title: Council Decision 2012/121/CFSP of 27 February 2012 in support of activities to promote EU-China-Africa dialogue and cooperation on conventional arms controls

text:
               28.2.2012

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 54/8

         COUNCIL DECISION 2012/121/CFSP
   of 27 February 2012
   in support of activities to promote EU-China-Africa dialogue and cooperation on conventional arms controls
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 26(2) thereof,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               At its meeting held on 15 and 16 December 2005, the European Council adopted the EU Strategy to combat the illicit accumulation and trafficking of small arms and light weapons (hereinafter ‘SALW’) and their ammunition (hereinafter ‘EU SALW Strategy’). The Strategy identifies the African continent as one of the regions most affected by the illegal trade and excessive accumulation of SALW.

               (2)

               The EU SALW Strategy defines several tasks to be fulfilled by the Union, including the research of consensus within exporting countries with a view to supplying small arms to governments only, in accordance with restrictive and appropriate regional and international criteria on arms exports.

               (3)

               The EU SALW Strategy also recommends the inclusion of SALW as a topic to be addressed in the political dialogue with third countries and international, regional or sub-regional organisations, paying special attention to the coordination of actions with the Union's main partners and major SALW exporters, including China.

               (4)

               The Council of the European Union adopted in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2010 Council Conclusions in support of the negotiation of an Arms Trade Treaty, a legally binding international instrument establishing common international standards for transfers of conventional weapons. It underlined the importance of cooperation in this process with other States and regional organisations.

               (5)

               Since its establishment in 2005, the EU-China Strategic Dialogue includes provisions for dialogue on non-proliferation and conventional arms exports. China and the Union agreed at their 2006 Summit to create a new dialogue on Africa's peace, stability, and sustainable development, in order to foster understanding between partners, to discuss activities and priorities, and to provide an opportunity for integrating China into international efforts to improve and coordinate cooperation activities. The 2007-2013 EU-China Strategy Paper defines the fundamental approach of the Union to China as one of engagement and partnership and singles out cooperation to prevent the illicit trade in SALW as a priority.

               (6)

               In December 2004 China and the Union signed a Joint Declaration on non-proliferation and disarmament, covering also cooperation in the field of conventional weapons. In the Joint Declaration, the Union and China noted that ‘positive and active efforts must also be made to strengthen controls over exports of conventional weapons. The arms control regimes concerning certain conventional weapons need to be strengthened. Efforts to prevent illicit trade of small arms and light weapons and flows of those weapons that would impair regional peace and stability, should be enhanced.’

               (7)

               The 2007 Joint Africa-EU Strategic Partnership defines the prevention of the illicit trade in and excessive accumulation of SALW as an area for action through enhancing capacity, networking, cooperation and exchange of information. China was invited and participated as an observer in the 2010 EU-Africa Summit,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   1.   The Union shall pursue the development of cooperation between civil society, industry, and government representatives of China, the Union, and the African States, including through dialogue between respective civil societies and industries, to develop common approaches to address the threats posed by the illicit trade and excessive accumulation of SALW and the lack of regulation at international level of trade in conventional arms. Development of such cooperation should also be reflected in increased support for and implementation of a strong and robust Arms Trade Treaty.
   2.   The Union shall pursue the objective referred to in paragraph 1 through the following projects and measures:

               —

               the establishment and development of a joint African-EU-Chinese Expert Working Group on conventional arms and a joint African-EU-Chinese Research Centre on conventional arms. The objective of the Expert Working Group and the Research Centre shall be to increase among the policy community in China, Africa, and the Union responsible for conventional arms issues and export controls thereof, awareness of, and engagement on, problems related to the illegal trade and excessive accumulation of SALW, and the lack of regulation at international level of legal trade in conventional weapons. Increased awareness of, and engagement on those issues, will contribute to the successful negotiation and implementation of, a strong and robust Arms Trade Treaty,

               —

               conducting advocacy and research activities aimed at identifying opportunities for EU-China cooperation to support African States in preventing the illegal trade in and excessive accumulation of SALW.

