ANNEX

PROJECT DOCUMENT

EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (Phase IV) – HR(2022) 34

17 January 2022

The EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC) was created by the Council of the European Union with the goal to establish a European Network of independent think-tanks to encourage the political and security-related dialogue and the long-term discussion of measures to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their delivery systems. Such dialogue also covers issues related to conventional weapons, including small arms and light weapons (SALW). Launched in 2010 by Council Decision 2010/430/CFSP, the EU renewed support to the project for two more phases in 2014 (by EU Council Decision 2014/129/CFSP) and 2018 (by EU Council Decision 2018/299/CFSP). The implementation of Phase III will be concluded in May 2022.

The EUNPDC currently consists of the Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique (FRS), the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (HSFK/ PRIF), the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP). Over the years the Network has expanded as to include 104 members among think tanks, research centres and university departments based in all EU member states and in six other countries (Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom).

The role of the Consortium is to coordinate and promote the Network and make its expertise available to the EU, with a view to inform the discussion of its relevant bodies on non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament policies and provide ideas, analysis and recommendations. The Consortium has fulfilled this task through a diverse range of activities, including international conferences and meetings, educational activities, publications and outreach. During Phase III of the project, the scope of the work of the Consortium has progressively expanded to respond to the need to build more capacity, awareness, and opportunities in the field of disarmament, non-proliferation, and arms control among the next generation of practitioners and scholars as well as among professionals in the field of natural sciences. Particular attention has also been paid to the need to involve more women in the field.

The continuous developments and challenges in the field of disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control make the convening, research, and outreach work of the Consortium and the Network particularly relevant for the EU and its member states. Building on the work carried out in the previous phases of the project, Phase IV of the EUNPDC, as presented in this document, reflects how its activities can continue to allow the Consortium and the Network to inform the work of the EU in this important area.

1. General management

Under the General Management SIPRI will continue to oversee and coordinate the activities of the Consortium and the European Network of independent non-proliferation and disarmament think tanks (the Network), including through the organization of Steering Committee meetings between representatives of the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Commission and the Consortium and the fulfilment of reporting obligations. This also includes the task to further expand the diversity of the Network in terms of academic disciplines, geography, gender and age. The general management also includes time for all members of the Consortium to fulfil general management tasks (e.g. attending coordination meetings, submitting input to the coordinator) and visibility costs.

Phase IV (2022-2025) will also include:

— Creation of an EUNPDC Programme Committee made up of representatives of members of the Consortium, the EEAS and the European Commission to provide input on the contents and organization of the Annual Conference and other projects (e.g. the Consultative meeting, the publication series and ad-hoc seminars).

— Six oral (virtual or in-person) briefings to CONOP, COARM and other EU bodies, as appropriate, by experts affiliated with the members of the Network or the Consortium and upon request of the EEAS (formerly delivered through the Help Desk project).

2. Description of the projects

The following aims are cross-cutting for all projects:

— Ensuring diversity in terms of gender and geography in all activities

— Supporting the next generation of non-proliferation and disarmament experts

2.1 Organisation of an annual NPD Conference (lead: IAI)

Purpose and description of the project

The Annual Conference with the participation of governmental experts and independent think tanks and other academic experts from the EU and associated states as well as third countries, will discuss and identify further measures to combat the proliferation of WMD and their delivery systems and interrelated disarmament objectives, as well as address challenges related to conventional weapons, including countering the illicit trade and excessive accumulation of SALW and their ammunition, as well as related risks and opportunities of emerging technologies.

In Phase IV (2022-2025) this activity covers the organisation of one Annual Conference per year. The Consortium aims to hold the Conference in person but with the possibility to livestream part of, or the whole event. Should COVID-19 pandemic-related travel and meeting restrictions continue to apply, the Consortium stands ready to adjust the format of the event as it has already done during Phase III. Additionally:

— A Network meeting will be held in person back-to-back with the Annual Conference. Additional virtual Network meetings will be held throughout the year.

— The Next Generation meeting will be organized back-to-back with the Annual Conference but linked with other activities involving young experts (see heading 2.6 of this document).

— The mentees of the EUNPDC Mentorship Programme will be invited to participate in the conference.

Results of the project

— Maintain a major European-led international non-proliferation and disarmament conference that will continue to be a key venue for promoting strategic discussion of measures to combat the proliferation of WMD and their delivery systems and interrelated disarmament objectives to address challenges related to conventional weapons, including countering the illicit trade and excessive accumulation of SALW and their ammunition.

— Increase visibility and awareness of Union policies in the field of WMD and SALW non-proliferation and in the field of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) action among the government officials, academia and civil society of third countries.

— Promote the role and cohesion of the Network and the Union's role in this field.

— Build up non-proliferation and disarmament expertise in countries where it is insufficient, including third countries, with a particular focus on supporting the next generation.

