Article 1 
1. For the purposes of contributing to the enhanced implementation of the EU WMD Non-proliferation Strategy, which is based on the principles of effective multilateralism, prevention and cooperation with third countries, the continued promotion and support of the European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks activities is hereby extended for 3 years to further the following objectives: (a) to encourage political and security-related dialogue and long-term discussion of measures to combat the proliferation of WMD and their delivery systems within civil societies, and more particularly among experts, researchers and academics; (b) to provide those participating in the relevant preparatory bodies of the Council with the opportunity to consult the network on issues related to non-proliferation and to enable the representatives of Member States to participate in the network's meetings; (c) to constitute a useful stepping stone for non-proliferation action by the Union and the international community, in particular by providing reports and/or recommendations to the representatives of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR); (d) to contribute to enhancing third countries' awareness of proliferation challenges and of the need to work in cooperation with the Union and in the context of multilateral fora, in particular the United Nations, to prevent, deter, halt and where possible, eliminate proliferation programmes of worldwide concern; (e) to contribute to the development of expertise and institutional capacity in non-proliferation and disarmament matters in think tanks and governments in the Union and third countries. 2. In the light of the EU SALW Strategy, the scope of activities of the European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks shall not be limited to addressing questions related to the threats posed by the proliferation of WMD and their delivery systems, but shall also cover issues related to conventional weapons, including SALW. The inclusion of conventional weapons issues in the field of activity of the network will offer an outstanding tool for dialogue and recommendation on action of the Union in this area within the framework of the implementation of the EU SALW Strategy and the Union's policy on conventional weapons. 3. In this context, the projects to be supported by the Union shall cover the following specific activities: (a) providing means for the organisation of three annual consultative meetings and up to seven ad-hoc seminars for experts and practitioners on the full range of non-proliferation and disarmament issues covering both unconventional and conventional arms, with a view to submitting reports and/or recommendations to the representatives of the HR; (b) setting up a Help-Desk Facility within the Consortium, to provide ad-hoc expertise on questions related to the full range of non-proliferation and disarmament issues covering both unconventional and conventional arms, for responses within a two-week time frame; (c) providing means for the holding of three major annual conferences with third countries and civil society on non-proliferation and disarmament to promote internationally the EU WMD Non-proliferation Strategy and the EU SALW Strategy, and the role, in this field, of Union institutions and think tanks in the Union, with a view to raising the visibility of Union policies in this area and submitting reports and/or recommendations to the representatives of the HR; (d) providing means for the management and development of an Internet platform to facilitate contacts and foster research dialogue among the network of think tanks analysing issues related to the prevention of proliferation of WMD and conventional weapons, including SALW, as well as for the education of a new generation of experts on non-proliferation and disarmament; (e) providing means to raise awareness and develop expertise and institutional capacity in the area of non-proliferation in think tanks and governments in the Union and third countries; (f) addressing topics proposed by Member States and the European External Action Service (EEAS) in the overall Consortium research activities. A detailed description of the projects is set out in the Annex.
Article 2 
1. The HR shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision. 2. Technical implementation of the projects covering the activities referred to in Article 1(3) shall be carried out by the EU Non-Proliferation Consortium based on la Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique (FRS), the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (HSFK/ PRIF), the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The Consortium shall perform this task under the responsibility of the HR. For this purpose, the HR shall enter into the necessary arrangements with the Consortium. 3. Member States and the EEAS shall propose priorities and topics of specific interest for assessment in the Consortium research programmes, to be addressed in working documents and seminars, in accordance with the policies of the Union.
Article 3 
1. The financial reference amount for the implementation of the projects covering the activities referred to in Article 1(3) shall be EUR 3 600 000. 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 1. For this purpose, it shall conclude a financing agreement with the Consortium. The agreement shall stipulate that the Consortium is to ensure visibility of the Union's 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 agreement.
Article 4 
1. The HR shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of regular reports prepared by the Consortium. Those reports shall form the basis for the evaluation carried out by the Council. 2. The Commission shall report on the financial aspects of the projects referred to in Article 1(3).
Article 5 
1. This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption. 2. This Decision shall expire 36 months after the date of conclusion of the financing agreement referred to in Article 3(3). However, it shall expire 6 months after its entry into force if that financing agreement has not been concluded by that time.