         A detailed description of the projects and measures referred to in this paragraph is set out in the Annex.
   Article 2
   1.   The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (hereinafter ‘HR’) shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision.
   2.   The technical implementation of the projects and measures referred to in Article 1(2) shall be carried out by the non-governmental organisation ‘Saferworld’.
   3.   Saferworld shall perform its tasks under the responsibility of the HR. For this purpose, the HR shall enter into the necessary arrangements with Saferworld.
   Article 3
   1.   The financial reference amount for the implementation of the projects and measures referred to in Article 1(2) shall be EUR 830 000.
   2.   The expenditure financed by the amount set out in paragraph 1 shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the general budget of the Union.
   3.   The Commission shall supervise the proper management of the expenditure referred to in paragraph 2. For this purpose, it shall conclude a financing agreement with Saferworld. The agreement shall stipulate that Saferworld is to ensure the visibility of the EU contribution, appropriate to its size.
   4.   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.
   Article 4
   The HR shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of regular quarterly reports prepared by Saferworld. Those reports shall form the basis for the evaluation carried out by the Council. The Commission shall report on the financial aspects of the implementation of the projects and measures referred to in Article 1(2).
   Article 5
   1.   This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.
   2.   This Decision shall expire 24 months after the date of conclusion of the financing agreement referred to in Article 3(3). However, it shall expire six months after the date of its entry into force if that financing agreement has not been concluded by that time.

      Done at Brussels, 27 February 2012.

            For the Council

            The President

         C. ASHTON

      ANNEX

         PROJECTS AND MEASURES REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 1(2)

      1.   Objectives

      The objectives of the Decision are: to pursue the development of cooperation between civil society, industry, and government representatives in China, the European Union, and the African continent; to develop common approaches to address the threat posed by the illicit trade and excessive accumulation of SALW; and to support the United Nations (UN) Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) process up to, at and beyond the ATT 2012 diplomatic conference. Such objectives are to be pursued through the establishment and development of a joint African-EU-Chinese Expert Working Group on conventional arms (hereinafter ‘EWG’), and of a joint African-EU-Chinese Research Centre on conventional arms (hereinafter ‘RC’). The objective of the EWG and the RC shall be to increase awareness and engagement by the policy community in China, Africa, and the Union on problems associated with the illegal trade and excessive accumulation of SALW, and on the need for agreement on an ATT.
      The objective of strengthened cooperation between China, the Union, and Africa shall also be sought by conducting advocacy and research activities aimed at identifying opportunities for EU-China cooperation to support African States in preventing the illegal trade in and excessive accumulation of SALW.
      2.   Description of projects and measures

      2.1.   Establishment and development of a joint African-EU-Chinese Expert Working Group on conventional arms, and of a joint African-EU-Chinese Research Centre on conventional arms

      2.1.1.   Project objectives

                  —

                  to establish fora and networks for Union, Chinese and African policy community experts to discuss different aspects of conventional arms illicit trade,

                  —

                  to increase, among the policy community in China, Africa, and the Union, awareness of, and engagement on, problems related to the illegal trade and excessive accumulation of SALW, and poor regulation at international level of legal trade in conventional weapons. Increased awareness of, and engagement on these issues, should result in common support for a strong and robust ATT,

                  —

                  to enhance, at official and policy-community levels, EU-China-Africa dialogue in order to improve mutual understandings and identify common approaches on the UN ATT process, up to, at and beyond the 2012 ATT diplomatic conference, including through support to joint research and analysis by Union, Chinese and African researchers on respective national and regional positions,

                  —

                  to develop recommendations from the research community on the ATT and SALW, and to effectively transmit them to Chinese, African and Union's and Member States government officials, politicians and policy communities.

            2.1.2.   Project description

      (a)   Establishment and development of a joint African-EU-Chinese Expert Working Group on conventional arms
      The EWG will be the core ‘institutional’ foundation of the dialogue process promoted by the Council Decision and will be formed through careful coordination between Saferworld, and civil society partner organisations in Africa and China. It will consist of nine members from China, the Union and Africa drawn from university departments, think tanks and research centres who would be identified on the basis of their expertise, reputation, and interest. The EWG will act as a means to share information, ideas, expertise and research amongst its members on conventional arms control issues, identifying the nature of the threats, assessing the effectiveness of current interventions and making recommendations on cooperative actions for policymakers.
      It is expected to serve as a platform for interested civil society actors, outside of the direct dialogue process, and to provide an accessible pool of expertise that policymakers and officials responsible for conventional arms and export controls thereof in China, the Union and Africa will be able to draw on. African, Chinese and Union officials will also be invited to observe the working of the EWG.
      (b)   Establishment and development a joint African-EU-Chinese Research Centre on conventional arms
      The objective of the RC will be to support joint research and analysis by Union, Chinese and African researchers. It will be established in China. The RC will provide a wide range of relevant materials and resources in English and Chinese related to SALW and the ATT process. The same materials and resources will be made accessible electronically through a website that will also act as the public interface of the EWG.
      Activities to be supported in the implementation of tasks referred to in points (a) and (b) will include:

                  —

                  the organisation of preparatory and follow-up meetings in China and in Europe, between Saferworld, and relevant Chinese and African partner organisations, to define the structure and timeline of the project; to identify detailed work plans for the establishment and development of the RC and of the EWG; to establish a project coordination team; to define responsibilities in the team; and to monitor and evaluate progress in the implementation of activities,

