Article 1 
1. In accordance with the EU Strategy against the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (‘the Strategy’), which sets the objective of upholding, implementing and strengthening the multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and agreements, the Union shall further support the universalisation, full implementation and enhancement of the Hague Code of Conduct against ballistic missile proliferation (the ‘Code’). 2. The activities in support of the Code, corresponding to measures in line with the Strategy, shall consist of regional and sub-regional workshops, conferences, expert visits, research, information and communication as well as side events in the margins of international conferences. 3. The aim of the activities shall be: (a) promoting the subscription to the Code by an ever larger number of States and ultimately its universality; (b) supporting the full implementation of the Code; (c) promoting dialogue among subscribing and non-subscribing States with the aim of helping to build confidence and transparency, encouraging restraint and creating more stability and security for all; (d) reinforcing the Code's visibility and raising public awareness about the risks and threats posed by ballistic missile proliferation; (e) exploring, in particular through academic studies, possibilities of enhancing the Code and of promoting cooperation between the Code and other relevant multilateral instruments, such as the Missile Technology Control Regime, UNSCR 1540 (2004) and the United Nations Register of Objects Launched in Outer Space. 4. A detailed description of the projects is set out in the Annex.
Article 2 
1. The High Representative (HR) shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision. 2. The technical implementation of the projects referred to in Article 1(2) shall be carried out by the Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS). The FRS shall perform this task under the responsibility of the HR. For that purpose, the HR shall enter into the necessary arrangements with the FRS.
Article 3 
1. The financial reference amount for the implementation of the projects referred to in Article 1(2) shall be EUR 1 878 120,05. 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 2. For that purpose, it shall conclude a grant agreement with the FRS for the reference amount upon adoption of this Decision. The rules on grants provided for in Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( 5 ) shall apply to this grant agreement. The agreement shall stipulate that the FRS is to ensure visibility of the Union's contribution, appropriate to its size. 4. The Commission shall endeavour to conclude the grant 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 grant 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 FRS. Those reports shall form the basis for the evaluation carried out by the Council. 2. The Commission shall provide information on the financial aspects of the projects referred to in Article 1(2).
Article 5 
1. This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption. 2. This Decision shall expire 40 months after the date of the conclusion of the grant agreement referred to in Article 3(3). However, it shall expire six months after its entry into force if no grant agreement has been concluded by that time.