COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2022/597

of 11 April 2022

promoting the European network of independent non-proliferation and disarmament think tanks

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 28(1) and 31(1) thereof,

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

Whereas:

(1) On 12 December 2003, the European Council adopted the EU Strategy against proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (‘the EU WMD Non-proliferation Strategy’), Chapter III of which contains a list of measures that need to be taken both within the Union and in third countries to combat such proliferation.

(2) The Union is actively implementing the EU WMD Non-proliferation Strategy and giving effect to the measures listed in Chapter III thereof, such as developing the necessary structures within the Union.

(3) On 8 December 2008, the Council adopted its conclusions and a document entitled ‘New lines for action by the European Union in combating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems’ (‘the New Lines for Action’), which states that the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (‘WMD’) continues to constitute one of the greatest security challenges and that non-proliferation policy constitutes an essential part of the common foreign and security policy (CFSP).

(4) In the New Lines for Action, the Council calls on competent Council formations and bodies, the Commission, other institutions and Member States to give a concrete follow-up to that document.

(5) In the New Lines for Action, the Council underlines that action by the Union to prevent proliferation could benefit from the support provided by a non-governmental non-proliferation network, bringing together foreign-policy institutions and research centres specialising in the Union’s strategic areas while building on useful networks which already exist. Such a network could be extended to institutions in third countries.

(6) On 19 November 2018, the Council adopted the EU Strategy against illicit firearms, small arms and light weapons and their ammunition, entitled ‘Securing arms, protecting citizens’ (‘the EU SALW Strategy’). The EU SALW Strategy replaced the EU Strategy to combat the illicit accumulation and trafficking of SALW and their ammunition, which was adopted in 2005. Illicit SALW continue to contribute to instability and violence in the Union, in its immediate neighbourhood and in the rest of the world. Illicit small arms are fuelling armed violence and organised crime, as well as global terrorism and conflicts, and thwarting sustainable development and crisis-management efforts. They destabilise entire regions, as well as States and their societies, and increase the impact of terrorist attacks. This is why the Council is committed to preventing and curbing the illicit trade in SALW and their ammunition and is promoting accountability and responsibility with regard to their legal trade. The EU SALW Strategy takes into account the evolved security context, including the threat of terrorism inside the Union and developments in SALW design and technology affecting the capacity of governments to address the threat. It also takes into account the guiding principles of the 2016 EU Global Strategy.

(7) On 26 July 2010, the Council adopted Decision 2010/430/CFSP (1), which established the European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks and provided that the technical implementation of that Decision is to be carried out by the EU Non-Proliferation Consortium (‘the Consortium’).

(8) The choice of the Consortium as sole beneficiary of a grant in this case is justified because of the will of the Union, as supported by the Member States, to continue its fruitful cooperation with the European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks, which is contributing to the creation of a common European culture with regard to non-proliferation and disarmament, as well as helping the Union to develop and shape its policies in those areas and increase Union visibility. The very nature of the Consortium, which owes its existence to the Union and depends entirely on Union support, makes 100 % financing necessary in this case. The Consortium has no independent financial resources or legal authority to raise other funds. Moreover, the Consortium has established a network, managed by six think tanks, that brings together over 100 think tanks, research centres and university departments, combining almost the entire non-governmental expertise on non-proliferation and disarmament in the Union, including entities in all Member States.

(9) On 10 March 2014, the Council adopted Decision 2014/129/CFSP (2), which extended for 3 years the Union’s continued promotion and financial support of the activities of the European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks and entrusted the Consortium with the technical implementation of that Decision.

(10) On 3 April 2017, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2017/632 (3), which provides for the extension of the duration of Decision 2014/129/CFSP in order to allow for the continued implementation of the activities until 2 July 2017.

(11) On 4 July 2017, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2017/1195 (4), extending the implementation period of Decision 2014/129/CFSP from 3 July until 31 December 2017 to allow for the organisation of one major annual conference on non-proliferation and disarmament in 2017 as well as for the continued maintenance and updating of the internet platform of the Consortium.

(12) On 26 February 2018, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2018/299 (5), which extended for 3 years the Union’s continued promotion and financial support of the activities of the European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks and entrusted the Consortium with the technical implementation of that Decision.