— Submit action-oriented recommendations that would enhance the implementation of the EU WMD Non-proliferation and SALW Strategies and constitute a useful steppingstone for non-proliferation and conventional weapons-related action by the Union and the international community.

— Increase the awareness and knowledge of the institutions of the Union, of Member States, civil society and third countries about threats related to WMD and their means of delivery, allowing them to improve anticipation.

2.2 Organisation of an annual NPD Consultative Meeting (lead: FRS)

Purpose and description of the project

The Consultative Meetings, with participation of representatives of the EU, Member States and think tanks, address both short- and mid-term challenges for the Union in the fields of non-proliferation and disarmament, in particular WMD and their delivery vehicles, conventional weapons including SALW, new types of weapons and delivery systems.

In Phase IV of the project this activity covers the organisation of one Consultative Meeting per year, divided into two parts, each one of them covering CONOP and COARM-related issues, and the preparation of associated reports and/or recommendations. The agendas for these events will be prepared in close cooperation with the EEAS and the Council’s CFSP working groups in the fields of non-proliferation and disarmament (CONOP) and conventional arms export (COARM). Additional bodies will be consulted when relevant (e.g. the EEAS Space Task Force). Specifically:

— The annual Consultative Meeting will be composed of up to 2 days split between the CONOP and COARM meetings. It will foresee the in-person participation of up to 50 individuals from European think tanks, EU Member States and EU institutions specialised in WMD disarmament and non-proliferation and conventional weapons issues, including SALW, as well as emerging technologies to each of these two CONOP and COARM-oriented sessions.

— The Consultative Meeting will be held in an in-person format over 2 days to increase exchanges between participants as much as possible.

Results of the project

— Exchange information and analysis regarding current proliferation trends among policy practitioners and academic experts from the Member States, as well as specialised staff from the EEAS and institutions of the Union.

— Discuss the best ways and means to implement Union policies against proliferation.

— Provide constructive feedback to the Union on its strategies against the proliferation of WMD and SALW by independent European think tanks, and suggestions from practitioners to researchers on the most policy-relevant topics for further research.

— Identify relevant issues in the field of non-proliferation and disarmament for policy-oriented reports.

— Produce policy-oriented reports together with a set of action-oriented recommendations to the representatives of the HR.

2.3 Organisation of 9 NPD Ad Hoc Seminars

Purpose and description of the project

The Ad Hoc seminars serve a consultative purpose between the Network, the Union and its Member States, on an ad hoc basis, in order to address salient events and EU policy options, as well as provide an opportunity for the Network, Member States and the EU institutions to reach out to target audiences inside and outside the Union.

The project provides for the organisation of up to nine ad hoc expert seminars with the preparation of an associated written brief. For Phase IV:

— Three seminars will be organized in person and six in virtual format.

— As part of the organization of the seminars, an ad hoc written brief focusing on the topic of the seminar, will be commissioned to relevant experts affiliated with the Network, the Consortium or, if needed, other institutes. These briefs will either be circulated ahead of the seminar as a background document or after to provide an overview of key takeaways. The ad hoc briefs will be published on the website of the Consortium.

— The EEAS can also request stand-alone briefs (previously Help Desk Papers) instead of a written brief focusing on the topic of an Ad Hoc seminar.

Results of the project

— Exchange information and analysis regarding current proliferation trends among policy practitioners and academic experts from the Member States, as well as specialised staff from the EEAS and institutions of the Union.

— Discuss the best ways and means to implement Union policies against proliferation.

— Provide constructive feedback to the Union on its strategies against the proliferation of WMD and SALW by independent Union think tanks, and suggestions from practitioners to the think tanks on the most policy-relevant topics for further research.

— Identify relevant issues in the field of non-proliferation and disarmament for policy-oriented reports.

— Produce policy-oriented reports together with a set of action-oriented recommendation to the representatives of the HR. These reports will be disseminated to the relevant institutions of the Union and the Member States.

2.4 Publication of 15 EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Policy Papers (lead: SIPRI)

Purpose and description of the project

The project provides for the preparation and publication of up to 15 policy papers. The policy papers will be commissioned by the Consortium and prepared, primarily, by the Consortium or the Network, with a view to ensure a balanced and diverse representation of views in terms of gender and of thematic and regional expertise. Where possible, the policy paper series will invite contributions from ‘next generation’ specialists to contribute to their professional development. The papers will cover the topics under the mandate of the Consortium. Every paper will propose recommendations/policy options. All policy papers will be published on the website of the Consortium.

Results of the project

— Enhanced political and security-related dialogue on measures to combat the proliferation of WMD and their delivery systems, arms control and disarmament, primarily by experts, researchers and academics.

— Increased awareness, knowledge and understanding within civil society, the European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks, and governments of issues related to Union non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament policies.

