2025/889

13.5.2025

COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2025/889

of 12 May 2025

supporting 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 Article 28(1) and Article 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.

(2) 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’.

(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’ which states 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.

(4) 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’). That Decision was followed by Council Decisions 2014/129/CFSP (2), (CFSP) 2017/632 (3), (CFSP) 2017/1195 (4), (CFSP) 2018/299 (5), (CFSP) 2021/648 (6) and (CFSP) 2022/597 (7), in support of the activities of the European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks.

(5) 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 the Consortium’s fruitful cooperation with the European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks. The Consortium is managed by six think tanks and builds on an established network of 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,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

1. For the purposes of contributing to the enhanced implementation of the EU Strategy against proliferation of weapons of mass destruction as well as the EU Strategy against illicit firearms, small arms and light weapons and their ammunition, the support of the activities of the European network of independent non-proliferation and disarmament think tanks is hereby continued in order to further the following objectives:

(a) to encourage political and security-related research and debate within civil societies and, in particular, among experts, researchers and academics, on measures to prevent and combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their delivery systems, and the proliferation of conventional weapons, including on export control;

(b) to provide those participating in the relevant preparatory bodies of the Council with the opportunity to consult the European network of independent non-proliferation and disarmament think tanks on issues referred to in point (a);

(c) to support reflection and decision making in the Council on issues referred to in point (a), in particular by providing reports, recommendations, or both, to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (the ‘High Representative’) and the Member States;

(d) to contribute to enhancing third countries’ awareness of proliferation and disarmament challenges and to promote the need to work to address those challenges in cooperation with the Union, including in the context of multilateral fora;

(e) to contribute to the development of expertise and institutional capacity related to issues referred to in point (a) in think tanks and governments in the Union and third countries, including by strengthening related education, raising awareness among the younger generations and promoting the next generation of researchers and practitioners, especially women.

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

(a) organisation of an annual conference each calendar year;

(b) organisation of an annual consultative meeting each calendar year;

(d) publication of policy papers;

(e) promotion and strengthening of education, through e-learning infrastructure and courses, a teaching resource hub, and a proliferation awareness training course;

(f) promotion of non-proliferation and disarmament-related issues to young women and to the next generation, through an internship programme and the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative;

(g) the annual United Nations Disarmament Fellows’ visits to the Union institutions in Brussels;

(h) outreach and communication, including operation of the EU Non-Proliferation Consortium’s (the ‘Consortium’) website and network platform, and production of a podcast.

A detailed description of the project is set out in the Annex.

Article 2

1. The High Representative 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 (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).

3. The Consortium shall perform the technical implementation of the activities referred to in Article 1(2) under the responsibility of the High Representative. For this purpose, the High Representative shall enter into the necessary arrangements with the Consortium.

4. 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 project covering the activities referred to in Article 1(2) shall be EUR 4 500 000.

2. The expenditure financed by the reference amount set out in paragraph 1 shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the Union budget.

3. The Commission shall supervise the proper management of the expenditure set out 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 High Representative 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 project 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, this Decision shall expire 6 months after its adoption if such agreement has not been concluded by that time.

Done at Brussels, 12 May 2025.

For the Council

The President

B. NOWACKA

(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

, ELI:

http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2010/430/oj

(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

, ELI:

http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2014/129(1)/oj

(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

, ELI:

http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2017/632/oj

(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

, ELI:

http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2017/1195/oj

(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

, ELI:

http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2018/299/oj

(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

, ELI:

http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2021/648/oj

(7) Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/597 of 11 April 2022 promoting the European network of independent non-proliferation and disarmament think tanks (

OJ L 114, 12.4.2022, p. 75

, ELI:

http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2022/597/oj

ANNEX

PROJECT DOCUMENT

EU NON-PROLIFERATION AND DISARMAMENT CONSORTIUM (PHASE V)

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 and discussion also cover 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 three more phases in 2014 (by EU Council Decision 2014/129/CFSP), 2018 (by EU Council Decision 2018/299/CFSP) and 2022 (by EU Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/597). The implementation of Phase IV will be concluded in May 2025.

The EUNPDC currently consists of the Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique (FRS), the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), the International Institute for Strategic Studies Europe (IISS-Europe), the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (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 to include 116 members among think tanks, research centres and university departments based in all EU Member States and in currently seven other countries (Georgia, 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 export 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 IV of the project, the scope of the work of the Consortium expanded to respond to the need to build more capacity, awareness, and opportunities in the field of non-proliferation, arms (export) control and disarmament among the next generation of practitioners and scholars. Particular attention has also been paid to the need to involve more women in the field. Another priority has been to build awareness and capacity in the natural sciences field on security issues, and to connect this expertise to the non-proliferation, arms (export) control and disarmament community. This has become particularly important given the rapid developments in the field of emerging technologies.

