EN Official Journal of the European Union L 140/68

COUNCIL DECISION 2012/281/CFSP

of 29 May 2012

in the framework of the European Security Strategy in support of the Union proposal for an international Code of Conduct on outer-space activities

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 26(2) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

(1) Space activities are expanding and their importance is crucial. Space is a resource for all countries in the world. Those which do not yet have space activities will have them in the future. Therefore the Union considers that strengthening the security of activities in outer space is an important goal that will contribute to the development and security of States. This objective is part of the Union’s space policy.

(2) On 12 December 2003, the European Council adopted a 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 and equipping it to fulfil its responsibilities and to act effectively. The Union works towards 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.

(4) The Union is committed to the development and implementation of transparency and confidence building measures, as a means to achieve enhanced space security. The Union is also particularly sensitive to the issue of the risks posed by space debris, whatever its origin, which is detrimental to present and future activities.

(5) On 18 September 2007, in its reply to United Nation General Assembly resolution 61/75 of 6 December 2006, the Union underlined that voluntary ‘rules of the road’ on outer-space activities endorsing best practices between space actors would serve that objective.

(6) In its Conclusions of 8-9 December 2008, the Council supported the first draft for an international Code of Conduct for outer-space activities, in which States would participate on a voluntary basis, and which included transparency and confidence-building measures, as a basis for consultations with key third countries that have activities in outer space or have interests in outer space activities, with the aim of reaching a text that is acceptable to the greatest number of countries.

(7) In the light of consultations with major space-faring nations, the Union has produced a revised version of the draft Code of Conduct, on the basis of which the Council, on 27 September 2010, gave a mandate to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to carry out further and wider consultations,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

To support its proposal for an international Code of Conduct on outer-space activities, the Union shall pursue the following objectives:

— consultations with States, active or not yet active on space issues to discuss the proposal and to gather their views,

— gathering expert support for the process of developing an international Code of Conduct for outer-space activities.

Article 2

1. In this context, the projects to be supported by the Union shall cover the following specific activities:

(a) outreach activities: promotion of the proposal for an international Code of Conduct for outer-space activities;

(b) the organisation of up to three multilateral experts’ meetings to discuss the proposal for an international Code of Conduct;.

(c) the coordination of a consortium of non-governmental experts.

2. Those projects and specific activities are described in more detail in the Annex.

Article 3

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 2 shall be carried out by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR). UNIDIR shall perform these tasks under the responsibility of the High Representative. For this purpose, the High Representative will enter into the necessary arrangements with UNIDIR.

Article 4

1. The financial reference amount for the implementation of the projects referred to in Article 2 shall be EUR 1 490 000.

2. The expenditure financed by the amount laid down in paragraph 1 shall be managed in accordance with Union procedures and with the rules applicable to the general Union budget.

3. The Commission shall supervise the proper implementation of the Union’s contribution laid down in paragraph 1. For this purpose, it shall conclude a financing agreement with UNIDIR. The agreement shall stipulate that UNIDIR is to ensure that the visibility of the Union contribution is 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 the process and of the date of conclusion of the financing agreement.

Article 5

1. The High Representative shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of regular reports to be prepared by UNIDIR. These reports shall form the basis for the evaluation by the Council.

2. The Commission shall provide information on the financial aspects of the implementation of the projects referred to in Article 2.

Article 6

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

It shall expire 18 months after the date of conclusion of the financing agreement referred to in Article 4(3) or six months after the date of its adoption if no financing agreement has been concluded within this period.

Done at Brussels, 29 May 2012. For the Council The President N. WAMMEN