ABOUT
US

ABOUT
US

A EUROPEAN NETWORK

In July 2010 Council Decision 2010/430/CFSP established “a European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks in support of the implementation of the European Union strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction”. The Council of the European Union decided to support the creation of a network bringing together foreign policy institutions and research centers from across the EU to encourage 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. The Council of the European Union entrusted the technical implementation of this Decision to the EU Non-Proliferation Consortium, initially based on la Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique (FRS), the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (HSFK/ PRIF), the International Institute for Strategic Studies – Europe (IISS-Europe) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

As part of its mandate, the EU Non-Proliferation Consortium contributed to the establishment of a network bringing together more than 60 think tanks and research centers combining almost the entire non-governmental expertise in the European Union. Consequently, EU Council Decision 2014/129/CFSP of the 10th March 2014 provided support for three more years to the activities of the EU Non-Proliferation Consortium to promote and coordinate the Network.

The support of the EU to the activities of the Consortium have been further extended through EU Council Decision 2018/299/CFSP of 26th February 2018.  In line with the recommendations laid down in the European Parliament resolution of 27 October 2016 on nuclear security and non-proliferation, the names of the European network of independent non-proliferation think tanks and the Consortium have been adjusted to include the word ‘disarmament’. Furthermore, the Consortium membership now includes two additional institutes: the International Affairs Institute in Rome (IAI) and the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP).

The EU Council Decision 2022/597 of 11 April 2022, promoting the European network of independent non-proliferation and disarmament think tanks, provided support for three more years to the activities of the EU Non-Proliferation Consortium to promote and coordinate the Network.

STRUCTURE

The EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium, managed jointly by six institutes entrusted with the project, works close in cooperation with the representative of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The six institutes are La Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS), the Peace Research Institute in Frankfurt (HSFK/ PRIF), the International Affairs Institute in Rome (IAI), the International Institute for Strategic Studies – Europe (IISS – Europe), the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP). The Consortium, originally comprised of four institutes, began its work in January 2011 and forms the core of a wider network of European non-proliferation and disarmament think tanks and research centers which are closely associated with the activities of the Consortium.

MISSION

The main aim of the network of independent non-proliferation and disarmament think tanks is to encourage discussion of measures to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems within civil society, particularly among experts, researchers and academics. The scope of activities shall also cover issues related to conventional weapons, including small arms and light weapons (SALW). The fruits of the network discussions can be submitted in the form of reports and recommendations to the responsible officials within the European Union.

The aim of the network is to enhance the awareness in third countries of the challenges related to WMD and conventional weapons proliferation through activities such as dedicated education and outreach projects. Furthermore, the network aims at raising awareness on the need to work together with the European Union and other multilateral fora, such as the United Nations, to prevent, deter, halt and where possible, eliminate proliferation programmes of concern worldwide and the illicit trade and excessive accumulation of SALW and their ammunition.

To that end, the Consortium may establish cooperation with specialized institutions and research centers in third countries, in particular in those with which the EU is conducting specific non-proliferation dialogues.

ACTIVITIES

The Consortium works through the organization of expert meetings, international conferences, ad hoc seminars and consultative meetings with representatives of EU institutions. In particular, one of the flagship events of the project, the Annual Conference, has raised awareness over the years about the EU Strategy against the proliferation of WMD and the EU Strategy to combat illicit accumulation and trafficking of SALW and their ammunition, and associated implementation efforts by the EU. It helped increase the visibility of the EU’s policies in these fields as well as its actions in the fields of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) non-proliferation and disarmament.

In addition, the Consortium provides ad-hoc expertise through reports, recommendations and policy papers to the office of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. It also produces publications on the full range of non-proliferation and disarmament issues, including both conventional and non-conventional arms. Finally, the Consortium provides relevant e-learning courses, internships, proliferation awareness training for specialists in natural sciences and other relevant fields and arranges annual study visits to Brussels for the participants in the UN Programme of Fellowships on Disarmament.