The continuous developments and challenges in the field of non-proliferation, arms (export) control, and disarmament 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 V 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 and to further enhance its global footprint by increasing engagement with governments, research centres, educational institutions and audiences (including the younger generation) in other regions. The activities will inform policy debates in Europe and globally; strengthen network building and research collaboration; advance non-proliferation and disarmament education; and build capacity and expertise in the EU and beyond.

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 organisation 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 includes managing and updating the existing network of independent think tanks, as well as further expanding the diversity of the Network in terms of academic disciplines and geography, ensuring perspectives of women and youth, and availability of gender expertise in the network, and with a particular focus on enhanced engagement with entities in Eastern and Southeast Europe as well as with entities from natural and technical sciences. Network engagement will also include the promotion and sharing of diversity-sensitive and inclusion-oriented practices in the network and the non-proliferation and disarmament field at large.

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, including representation of the Consortium at international events. Representatives of members of the Consortium, the EEAS and the European Commission will also continue to provide input on the contents and organisation of the Annual Conference and other projects (e.g. the Consultative meeting, the publication series and ad hoc seminars), as part of the EUNPDC Programme Committee function.

2. Description of the project components

The following aims are crosscutting for all project components:

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

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

— Further enhancing interdisciplinary research, collaboration, and education between natural and social sciences by increasing the natural and technical science institutions in the network and by strengthening natural and technical science involvement in EUNPDC activities, and

— Extending partnerships, outreach and capacity-building to networks, institutions and experts in different regions across the globe, e.g. by organising and participating in ad hoc seminars in other regions, by opening the internships and proliferation awareness courses to non-European nationals, including from the Global South, by hosting joint side-events and involving non-European speakers at such events; by translating eLearning courses; and by increasing the diversity of teaching resources available on the EUNPDC website.

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

Purpose and description of the project component

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, and 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 V (2025-2028) this activity will cover 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 it. Additionally:

— Annual Network meetings will be held in person (back-to-back with the Annual Conference) or in virtual format.

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

— The mentees and mentors of the EUNPDC Mentorship Programme will be invited to participate in the Conference and in separate meetings organised at the margins of the Conference to take advantage of their in-person presence.

Results of the project component

— 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 and to 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.

— 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 roles of the Network and of the Union in this field.

— Strengthen non-proliferation, arms (export) control, and disarmament expertise, in particular in countries where it is insufficient, including third countries, with a focus on supporting the next generation.

— Produce 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 component

The Consultative Meetings, with participation of representatives of the EU, Member States and non-governmental experts, discuss and explore solutions to 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 V of the project this activity will cover the organisation of one Consultative Meeting per year, divided into two parts, respectively 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 sessions. 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 in each of the two CONOP and COARM-oriented sessions.

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

Results of the project component

— Exchange information and analysis regarding current proliferation trends among policy practitioners and non-governmental 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, arms export control and disarmament and explore solutions to related challenges.

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

2.3. Organisation of ad hoc seminars, side events and expert briefings

Purpose and description of the project component

The seminars serve a consultative purpose between the Network, the Union and its Member States, on an ad hoc basis, both for horizon-scanning/awareness-raising as well as to address urgent issues on the policy agenda. The events provide an opportunity for the Network, Member States and the EU institutions to reach out to target audiences inside and outside the Union. They are complemented by written and oral expert briefings to the EU and relevant EU bodies on the full range of non-proliferation, arms (export) control and disarmament issues, and by side events organised at key international fora such as the UN General Assembly and meetings of states parties to international treaties, or major non-proliferation and disarmament conferences.

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

— Seminars will be organised in person, in virtual format or in hybrid format.

— As part of the organisation 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 EEAS can also request stand-alone briefs instead of a written brief focusing on the topic of an ad hoc seminar.

— Additionally, the project foresees oral (virtual or in-person) briefings to the EU as well as 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.

— Side events at international fora are organised by the Consortium in person or hybrid format.

Results of the project component

— Exchange analysis and explore solutions for current non-proliferation, arms (export) control and disarmament challenges among policy practitioners and non-governmental experts from the Member States, as well as specialised staff from the EEAS and institutions of the Union.

— Identify salient issues and trends in the field of non-proliferation and disarmament.

— 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.

— Reach out to target audiences within and outside the Union

— Engage with governments and research centres outside the Union.

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

Purpose and description of the project component

The project provides for the preparation and publication of at least 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 thematic and regional expertise, and gender equality. The policy paper series will also invite contributions from ‘next generation’ specialists. 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 component

— Enhanced and comprehensive 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 as well as governments.

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

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

— Contribution to development of non-proliferation, arms (export) control and disarmament actions at Union level assisted through ideas, information and analysis, drawing on the wide range of solid expertise available within the Network.