                  —

                  the provision and translation of relevant key materials related to SALW and the ATT, to be used by policy communities in China, Africa, and the Union, and to be made accessible, including electronically, through an RC website. The website will also act as the public interface of the EWG,

                  —

                  the organisation of several meetings between Saferworld, partner organisations and relevant Chinese authorities to introduce the activities of the RC and of the EWG, and to present and discuss mid-term and final results, with a view to ensuring relevant authorities' support for the activities,

                  —

                  the organisation of up to two two-day meetings per year of the EWG, in China, Europe and Africa, to define research plans and provide guidance in the implementation of advocacy and research activities, development and communication of policy recommendations. Each meeting will produce a brief report on the stage of implementation of the project,

                  —

                  the organisation of two ATT workshops for up to 40 participants, including representatives of Union, Chinese and African policy communities and authorities responsible for conventional arms and export controls thereof, military and defence industry and civil society experts, to review progress in the negotiations towards an ATT, identify areas of commonality amongst different countries,

                  —

                  the publication of a briefing by Saferworld and the EWG which examines Union and Chinese positions on the ATT. The briefing will be aimed at informing discussions with Union, Chinese and African officials in the run up to the 2012 ATT conference. It will explore the differences in position on the ATT between the Union, China and African States,

                  —

                  the production of a comprehensive report on the major lessons learned detailing the successes and challenges of the project, recommending models and options for future EU-China-Africa dialogue on SALW and the ATT process,

                  —

                  the organisation of two events for the official launch and closing of the project.

            2.1.3.   Project results

                  —

                  increased awareness, knowledge and understanding by 500 Chinese, African, and Union policy community actors, including officials in charge of conventional arms issues and export controls thereof, scholars, parliamentarians, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and journalists, of the UN ATT process and of respective national positions, up to and beyond the 2012 ATT diplomatic conference,

                  —

                  improved dialogue, interaction, and cooperation on SALW and the UN ATT process amongst 60 Union, Chinese and African officials, and civil societies, including through the identification of recommendations on the opportunities for collective actions,

                  —

                  sustainable links amongst 50 individuals representing Union, African and Chinese policy community institutions providing a means for ongoing information and experience sharing, as well as practical cooperation on SALW and other conventional arms control-related issues beyond the life of this project.

            2.2.   Promotion of EU-China cooperation to support African States in preventing the illegal trade in and excessive accumulation of SALW

      2.2.1.   Project objectives

                  —

                  to support joint research and analysis by Union, Chinese and African researchers on the problems associated with SALW proliferation in Africa and the opportunities for EU-China cooperative actions in this area,

                  —

                  to assist African States in identifying assistance needs and formulate assistance requests in areas related to the prevention of the illicit trade in and excessive accumulation of SALW,

                  —

                  to formulate recommendations for Union and Chinese policymakers on opportunities for joint EU-China assistance to third countries in Africa.

            2.2.2.   Project description

      The project will allow the identification of opportunities for EU-China cooperation in assisting African third countries in addressing the threats posed by the illicit trade in and excessive accumulation of SALW. It will consist of a series of activities including:

                  —

                  the organisation of up to three study visits in Africa by the members of the EWG to deepen their understanding of the impact of the illicit trade in, and excessive accumulation of SALW in the continent, meet local actors, and discuss technical assistance needs,

                  —

                  the organisation of an international policy seminar in Africa on the prevention of SALW proliferation in the continent. The meeting will be attended by up to 30 participants, including EWG members, and other African, Chinese, and EU civil society representatives and officials in charge of conventional arms issues, and export controls thereof. It will further identify practical areas where Africa's assistance requests to prevent the illicit trade in, and excessive accumulation of SALW can be linked to Chinese and Union assistance,

                  —

                  the technical assessment of SALW control needs in one African country, including estimates of costs, areas of intervention and recommendations on implementing agencies. The study will be developed in close relationship with government officials involved in administering the SALW control system, as well as representatives of the defence sector, in the relevant African country,

                  —

                  the publication by the EWG of an in-depth report focussing on the circulation of SALW in Africa, assessing the effectiveness of current interventions and making clear recommendations for policymakers on cooperative EU-China-Africa actions based on the technical assessment, the study visits and the seminar in Africa. The report will be translated and disseminated to approximately 500 civil society actors, officials, policymakers and politicians in China, the EU and Africa to heighten general awareness of the opportunity for EU-China-Africa cooperation on SALW control in Africa. It will also be presented at meetings with officials foreseen under the project referred to in point 2.1,

                  —

                  support to one African country in defining and communicating its needs and official requests for assistance on SALW control,

                  —

                  the organisation of meetings with relevant Union and Chinese officials to promote the development of a joint project concept,

                  —

                  the organisation of an EU-China-Africa policy seminar in China to present the findings and recommendations of the EWG. The meeting will be attended by up to 50 participants, including African, Union, and Chinese civil society representatives and officials responsible for conventional arms issues, and export controls thereof. It will provide an opportunity to review the SALW work of the EWG and debate its recommendations, and provide a framework for practical collaborative action, such as Union and Chinese aid in the areas of stockpile management, destruction of surpluses and record-keeping.