— Political and/or operational policy options provided to the HR, the Union's institutions and the Member States.

— Development of non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament actions at Union level assisted through ideas, information and analysis.

2.5 Promotion and strengthening of NPD education

The project consists of the following activities:

2.5.1 Update of the EUNPD E-Learning infrastructure and courses (lead: PRIF)

Purpose and description of the project

This activity will focus on the global dissemination and use of the eLearning tool, which was developed under Phase II and III. The course currently consists of 20 learning units on all relevant issues regarding non-proliferation and disarmament. In Phase IV, all 20 units will be regularly updated to provide students with the most recent facts and figures. Due to the significant upheavals the field of non-proliferation and disarmament has undergone in recent years, this phase focuses on significantly updating the 15 original learning units developed between 2014 and 2017: in terms of content; user-friendliness and user-interface; and graphic and video design. These changes will make it easier to keep the learning units up to date.

Special attention will again be devoted to accessibility i.e., the upgrade for users with visual or hearing impairments. The intelligibility of the whole course will be enhanced through a language review by specialized English native speakers. Continuing outreach and support to educational institutions will allow easy integration of the eLearning into University Master Programmes and other educational offers and encourage global usage of the eLearning course.

Results of the project

— Maintenance, optimization and updating of the existing EUNPD eLearning course covering all relevant aspects of non-proliferation and disarmament.

— Outreach and assistance to educators, lecturers’ trainers to use the EU non-proliferation and disarmament educational resources.

— Outreach and assistance to journalists and junior diplomats to use the EU non-proliferation and disarmament educational resources.

— Providing support for the teaching of arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament in university seminars.

— Providing support for combining eLearning and class-room-training (“blended learning”).

— Increased in-depth knowledge of EU non-proliferation and disarmament policies across the Union and in third countries.

— Providing a constantly updated open educational resource for all stakeholders involved in non-proliferation research and programming.

— Providing critical supportive knowledge to non-proliferation practitioners and scholars.

2.5.2 ‘Teaching clinic’ (teaching resource hub) (lead: PRIF)

Purpose and description of the project

This activity will continue the work initiated in 2021/22, to strengthen disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation education in the EU. Up to now, 59 relevant courses recently taught at universities in the EU were identified through an extensive online search. The respective lecturers were contacted individually. In response, 24 syllabi were made available. A preliminary evaluation resulted in two master syllabi and short summaries of key texts. In Phase IV, the project will compile courses at European and North American universities and expand the search to non-Western countries. The statistical analysis will constantly be refined and updated. Additional material will be proposed to lecturers and teachers.

Results of the project

— Extensive range of curricula of learning events as examples and inspiration provided on the Consortium website.

— Statistical evaluation of existing courses regarding, e.g. topics taught, theoretical approaches or gender diversity, will be published on the Consortium website and presented at conferences or workshops.

— Creation and updating of two “master syllabi” for first-time teachers.

— Short summaries of relevant or missing literature published on the Consortium website.

2.5.3 Proliferation awareness training course (lead: SIPRI)

Purpose and description of the project

This activity will cover the organization of 6 training courses to raise awareness of proliferation risks for graduate and post-graduate students of the natural sciences and other relevant fields. It will also create a bridge between the social and natural sciences, which was identified as an urgent need in the last phase. This will include the development of a dedicated curriculum for distinct audiences (such as biomedical, engineering or nuclear) and delivery of two courses per year. In Phase IV, three of these courses will be organized in person in Stockholm; three will take place virtually.

Results of the project

— Enhanced capacity in the next generation of scholars of the natural sciences and other relevant fields in non-proliferation instruments and policies.

— Contribution to the goal of Union non-proliferation policy through enhanced awareness of proliferation risks among disciplines with major proliferation risks and technological developments; as well as of opportunities to address proliferation risks through technological developments.

— Combination of distance learning (e-learning) and on-site training (‘blended learning’).

2.6 Promotion of NPD related issues to young women and next generation

The project consists of the following activities:

2.6.1 Internship Programme (lead: PRIF)

Purpose and description of the project

This activity provides for European non-proliferation and disarmament internships for up to 30 graduate students or young diplomats, each for a period up to 3 months. The internships will be set up and documented by the Consortium, and combine participation in events and workshops, reading and writing assignments, and project integration. All institutes belonging to the Network are eligible as host institutes. 24 out of 30 internships shall be reserved for European candidates, whereas the remaining six internships are reserved for non-European candidates. All interns will be invited — to the extent possible — to the conferences and seminars organised by the Consortium taking place during their internship.

Results of the project

— Enhanced capacity in the next generation of scholars and practitioners in non-proliferation policy and programming.

— Increased in-depth knowledge of Union non-proliferation and disarmament policies across the Union.