STRUCTURE

The EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium, managed jointly by six institutes entrusted with the project, works close in cooperation with the representative of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The six institutes are La Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS), the Peace Research Institute in Frankfurt (HSFK/ PRIF), the International Affairs Institute in Rome (IAI), the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP). The Consortium, originally comprised of four institutes, began its work in January 2011 and forms the core of a wider network of European non-proliferation and disarmament think tanks and research centers which are closely associated with the activities of the Consortium.

MISSION

The main aim of the network of independent non-proliferation and disarmament think tanks is to encourage discussion of measures to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems within civil society, particularly among experts, researchers and academics. The scope of activities shall also cover issues related to conventional weapons, including small arms and light weapons (SALW). The fruits of the network discussions can be submitted in the form of reports and recommendations to the responsible officials within the European Union.

The aim of the network is to enhance the awareness in third countries of the challenges related to WMD and conventional weapons proliferation through activities such as dedicated education and outreach projects. Furthermore, the network aims at raising awareness on the need to work together with the European Union and other multilateral fora, such as the United Nations, to prevent, deter, halt and where possible, eliminate proliferation programmes of concern worldwide and the illicit trade and excessive accumulation of SALW and their ammunition.

To that end, the Consortium may establish cooperation with specialized institutions and research centers in third countries, in particular in those with which the EU is conducting specific non-proliferation dialogues.

ACTIVITIES

The Consortium works through the organization of expert meetings, international conferences, ad hoc seminars and consultative meetings with representatives of EU institutions. In particular, one of the flagship events of the project, the Annual Conference, has raised awareness over the years about the EU Strategy against the proliferation of WMD and the EU Strategy to combat illicit accumulation and trafficking of SALW and their ammunition, and associated implementation efforts by the EU. It helped increase the visibility of the EU’s policies in these fields as well as its actions in the fields of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) non-proliferation and disarmament.

In addition, the Consortium provides ad-hoc expertise through reports, recommendations and policy papers to the office of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. It also produces publications on the full range of non-proliferation and disarmament issues, including both conventional and non-conventional arms. Finally, the Consortium provides relevant e-learning courses, internships, proliferation awareness training for specialists in natural sciences and other relevant fields and arranges annual study visits to Brussels for the participants in the UN Programme of Fellowships on Disarmament.

SIX LEADING THINK TANKS

The Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS) was founded in 1998. It is an independent research centre and the leading French think tank on defense and security issues. Its team of experts in a variety of fields contributes to the strategic debate in France and abroad, and provides unique expertise across the board of defense and security studies. In the aera of international security, its specific focuses are security doctrines, arms control, proliferation/dissemination issues and challenges, non-proliferation regimes and policies (small arms, conventional weapons, biological and chemical weapons, nuclear weapons, and their delivery systems). The FRS maintains an active presence in the strategic debate through its publications, its website, and the events it regularly organizes. It takes part in a network of European and international research