            2.2.3.   Project results

                  —

                  increased awareness by approximately 500 Chinese and Union policy community actors, including scholars, parliamentarians, NGOs and journalists, of problems associated with SALW proliferation in Africa and the opportunities for EU-China cooperative actions in this area,

                  —

                  improved capacity of one African State to identify assistance need and formulate assistance requests to prevent the illicit trade in, and excessive accumulation of SALW,

                  —

                  identification of opportunities for joint EU-China assistance to third countries in Africa in the field of SALW controls.

            3.   Participant and venues of seminars/workshops and closing and opening events

      Unless otherwise specified in the text of this Annex, Saferworld will propose potential participants and venues for seminars/workshops, and closing and opening events under the projects referred to in points 2.1 and 2.2, which will then be endorsed by the HR, in consultation with the competent Council bodies.
      4.   Beneficiaries

      The direct beneficiaries of the projects will be an estimated 500 policy community actors in China, Africa, and Union, including NGOs, think tanks, industry representatives, government officials in charge of conventional arms export controls, and parliamentarians.
      The indirect beneficiaries will be the population, groups and individuals in Africa who are adversely affected by the illegal trade in SALW.
      5.   Impact assessment

      The impact of this Decision should be technically assessed upon completion of the last of the activities foreseen in it. The impact assessment will be carried out by the HR, in cooperation with relevant Council Working Groups, the Delegation of the European Union to China, and other relevant stakeholders.
      6.   Duration

      The total estimated duration of the projects is be 24 months.
      7.   Technical implementing entity

      The technical implementation of the Decision will be entrusted to Saferworld which will perform its tasks under the responsibility of the HR.
      8.   Reporting

      Saferworld will prepare regular quarterly reports, including after the completion of each of the activities described. The reports should be submitted to the HR not later than six weeks after the completion of the relevant activities.
      9.   Estimated total cost of the projects and measures and EU financial contribution

      The total cost of the projects and measures is EUR 830 000.


title: Decision No 1349/2008/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 amending Decision No 1719/2006/EC establishing the 'Youth in Action' programme for the period 2007 to 2013 (Text with EEA relevance)

text:
               24.12.2008

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 348/113

      DECISION No 1349/2008/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

   of 16 December 2008
   amending Decision No 1719/2006/EC establishing the ’Youth in Action’ programme for the period 2007 to 2013
   (Text with EEA relevance)
   THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 149(4) thereof,
   Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
   Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1),
   After consulting the Committee of the Regions,
   Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (2),
   Whereas:

               (1)

               Decision No 1719/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 November 2006 (3) established the ‘Youth in Action’ programme for the period 2007 to 2013.

               (2)

               Article 10(2) of Decision No 1719/2006/EC stipulates that measures necessary for the implementation of the programme other than those listed in paragraph 1 are to be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 9(3) of that Decision, namely in accordance with the advisory procedure established by Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (4).

               (3)

               This wording of Decision No 1719/2006/EC results in particular in grant award decisions other than those referred to in Article 10(1) of that Decision being subject to the advisory procedure and to the European Parliament's right of scrutiny.

               (4)

               Yet these selection decisions mainly concern small grants and do not involve any politically sensitive decision making.

               (5)

               These procedural requirements add two to three months to the process of awarding grants to applicants. They cause many delays for recipients, place a disproportionate burden on the programme's administration and provide no added value given the nature of the grants awarded.

               (6)

               In order to allow selection decisions to be implemented more quickly and efficiently, it is necessary to replace the advisory procedure with an obligation on the Commission to inform the European Parliament and the Member States without delay about any measures taken for the implementation of Decision No 1719/2006/EC without the assistance of a committee,

         HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
   Article 1
   Decision No 1719/2006/EC is amended as follows:

               1.

               Article 9(3) shall be deleted.

               2.

               Article 10(2) shall be replaced by the following:
               ‘2.   The Commission shall inform the Committee referred to in Article 9 and the European Parliament of all other selection decisions it has taken for the implementation of this Decision within two working days of the adoption of the decisions in question. This information shall include descriptions and an analysis of the applications received, a description of the assessment and selection procedure, and lists of both the projects proposed for funding and those rejected.’

