A European Strategy against the proliferation of WMD was adopted by the European Council on 12 December 2003, in parallel with the adoption of the European Security Strategy. The WMD Strategy provides a fully-fledged roadmap for immediate and future action in the fight against proliferation of WMD.

The priorities on which the EU is currently concentrating its efforts are:

• Strengthening the international system of non-proliferation
• Pursuing universalisation of multilateral agreements
• Reinforcing strict implementation of and compliance with these agreements
• Co-operating closely with key partners
• Assistance to third countries

 

On December 2006, the Council endorsed a concept paper outlining how to monitor and enhance further the consistent implementation of the EU WMD Strategy through a WMD Monitoring Centre . With the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty on 1 December 2009, the consistency of EU action in the WND field is now guaranteed by the EEAS. A consortium of leading non-proliferation think-tanks has been established in 2010 to promote academic guidance and adviceto the EEAS.

Work on implementation of the strategy is proceeding in a large number of areas. Currently there are on-going Council Joint Actions in support of the  IAEA [3 MB] , the  OPCW and the  CTBTO, as well as in support of the BTWC and UNSC Resolution 1540. Another Joint Action for the support of the physical protection of a nuclear site in the Russian Federation is also been implemented. Russia has received support to meet its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and further projects are under consideration.

The  Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Department has also participated since Autumn 2004 in the negotiations with Iran on its nuclear programme and given support to the High Representative and the three EU Member States (Germany, France and the United Kingdom) which started these difficult efforts. Since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, and the establishment of the EEAS, this activity has been taken over by Deputy Secretary General Helga Schmid and her team.

The Joint Research Centre, having considerable expertise in the field of nuclear safeguards, has successfully carried out a series of valuable assistance projects in the Russian Federation and in the Newly Independent States. Community Programmes have provided financial support to the International Science and Technology Centre in Moscow and the Ukraine Science and Technology Centre to assist in the re-employment of former WMD scientists and research institutes. This activity is gradually being phased out.

The implementation of the EU WMD Strategy is continuously monitored by the competent bodies of the Council of the European Union. Every six months a progress report is presented to the Council for its endorsement.

The Political and Security Committee adopted on 16 January 2009 a note on the implementation of the WMD Clause .

The Council adopted on 8 December 2009 a declaration on the reinforcement of international security

• Statement on tighter international security

 

Links

• Continued EU Support to OPCW: The achievements of the EU-OPCW partnership were highlighted in an event at the OPCW headquarters on 12 July, at which Clara Ganslandt represented the EEAS.

Brochure

• The European Union Strategy against the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction
  Effective multilateralism, prevention and international cooperation
  
  To receive the publication - click here

 

Leaflets

• EU Action in support of the Biological and Toxins Weapons Convention
• EU Joint Action in Support of the World Health Organization

 

New lines for action for the implementation of the WMD strategy

• Council Conclusions on the New lines for action by the European Union in combating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems
• Council Conclusions and new lines for action by the European Union in combating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems

 

In December 2008, five years after the adoption of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, the Council adopted "New lines for action by the European Union in combating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems". The New Lines for Action are designed to increase the effectiveness and impact of the EU's approach to non-proliferation, and make it even more operational.

The New Lines for Action are not intended to replace the EU WMD Strategy, but rather to increase its efficiency by achieving greater coordination within the EU in order to maximise the impact of EU action.

Therefore the EU will:

• intensify efforts to counter proliferation flows and proliferation financing,
• sanction acts of proliferation,
• develop measures to prevent intangible transfers of knowledge and know-how,
• raise awareness in undertakings, scientific and academic circles, and financial institutions,
• continue the cooperation with international organisations and third countries to help them to improve non-proliferation policies and export controls.