Division 1 OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this Decision is to promote through specific measures the universality, the full implementation and the enhancement of the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (the ‘Code’), in line with the EU strategy against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

This Decision will complement the Union's diplomatic engagement with subscribing States and non-subscribing States to the Code. In this regard, relevant Union messages are:

1. (a)

   for subscribing States:

   1. (i)

      importance of full implementation of the Code, notably through the annual declarations and pre-launch notifications provided for in the Code;

   2. (ii)

      encouragement to fully use the Code as a means to promote transparency and confidence, both regionally and internationally, and to help curbing and preventing the proliferation of ballistic missiles capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction (WMD);

2. (b)

   for non-subscribing States:

   1. (i)

      encouragement to subscribe to the Code and thereby contribute to the wider multilateral efforts to prevent the proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery;

   2. (ii)

      taking advantage of the Code's provisions to help reduce regional tensions and to build confidence, thereby promoting more security for all.

In addition, this Decision shall be used to help financing a limited number of research papers on synergies between the Code and other relevant multilateral instruments, such as the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), UNSCR 1540 (2004) and the United Nations Register for Objects Launched in Outer Space.

Finally, this Decision aims at supporting the ongoing policy dialogue of the international community on security and sustainability in outer space, notably through providing a limited financial contribution for the annual space conferences, organised by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) in Geneva.