         Article 2
   The Commission shall report to the European Parliament and the Council on the impact of this Decision by 25 June 2010.
   Article 3
   This Decision shall enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

      Done at Strasbourg, 16 December 2008.

            For the European Parliament

            The President

         H.-G. PÖTTERING

            For the Council

            The President

         B. LE MAIRE

      (1)  OJ C 224, 30.8.2008, p. 113.

      (2)  Opinion of the European Parliament of 2 September 2008 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and Council Decision of 20 November 2008.

      (3)  OJ L 327, 24.11.2006, p. 30.

      (4)  OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.


title: Council Decision 2012/700/CFSP of 13 November 2012 in the framework of the European Security Strategy in support of the implementation of the Cartagena Action Plan 2010-2014, adopted by the States Parties to the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction

text:
               14.11.2012

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 314/40

         COUNCIL DECISION 2012/700/CFSP
   of 13 November 2012
   in the framework of the European Security Strategy in support of the implementation of the Cartagena Action Plan 2010-2014, adopted by the States Parties to the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 26(2) and 31(1) thereof,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               The Union should aim for a high degree of cooperation in all fields of international relations, in order, inter alia, to preserve peace, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.

               (2)

               On 12 December 2003, the European Council adopted the European Security Strategy identifying global challenges and threats, and calling for a rule-based international order based on effective multilateralism and well-functioning international institutions.

               (3)

               The European Security Strategy acknowledges the United Nations Charter as the fundamental framework for international relations and advocates strengthening the United Nations (‘the UN’) and equipping it to fulfil its responsibilities and to act effectively.

               (4)

               United Nations General Assembly Resolution 51/45 of 10 December 1996 urged all States to pursue vigorously an effective, legally-binding international agreement to ban the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines.

               (5)

               The Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction (‘the Convention’) was opened for signature on 3 December 1997 and entered into force on 1 March 1999. It constitutes the only comprehensive international instrument dealing with all aspects of anti-personnel mines, including their use, stockpiling, production, trade, clearance and victim assistance.

               (6)

               On 23 June 2008 the Council adopted Joint Action 2008/487/CFSP (1) in support of the universalisation and implementation of the Convention. As of 1 October 2012, 160 States have expressed their consent to be bound by the Convention.

               (7)

               On 3 December 2009, the States Parties to the Convention adopted the Cartagena Action Plan 2010-2014 (‘the Cartagena Action Plan’) on the universalisation and implementation of all aspects of the Convention. They thereby recognised and further encouraged the full participation in and contribution to the implementation of the Convention by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (‘the ICBL’), the International Committee of the Red Cross (‘the ICRC’), national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (‘the IFRC’), the UN, the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (‘the GICHD’), international and regional organisations, mine survivors and their organisations, and other civil society organisations, as provided for in action No 62 of the Cartagena Action Plan.

               (8)

               On 3 December 2010, the States Parties to the Convention adopted the ‘Directive of the States Parties to the Implementation Support Unit’ (‘the ISU’) in which the States Parties agreed that the ISU should provide advice and technical support to States Parties on the implementation and universalisation of the Convention, facilitate communication among the States Parties, and promote communication and information regarding the Convention both towards States not parties to the Convention and to the public. The ISU was mandated to liaise and coordinate as appropriate with relevant international organisations participating in the work of the Convention, including the ICBL, the ICRC, the IFRC, the UN and the GICHD.

               (9)

               On 2 December 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/29 on the implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction. The General Assembly recalled that at the Second Review Conference of the Convention the international community had reviewed the implementation of the Convention, and that the States Parties to the Convention had adopted the Cartagena Action Plan, stressing the importance of the full and effective implementation of, and compliance with, the Convention, including through the implementation of the Cartagena Action Plan. The States Parties to the Convention invited all States that had not yet done so to ratify or accede to the Convention, and urged all States to remain seized of the issue at the highest political level and to promote adherence to the Convention through bilateral, sub-regional, regional and multilateral contacts, outreach, seminars and other means.

               (10)

               In 2012 and 2013, Meetings of the States Parties to the Convention will take place. The international community will then gather in 2014 for the Convention’s Third Review Conference to assess progress in the implementation of the Cartagena Action Plan. By that time it will be expected that the implementation of the Action Plan will have brought about a substantial contribution to progress towards ending the suffering and casualties caused by anti-personnel mines,

         HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
   Article 1
   1.   With a view to supporting the implementation of the Cartagena Action Plan 2010-2014 (‘the Cartagena Action Plan’) adopted by the States Parties to the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction (‘the Convention’), in the framework of the European Security Strategy and in line with relevant decisions of the international community, the Union shall pursue the following objectives:

               (a)

               supporting the efforts of States Parties to the Convention to implement the victim assistance aspects of the Cartagena Action Plan;

               (b)

               supporting the efforts of States Parties to the Convention to implement the mine clearance aspects of the Cartagena Action Plan;

               (c)

               promotion of the universalisation of the Convention;

               (d)

               demonstrating the ongoing commitment of the Union and its Member States to the Convention and their resolve to cooperate with, and extend assistance to, those States that need support in meeting their commitments under the Convention, and enhancing the leading role of the Union in pursuing the Convention’s vision of a conclusive end to the suffering and casualties caused by anti-personnel mines.