— Better understanding of Union strategies, policies and non-proliferation approaches in third countries.

— The creation of networks of young practitioners and academics and the facilitation of practical cooperation.

— Strengthened capacity-building on Union policies in the fields of WMD and SALW within the Network.

2.6.2 Next Generation and Young Women activities and Mentorship Programme (lead: VCDNP)

Purpose and description of the project

Inspired by the widely perceived age and gender imbalances among experts and practitioners in the non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control field, the project aims to expose undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate level students to non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control issues, increasing their awareness of them, and encouraging their engagement in events and workshops on relevant topics. In Phase IV, the activity will see two in-person outreach visits per year to universities in Europe to enhance visibility of the field and opportunities for young scholars. The activity will further organize webinars on thematic topics, always including information on career opportunities or pathways for young people.

To increase women’s presence in the field, in Phase IV the project will also conduct a formal mentorship programme annually (1-year duration) to pair 20 young women with 20 mentors in order to help improve individuals’ networks, increase understanding of the field and seek career advice. The mentorship programme will be accompanied by expert sessions, socials and skills building workshops.

Results of the project

— Enhanced capacity in the next generation of scholars and practitioners in the field of non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control.

— Better understanding of the field and relevant EU policies.

— Increased awareness of opportunities for young scholars, especially women, to become more engaged in the field of non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control.

— Strengthened networks among young practitioners and between young practitioners and established experts.

— Improved engagement with young scholars interested in learning more about the field and entering the field.

2.7 UN Disarmament Fellows visit to Brussels (lead: VCDNP)

Purpose and description of the project

The project, in the framework of the UN Disarmament Fellows programme, provides a 2 to 3-day study visit to Brussels, Belgium, to allow the Fellows to learn more about the EU, its policies, functioning and institutions. The visit will be scheduled to fit into the European component of the fellowship programme. The programme aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the EU’s main institutions and policy making bodies, especially related to non-proliferation and disarmament, and provides thematic presentations on the EU’s work in the field, including support programmes offered to third countries.

Results of the project

— Increased knowledge and visibility of the functioning and institutions in the EU and its policies as well as support programmes on non-proliferation and disarmament in third countries.

— Enhanced expertise on WMD and SALW matters in partner and third countries.

— Increased collaboration with the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs and contribution to education efforts in the framework of the UN Disarmament Fellowship Programme.

2.8 Outreach and communication (lead: FRS)

The project consists of the following activities:

Website, Network platform and outreach (lead: FRS)

Purpose and description of the project

This activity provides the means for web hosting, web design and technical maintenance of the Consortium website and social networks (Twitter, LinkedIn, Youtube). Following the creation of a digital collaborative platform in the previous Phase to facilitate communication, cooperation and sharing of best practices within the Network, this activity will cover the community management, updates, and technical maintenance of the platform. Network members will be more directly involved via this digital collaborative platform, by interacting on the forum, sharing their resources and upcoming events, as well as providing updates on their experts and their institute. Each individual research will be able to create a dedicated profile on the platform, find out information about the EUNPDC and the Network, and interact with other users. In addition:

— Publications, events and job opportunities of the Consortium and other Network members will continue to be promoted and supported on the various platforms.

— Conferences organised by the Consortium will continue to be promoted and documented on the website (background papers, agenda, presentations, video recording of open meeting when appropriate).

— Educational opportunities within the Consortium, including the e-learning course, the teaching resources, the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative, fellowship and internship opportunities will continue to be promoted in a dedicated section of the website.

— Links will be created between the website and the platform to ensure the integration and regular update of all outreach and communication tools used by the Consortium.

— The newsletter will continue to be published monthly. Each issue will feature: 1) a forum allowing representatives of the Network to promote their research activities with a focus on those started most recently; b) updated information on the activities of the Consortium; c) news on the activities of Network members; d) an editorial piece discussing non-proliferation and disarmament topics of relevance to EU policy.

2.8.1 Production of an EUNPDC podcast (lead: IISS-Europe)

Purpose and description of the project

This activity foresees the launch of a EUNPDC podcast addressing thematic issues within the mandate of the Consortium. In Phase IV of the project, the podcast series, hosted by IISS-Europe, will produce up to 36 episodes.

Results of the project activities

— Increased awareness and knowledge of the institutions of the Union, the Member States, civil society and third countries about threats related to conventional weapons, WMD and their means of delivery, allowing them to improve anticipation.

— Promoting a better understanding of the EU WMD Non-proliferation and SALW strategies within civil society.

— Ensuring an interface between the Union and the network of think tanks.

— Managing a platform where non-proliferation think tanks can continuously share their independent views and analysis on WMD proliferation and conventional weapons issues, including SALW.

— Expanding, managing and updating the existing network of independent think tanks.