15 Chemical Weapons
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| Draft Joint Action to support the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons activities under the EU strategy against the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction
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| Legal base | Article 14 EU; QMV
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| Department | Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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| Basis of consideration | EM of 4 November 2004
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| Previous Committee Report | None
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| To be discussed in Council | 22 November 2004 GAEC
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| Committee's assessment | Politically important
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| Committee's decision | Cleared
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Background
15.1 On 12 December 2003 the European Council adopted an EU Strategy
against the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).
In this, the EU agreed to enhance political, financial and technical
support for verification regimes, including support for the multilateral
institutions.
The Joint Action
15.2 In his 2 November 2003 Explanatory Memorandum, the Minister
for Europe (Mr Denis MacShane) explained the context thus:
"The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) aims to ban an
entire category of WMD in a verifiable manner. The Organisation
for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is the multilateral
institution which pursues the objectives of the CWC. This Joint
Action implements the necessary assistance to support the OPCW
in its activities in the framework of the implementation of the
EU strategy against Proliferation of WMD. The duration of the
Joint Action is 12 months and we hope will be renewed on an annual
basis thereafter."
15.3 He adds:
"the Joint Action will support OPCW activities with the
following objectives:
promotion of universality of the CWC;
support for full implementation of the CWC
by all States Parties;
international co-operation in the field
of chemical activities, as accompanying measures to the implementation
of the CWC.
"The projects of the OPCW corresponding
to measures of the EU Strategy are projects, which aim at strengthening:
the promotion of the CWC by carrying out
activities, including regional and sub-regional workshops and
seminars, aiming at increasing the membership of the OPCW. These
workshops and seminars will offer opportunities for the OPCW to
establish/develop contacts with national representatives and to
highlight the advantages and benefits of adhering to the CWC,
as well as associated obligations. Assistance and technical support
will also be provided on specific issues relevant to the preparation
for accession to the Convention.
the provision of sustained technical support
to States Parties that request it for the establishment and effective
functioning of National Authorities and the enactment of national
implementing legislation as foreseen in the CWC. This will require
assistance visits on legal and technical aspects to respond to
specific needs of requesting State Parties who are yet to fulfil
their obligations. Such assistance will be provided by experts/resources
from the OPCW staff with the inclusion of EU experts as necessary.
international co-operation in the field
of chemical activities through the exchange of scientific and
technical information, chemicals and equipment for purposes not
prohibited under the CWC, in order to contribute to the development
of the States Parties' capacities to implement the CWC. The EU
contribution will focus on the building of capacities of National
Authorities so as to enable them to implement the CWC and to engage
in the peaceful application of chemistry."
15.4 On the financial aspects, the Minister explains
that:
"The financing of the programme will be
managed in accordance with the European Community procedures and
rules applicable to the general budget of the European Union.
Any pre-financing will not remain the property of the European
Community. The Commission will be responsible for ensuring the
EU contribution is implemented properly.
"The Commission will conclude a financing
agreement with the OPCW on the conditions for the use of the European
Union contribution, which will also stipulate that the OPCW shall
ensure visibility of the European Union contribution. The EU contribution
will take the form of a grant. The Commission, in association
with the Presidency, will report on the implementation of the
EU contribution.
"The projects to be carried out by the OPCW
will be funded through existing UK contributions to the CFSP budget.
The estimated cost of the proposed projects is €1,841,000."
The Government's view
15.5 The Minister says that:
"The work carried out by the OPCW complements
the UK's work towards achieving universal adherence of the CWC
and also full national implementation of the CWC by all States
Party. Countering proliferation of WMD is a top priority for the
UK and a strategic priority for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office."
Conclusion
15.6 We have no questions to put to the Minister,
and clear the document. But in view of the importance of the
subject, we considered a short Report to the House appropriate.
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