         2.   All the objectives referred to in paragraph 1 shall be pursued in such a way that they reinforce the Convention’s historic culture of partnership and collaboration between States, non-governmental and other organisations and local partners, particularly by working closely with relevant actors to enhance specific manifestations of such a collaboration.
   3.   In order to achieve the objectives referred to in paragraph 1, the Union shall undertake the following projects:

               (a)

               Victim assistance: providing technical support in up to eight instances, carrying out up to five mid-term appraisals and executing up to five follow-up actions;

               (b)

               Mine clearance: carrying out up to five mid-term appraisals and executing up to five follow-up actions;

               (c)

               Universalisation of the Convention: supporting a high level task force, producing a study on border security without anti-personnel mines, and organising up to three universalisation workshops;

               (d)

               Demonstrating the commitment of the Union: staging launch and wrap-up events, ensuring the accessibility of the Convention’s website, making the victim assistance commitments of the States Parties to the Convention widely available, organising a press visit, and producing communications materials and publications.

         A detailed description of the projects is set out in the Annex.
   Article 2
   1.   The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (‘the High Representative’) shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision.
   2.   The technical implementation of the projects referred to in Article 1(3) shall be carried out by the Implementation Support Unit (‘the ISU’), represented by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (‘the GICHD’). The ISU shall perform these tasks under the control of the High Representative. For this purpose, the High Representative shall enter into the necessary arrangements with the GICHD.
   Article 3
   1.   The financial reference amount for the implementation of the projects referred to in Article 1(3) shall be EUR 1 030 000.
   2.   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 Union.
   3.   The Commission shall supervise the proper management of the expenditure referred to in paragraph 1. For this purpose, it shall conclude a financing agreement with the GICHD, stipulating that the ISU is to ensure visibility of the Union contribution, appropriate to its size.
   4.   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.
   Article 4
   The High Representative shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of regular reports to be prepared by the ISU. Those reports shall form the basis for the evaluation by the Council. The Commission shall provide information on the financial aspects of the implementation of this Decision.
   Article 5
   This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.
   It shall expire 24 months after the date of conclusion of the financing agreement referred to in Article 3(3) or six months after the date of its entry into force if no financing agreement has been concluded within that period.

      Done at Brussels, 13 November 2012.

            For the Council

            The President

         V. SHIARLY

      (1)  OJ L 165, 26.6.2008, p. 41.

      ANNEX
      1.   Objective

      The overall objective of this Decision is the promotion of peace and security by supporting the implementation of the Cartagena Action Plan, regarding the universalisation and implementation of all aspects of the Convention.
      2.   Description of the projects

      In order to achieve the objectives referred to in Article 1(1) of this Decision, the Union will undertake the following projects:
      2.1.   Victim assistance

      2.1.1.   Project objective

      States Parties to the Convention are supported in implementing the victim assistance aspects of the Cartagena Action Plan in such a way that they are better able to coordinate and implement activities which will result in a meaningful positive difference in the lives of women, men, girls and boys who have fallen victim to landmines and other explosive remnants of war.
      2.1.2.   Project description

                  —

                  National technical support will be provided by the ISU in up to three instances, including by initiating and/or supporting inter-ministerial processes to implement victim assistance obligations in national contexts, to States Parties to the Convention that either (a) have engaged little in the effort to implement the victim assistance elements of the Cartagena Action Plan and therefore could benefit from a stimulus to begin doing so, or (b) have established, or are well on the way to establishing a national plan and therefore would have some implementation experience to assess, thus rendering themselves more likely to be candidates for a comprehensive national mid-term appraisal of efforts to implement the Cartagena Action Plan.

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                  Comprehensive national mid-term appraisals, in up to three instances, will be made. Those appraisals will involve the ISU, in collaboration with key actors such as the ICBL, assisting beneficiary States in drawing up a detailed background paper for a national workshop, organising a national workshop, and drafting a detailed outcome document constituting the ‘appraisal’ in which remaining challenges will be outlined, objectives set and recommendations made.

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                  Follow-up actions, in up to three instances, will be undertaken in response to recommendations contained in the mid-term appraisals. Those follow-up actions will involve the provision by the ISU of additional technical support (e.g. for the revision of national plans, the development of a project proposal or proposals, etc.).

