibility for nuclear security within a State rests entirely with the State,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: