Community cooperation under this Regulation shall be implemented on the basis of a general multiannual strategy paper for the Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation.

The strategy paper shall constitute a general basis for the cooperation and shall be established for a period up to seven years. It shall set out the Community's strategy for cooperation under this Regulation, having regard to the needs of the countries concerned, the Community's priorities, the international situation and the activities of the respective third countries. The strategy paper shall also indicate the added value of the cooperation and how to avoid duplication with other programmes and initiatives, in particular those of international organisations pursuing similar objectives and major donors.

The strategy paper shall aim at providing a coherent framework for cooperation between the Community and the third countries or regions concerned, consistent with the overall purpose and scope, objectives, principles and policy of the Community.

Preparation of the strategy paper shall be subject to the principles of aid effectiveness: national ownership, partnership, coordination, harmonisation, alignment to recipient country or regional systems, mutual accountability and results orientation.

The Commission shall approve the strategy paper, in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 11(2). The Commission shall review and, if necessary, update the strategy paper at mid-term, or whenever necessary, following the same procedure.