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                  A global, high level conference on assistance to the victims of landmines and other explosive remnants of war will be organised by the ISU, in collaboration with key actors such as the ICBL, with the aim of building upon the experience of assisting victims in the context of the Convention in order to take advantage of potential synergy/efficiencies with regard to the implementation of international instruments (e.g. the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), Protocol V to the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons which may be Deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to have Indiscriminate Effects (CCW) and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)) which deal with the same subject matter and affected States.

            2.1.3.   Project results

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                  Beneficiary States of technical support which have engaged little in the effort to implement the victim assistance aspects of the Cartagena Action Plan will identify a focal point which will further advance with the implementation of victim assistance obligations and participate in subsequent Convention activities.

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                  Each beneficiary State of technical support in all instances will be provided with a report containing recommendations on the logical next steps it could take in implementing the victim assistance aspects of the Cartagena Action Plan.

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                  Beneficiary States of technical support in five instances will have the concept paper developed and a list of participants proposed for national workshops to take place as part of a mid-term appraisal.

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                  Beneficiary States of mid-term appraisals will receive a detailed outcome document setting out the remaining challenges, with objectives and recommendations for further action.

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                  Beneficiary States of follow-up support will be better able to express their intentions to fulfil the Cartagena Action Plan commitments and their need for support (e.g. for the revision of national plans, the development of a project proposal or proposals, etc.).

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                  Ways will be identified to take advantage of potential synergy/efficiencies with regard to the implementation of international instruments (e.g. CCM, Protocol V to the CCW and CRPD) which deal with the same subject matter and affected States.

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                  Awareness of the global effort to address the needs and guarantee the rights of survivors through broad participation in a high-level conference will be raised.

            2.1.4.   Beneficiaries

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                  States Parties to the Convention which have reported their responsibility for significant numbers of landmine survivors.

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                  Women, men, girls and boys who have fallen victim to landmines and other explosive remnants of war, as well as their families and communities.

            2.2.   Mine clearance

      2.2.1.   Project objective

      States Parties to the Convention are supported in implementing the mine clearance aspects of the Cartagena Action Plan in such a way that they are better able to complete mine clearance implementation in as short a period of time as necessary to enable individuals, communities and nations to benefit from land once considered dangerous being returned for normal human activity.
      2.2.2.   Project description

                  —

                  Comprehensive national mid-term appraisals, in up to five instances, will be made. Those appraisals will involve the ISU, in collaboration with key actors such as the ICBL, and with the support of the GICHD, assisting beneficiary States in drawing up a detailed background paper for a national workshop, organising a national workshop, and drafting a detailed outcome document constituting the ‘appraisal’ in which remaining challenges will be outlined, objectives set and recommendations made.

                  —

                  Follow-up actions, in up to three instances, will be undertaken in response to recommendations contained in the mid-term appraisals. Those follow-up actions will involve either the provision of additional technical support by the ISU (e.g. for the revision of national plans, the development of a project proposal or proposals, etc.) or the organisation of south-south exchange visits for beneficiary States to benefit mutually from lessons learned and improve future implementation.

            2.2.3.   Project results

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                  Beneficiary States of mid-term appraisals will receive a detailed outcome document setting out the remaining challenges, with objectives and recommendations for further action.

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                  Beneficiary States of follow-up support will be better able to express their intentions to fulfil the Cartagena Action Plan commitments and their need for support (e.g. for the revision of national plans, the development of a project proposal or proposals, etc.), and beneficiary States will have enhanced understanding of particular aspects of mine clearance implementation.

            2.2.4.   Beneficiaries

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                  States Parties to the Convention, other than Member States, which are in the process of implementing their mine clearance obligations under the Convention.

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                  Women, men, girls and boys whose lives are affected by the presence or suspected presence of anti-personnel mines, as well as their families and communities.

            2.3.   Universalisation of the Convention

      2.3.1.   Project objective

      Barriers to adherence to the Convention are addressed in such a way that advances are made towards universalisation of the Convention by States not parties to the Convention.
      2.3.2.   Project description

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                  A High Level Task Force on the universalisation of the Convention will be supported by the ISU, including support for high-level personalities to engage with the leaders of up to six States not parties to the Convention. Task Force members will participate in up to two other events to draw attention to ongoing efforts to universalise and implement the Convention.

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                  A study on border security without anti-personnel mines will be produced by the ISU, working with those having expertise in this area and building on work carried out by the ICRC in the mid-1990s. A study report will be made accessible in various ways, including translation, production of summaries, production of materials in accessible formats, etc.