(13) On 16 April 2021, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2021/648 (6), extending the implementation period of Decision (CFSP) 2018/299 to 17 May 2022 because of implementation challenges arising from the continuing COVID-19 pandemic,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

1. For the purposes of contributing to the enhanced implementation of the EU WMD Non-proliferation Strategy and the EU SALW Strategy, which are based on the principles of effective multilateralism, prevention and cooperation with third countries, the continued promotion and support of the activities of the European network of independent non-proliferation and disarmament think tanks is hereby extended in order 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, in particular, 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, disarmament and arms export control, and to enable the representatives of Member States to participate in the meetings of the Consortium;

(c) to constitute a useful stepping stone for non-proliferation and disarmament 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 (‘the HR’);

(d) to contribute to enhancing third countries’ awareness of proliferation and disarmament 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, including by strengthening non-proliferation and disarmament education, raising awareness of those issues among the younger generations and promoting the next generation of researchers and practitioners in this field, especially women, and in the natural and technical sciences.

2. The projects to be supported by the Union shall include the following specific activities:

(a) providing means for the holding of major annual conferences with third countries and civil society on non-proliferation and disarmament to discuss and identify further measures to combat the proliferation of WMD and their delivery systems and interrelated disarmament objectives, as well as to address challenges related to conventional weapons, including countering the illicit trade and excessive accumulation of SALW and their ammunition. The conferences will also 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;

(b) providing means for the organisation of annual consultative meetings between representatives of Union institutions, representatives of Member States and experts to exchange views on major issues and critical developments in the fields of disarmament, non-proliferation and arms export control with a view to submitting reports and/or recommendations to the representatives of the HR;

(c) providing means for the organisation of 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;

(d) providing means for the preparation and publication of policy papers covering topics under the mandate of the Consortium and putting forward political and/or operational policy options;

(e) providing means for continued awareness-raising, education and development of expertise and institutional capacity in the area of non-proliferation and disarmament in think tanks and governments in the Union and third countries through:

— the maintenance and further development of an e-learning course covering all relevant aspects of non-proliferation and disarmament,

— the setting-up of up non-proliferation and disarmament internships for graduate students or young diplomats from the Union and third countries,

— the continuation of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative and the Mentorship Programme,

— the organisation of annual Brussels study visits for the participants in the UN Programme of Fellowships on Disarmament in order to promote and raise the visibility of Union policies in the fields of non-proliferation, disarmament and arms export control,

— the organisation of a training course to raise awareness of proliferation risks, including those stemming from science and technology developments, among students of the natural sciences;

(f) providing means for further maintaining, managing and developing an internet platform and related accounts on social networks to facilitate contacts, provide a unique forum for European disarmament and non-proliferation research, promote the European network of independent non-proliferation and disarmament think tanks, reach out to the global non-proliferation and disarmament community and promote the educational offers of the Consortium with respect to both on-site training courses and e-learning.

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 activities referred to in Article 1(2) shall be carried out by the Consortium, consisting of the Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS), the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (HSFK/PRIF), the International Institute for Strategic Studies Europe (IISS-Europe), the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the International Affairs Institute (IAI) in Rome and the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP). 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 European External Action Service shall propose priorities and topics of specific interest for assessment in the Consortium’s 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(2) shall be EUR 4 700 000.

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 grant 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 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(2).

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 agreement referred to in Article 3(3). However, it shall expire 6 months after its entry into force if that agreement has not been concluded by that time.

Done at Luxembourg, 11 April 2022.

For the Council

The President

J. BORRELL FONTELLES

(1) Council Decision 2010/430/CFSP of 26 July 2010 establishing a European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks in support of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (

OJ L 202, 4.8.2010, p. 5

(2) Council Decision 2014/129/CFSP of 10 March 2014 promoting the European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks in support of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (

OJ L 71, 12.3.2014, p. 3

(3) Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/632 of 3 April 2017 amending Decision 2014/129/CFSP promoting the European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks in support of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (

OJ L 90, 4.4.2017, p. 10

(4) Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/1195 of 4 July 2017 amending Decision 2014/129/CFSP promoting the European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks in support of the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (

OJ L 172, 5.7.2017, p. 14

(5) Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/299 of 26 February 2018 promoting the European network of independent non-proliferation and disarmament think tanks in support of the implementation of the EU Strategy against proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (

OJ L 56, 28.2.2018, p. 46

(6) Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/648 of 16 April 2021 amending Decision (CFSP) 2018/299 promoting the European network of independent non-proliferation and disarmament think tanks in support of the implementation of the EU Strategy against proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (

OJ L 133, 20.4.2021, p. 57

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

— 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.

— Enabling permanent and free downloading of documents from Network meetings and from independent think tanks who may wish to share their research results without financial compensation.