2.5. Promotion and strengthening of NPD education

The project component consists of the following activities:

2.5.1. Continuous update of the EUNPD E-Learning infrastructure and courses

(lead: PRIF)

Purpose and description of the project activity

This activity will focus on the global dissemination and use of the eLearning tool, which was developed under previous phases. The course currently consists of 20 learning units on all relevant issues regarding non-proliferation and disarmament. Phase V will focus on maintaining, updating and extending the reach of the Learning Units of the

EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament eLearning Platform

by simultaneously offering different language versions (either through human or AI translation) and expanding the options for reception, e.g. by adding new graphic or interactive elements. Depending on technical availability, presenting all units as audio (in addition to the current animated podcasts presenting only selected elements) based on AI-generated speech. All 20 units will be regularly updated to provide students with the most recent facts and figures.

Special attention will again be devoted to accessibility i.e., the upgrade for users with visual or hearing impairments. 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 activity

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

— Expansion of the possibilities for how the material is received.

— Outreach and assistance to educators 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 non-proliferation, arms (export) control 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.

2.5.2. ‘Teaching clinic’ (teaching resource hub)

(lead: PRIF)

Purpose and description of the project activity

This activity will continue the work to strengthen non-proliferation, arms (export) control and disarmament education in the EU by increasing and diversifying the knowledge base on these issues in Europe and globally and supporting the next generation of experts and policymakers. Up to now, 114 relevant courses recently taught at universities in the EU were identified through an extensive online search. The respective lecturers were contacted individually. In response, 43 syllabi were received, of which approval for publication was given for 21. These 21 can be found on the Consortiums website.

Additionally, two master syllabi and short summaries of key texts were provided. In Phase V, the project will not only compile additional course syllabi at European and North American universities but focus on expanding 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 activity

— Extensive range of curricula of available courses, as examples and inspiration provided on the Consortium website.

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

— Updating, in collaboration with professors, ‘master syllabi’ for first-time teachers.

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

2.5.3. Proliferation awareness training course

(lead: SIPRI)

Purpose and description of the project activity

This activity will cover the organisation of 6 training courses to raise awareness of proliferation risks and research security for students of the natural sciences, and engineering and technological disciplines. It will also strengthen the links between the social and natural sciences. In Phase V, three of these courses will be organised in person in Stockholm; three will take place virtually. This addresses an important gap since such courses are very rarely offered by universities.

Results of the project activity

— 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 and research security 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 activity

This activity provides for European non-proliferation and disarmament internships for up to 28 students or career-entry professionals, 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. 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 activity

— 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.

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

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

2.6.2. The Young Women and Next Generation Initiative

(lead: VCDNP)

Purpose and description of the project activity

Driven by the widely perceived age and gender imbalances among experts and practitioners in the non-proliferation, arms (export) control and disarmament field, the Initiative aims to expose undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate level students to non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament issues, increasing their awareness of them, and encouraging their engagement in events and workshops on relevant topics. In Phase V, the Initiative will continue to organise both in-person and/or virtual outreach visits to universities in Europe to enhance visibility of the field and opportunities for young scholars. The activity will further organise 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 V the project will continue the highly successful mentorship programme, annually pairing 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 as well as opportunities to gather in person.

Additionally in Phase V, some virtual skill and capacity building events will be open to all career levels, broadening audiences beyond the next generation.

Results of the project activity

— Increased diversity, inclusivity and expertise in the non-proliferation and disarmament sector, and a stronger and more diverse pipeline of future non-proliferation, arms (export) control and disarmament experts.

— Better understanding of the field and relevant EU policies among the next generation.

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

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

— Improved engagement with young scholars and practitioners 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 component

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 policymaking 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 component

— 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 component consists of the following activities:

2.8.1. Website, Network platform and outreach

(lead: FRS)

Purpose and description of the project activity

This activity provides the means for web hosting, web design, technical maintenance and continuous updates of the Consortium website (

https://www.nonproliferation.eu/

) and social networks. Network members will increase involvement via the 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. The website, network platform and social networks are also to ensure EU visibility. Phase V will focus on harmonising the various communication platforms of the network and further enhance dissemination of network resources, publications and activities in order to increase visibility in policy communities and to facilitate research collaboration. In addition:

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

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

— The regular newsletter will continue to include a section devoted to interviews, an editorial, a list of publications, news on the latest developments in EU non-proliferation and disarmament policy, a list of calls for job applications, and news from the network members.

2.8.2. Production of an EUNPDC podcast

(lead: IISS-Europe)

Purpose and description of the project activity

This activity foresees the continuation of a EUNPDC podcast initiated in Phase IV, addressing thematic issues within the mandate of the Consortium. The podcast is a thought-provoking series that unpacks the most pressing non-proliferation, arms (export) control and disarmament issues, including topics relevant to the proliferation of WMD and their delivery systems, as well as the impact of emerging technologies. Each episode features in-depth discussions with leading experts and practitioners. In Phase V 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 in 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.

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

— Strengthening non-proliferation, arms (export) control and disarmament expertise in particular in countries where it is insufficient, including third countries, with a focus on supporting the next generation in generating knowledge of the field.

ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/889/oj

ISSN 1977-0677 (electronic edition)