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                  Universalisation workshops, in up to three instances, will be organised by the ISU, in collaboration with key actors such as the ICBL and the Coordinator of the Convention’s informal Universalisation Contact Group. Those workshops will take place at the national, sub-regional or regional levels to promote the Convention amongst States and to assist States not parties to the Convention in addressing real or perceived barriers to accession, particularly by making use of the study report on border security without anti-personnel mines.

            2.3.3.   Project results

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                  Up to six States not parties to the Convention will be engaged with at ministerial or a higher level regarding adherence to the Convention.

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                  Updated knowledge on the anti-personnel mine policies of States not parties to the Convention will be obtained. That information will be used in the preparation of substantive documents for the Third Review Conference, including through a comprehensive report on progress made towards achieving the aims of universalising the Convention, as well as scope for further progress.

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                  Advocacy on the part of States Parties to the Convention and non-governmental organisations will be revitalised on the basis of follow-up actions resulting from High Level Task Force visits.

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                  Increased knowledge will be amassed and compiled in a publication which addresses the most frequently raised perceived barriers to accession to the Convention and which can be used to support universalisation efforts.

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                  Progress will be made towards accession to the Convention and/or an embracing of its norms by States not parties to the Convention which have been engaged with.

            2.3.4.   Beneficiaries

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                  States, other than Member States, which have not yet ratified, approved, accepted, or acceded to, the Convention.

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                  States Parties to the Convention and non-governmental and international organisations involved in efforts to promote the universalisation of the Convention.

            2.4.   Demonstrating the commitment of the Union

      2.4.1.   Project objective

                  —

                  The ongoing commitment of the Union and its Member States to the Convention is demonstrated as is their resolve to cooperate with, and extend assistance to, those States that need support in meeting their commitments under the Convention, and the leading role of the Union in pursuing the Convention’s vision of a conclusive end to the suffering and casualties caused by anti-personnel mines is enhanced.

            2.4.2.   Project description

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                  A launch event will be staged to promote this Decision, and a wrap-up event will be organised to publicise the activities provided for in this Decision and their outcomes, thereby underlining the Union contribution.

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                  Taking into account the importance of disseminating the awareness of the commitments made by the States Parties to the Convention at the Cartagena Conference and of ways and means of implementing them, as well as the need in those efforts to take into account a variety of audiences (e.g. different language audiences, persons with disabilities), the Convention’s website will be audited to ensure that high standards of accessibility are in place and the ISU’s existing publication documenting the victim assistance commitments made by the States Parties to the Convention are translated and published on the Convention’s website to extend the availability of those commitments in different languages.

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                  A press visit will be organised to a mine-affected country in advance of the Convention’s Third Review Conference in 2014.

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                  Communications materials (e.g. posters, advertising, video footage, publicity materials, etc.) will be acquired to take advantage of communications opportunities that arise.

            2.4.3.   Project results

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                  Officials of the Union and its Member States will be aware of this Decision and how it may relate to their work.

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                  The reach of understandings on victim assistance within the States Parties to the Convention will be extended, particularly in French-speaking mine-affected countries.

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                  Information on the Convention will be made more accessible.

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                  Exposure of the commitment of the Union to the Convention will be increased, and awareness of, and appreciation for, this Decision will be created and sustained, as demonstrated by press reports acknowledging the Union’s commitment and reporting appreciation for it made by States Parties to the Convention at their meetings.

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                  Awareness of continuing efforts to promote the universalisation of the Convention will be raised.

            2.4.4.   Beneficiaries

      States Parties to the Convention and non-governmental and international organisations, their representatives and other individuals interested or engaged in the effort to implement the Convention.


               15.12.2016

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 468/213

         P7_TA(2013)0550
   Reports on fact-finding visits for the investigation of petitions (interpretation of Rule 202(5) of the Rules of Procedure)
   European Parliament decision of 10 December 2013 concerning reports on fact-finding visits for the investigation of petitions (interpretation of Rule 202(5) of the Rules of Procedure) (2013/2258(REG))
   (2016/C 468/32)

      The European Parliament,

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               having regard to the letter of 26 November 2013 from the Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs,

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               having regard to Rule 211 of its Rules of Procedure,

               1.

               Decides to append the following interpretation to Rule 202(5):

                           ‘Fact-finding visits and the reports on those visits are aimed solely at providing the Committee with the requisite information to enable it to consider the petition further. Such reports are drafted under the exclusive responsibility of the participants in the visit, who shall seek to reach a consensus. Failing such a consensus, the report must set out the divergent findings of fact or assessments. The report is submitted to the Committee for its approval by a single vote, unless the Chair declares, where appropriate, that amendments may be tabled to parts of the report. Rule 52 does not apply to these reports, either directly or mutatis mutandis. In the absence of approval by the Committee, reports shall not be forwarded to the President.’;

               2.

               Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council and the Commission, for information.