In accordance with the EU strategy against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (the ‘EU strategy’), which sets the objective of fostering the role of the UN Security Council and enhancing its expertise in meeting the challenges of proliferation, the Union shall further support the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1540 (2004) and UNSCR 1977 (2011).

The projects in support of UNSCR 1540 (2004), corresponding to measures in line with the EU strategy, shall consist of sub-regional workshops, country visits, meetings, events, training and public relations efforts.

The aims of the projects shall consist of:

• enhancing the relevant national and regional efforts and capabilities, primarily through training, capacity-building and assistance facilitation in close coordination with other Union programmes and other actors involved in the implementation of UNSCR 1540 (2004), to ensure synergies and complementarity;

• contributing to the practical implementation of specific recommendations of both the 2009 comprehensive review on the status of implementation of UNSCR 1540 (2004) and the outcome of the comprehensive review conducted during 2016, in particular in the areas of technical assistance, international cooperation and raising public awareness;

• supporting the development of voluntary UNSCR 1540 (2004) national implementation action plans upon States' request;

• promoting the engagement of relevant stakeholders from industry and civil society in the implementation of UNSCR 1540 (2004).

A detailed description of the projects is set out in the Annex.

The High Representative shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision.

The technical implementation of the projects referred to in Article 1(2) shall be carried out by UNODA, in cooperation with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the African Union, the Organization of American States and the League of Arab States, as appropriate. UNODA shall conclude an agreement with the OSCE regarding the transfer of funds required for the implementation of specific OSCE projects.

UNODA shall carry out the technical implementation of the projects referred to in Article 1(2) under the responsibility and the control of the High Representative. For that purpose, the High Representative shall enter into the necessary arrangements with UNODA.

The financial reference amount for the implementation of the projects referred to in Article 1(2) shall be EUR 2 635 170,77. The total estimated budget of the overall project shall be EUR 2 672 770,77, which shall be provided through co-financing from the general budget of the European Union.

The expenditure financed by the amount stipulated in paragraph 1 shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the general budget of the European Union.

The Commission shall supervise the proper management of the expenditure referred to in paragraph 2. For that purpose, the Commission shall conclude a financing agreement with UNODA. The agreement shall stipulate that UNODA is to ensure visibility of the Union contribution, appropriate to its size. It shall also stipulate that the ultimate responsibility regarding the technical implementation of the projects referred to in Article 1(2) vis-à-vis the Commission shall lie with UNODA.

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.

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

This Decision shall expire on 10 August 2021 .