The Peace Research Institute in Frankfurt (PRIF), member of the Leibniz Association, is the largest as well as the oldest peace research institute in Germany. Founded in 1970, PRIF´s work is directed towards carrying out research on peace and conflict, with a special emphasis on issues of arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament. With a total staff of approximately 80, PRIF researchers have a long-standing experience in political advice and consulting, having served, inter alia, in German delegations to NPT, CTBT, CWC, BWC, Ottawa Convention and SALW gatherings, in the UN Advisory Council on Disarmament Matters and in IAEA Expert Groups. Today, PRIF’s arms control division covers chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological weapons, small and light weapons, conventional weapons, drones, autonomous weapons, emerging technologies as well as mines and cluster ammunition.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), founded in 1958, is an independent centre for research, information and debate on the problems of conflict, however caused, that have, or potentially have, an important military content. It aims to provide, through publications and discussion forums, the best possible analysis on strategic trends, and to facilitate contacts that would lead to the development of better public policy in the fields of international relations and international security. Based in London, the IISS has offices in the US, Singapore and Bahrain. The IISS Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Programme seeks to provide objective assessments of proliferation threats, to support international efforts to strengthen nuclear security and the non-proliferation regime and to encourage a stronger congruence of non-proliferation and arms control policies.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute(SIPRI) is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament. Established in 1966, SIPRI provides data, analysis and recommendations, based on open sources, to policymakers, researchers, media and the interested public. Located in Stockholm, Sweden, SIPRI offers a unique platform for researchers from different countries to work in close cooperation. The Institute also hosts guest researchers and interns who work on issues related to the SIPRI research programmes. SIPRI maintains contacts with other research centres and individual researchers throughout the world. The Institute cooperates closely with several intergovernmental organizations and entities, including the United Nations, the European Union, the IAEA and the OPCW, and regularly provides support to parliamentary, scientific and government partners.

The International Affairs Institute (IAI) is an independent think tank, founded in 1965 on the initiative of Altiero Spinelli. IAI aims to promote the understanding of international politics and international relations and to contribute to the advancement of European integration and multilateral cooperation through conferences, seminars, publications and training.  It is the leading Italian study centre on defence and security but its scope also encompasses EU issues, international economics and global governance, energy, climate and Italian foreign policy as well as the dynamics of cooperation and conflict in the Mediterranean and Middle East, Asia, Africa and the Americas. The institute provides advice to governmental institutions and collaborates on a regular basis with the European Union, NATO and the OSCE. It takes part in several European, regional and global research networks.

The Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) is an international non-governmental organization established on the initiative of the Austrian Foreign Ministry in 2010 and officially opened in 2011. The Center’s mission is to promote international peace and security by providing a platform for independent analysis and dialogue in the field of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. In order to fulfill its mission, the VCDNP employs conferences, seminars, and other fora to foster results-oriented discussion among international organizations, national governments, non-governmental experts, scholars and civil society. The Center partners with other academic and non-governmental institutions as well as international organizations in conducting research, outreach, education and training on non-proliferation and disarmament. The VCDNP is operated by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.

SIX LEADING THINK TANKS

The Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS) was founded in 1998. It is an independent research centre and the leading French think tank on defense and security issues. Its team of experts in a variety of fields contributes to the strategic debate in France and abroad, and provides unique expertise across the board of defense and security studies. In the aera of international security, its specific focuses are security doctrines, arms control, proliferation/dissemination issues and challenges, non-proliferation regimes and policies (small arms, conventional weapons, biological and chemical weapons, nuclear weapons, and their delivery systems). The FRS maintains an active presence in the strategic debate through its publications, its website, and the events it regularly organizes. It takes part in a network of European and international research

The Peace Research Institute in Frankfurt (PRIF), member of the Leibniz Association, is the largest as well as the oldest peace research institute in Germany. Founded in 1970, PRIF´s work is directed towards carrying out research on peace and conflict, with a special emphasis on issues of arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament. With a total staff of approximately 80, PRIF researchers have a long-standing experience in political advice and consulting, having served, inter alia, in German delegations to NPT, CTBT, CWC, BWC, Ottawa Convention and SALW gatherings, in the UN Advisory Council on Disarmament Matters and in IAEA Expert Groups. Today, PRIF’s arms control division covers chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological weapons, small and light weapons, conventional weapons, drones, autonomous weapons, emerging technologies as well as mines and cluster ammunition.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), founded in 1958, is an independent centre for research, information and debate on the problems of conflict, however caused, that have, or potentially have, an important military content. It aims to provide, through publications and discussion forums, the best possible analysis on strategic trends, and to facilitate contacts that would lead to the development of better public policy in the fields of international relations and international security. Based in London, the IISS has offices in the US, Singapore and Bahrain. The IISS Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Programme seeks to provide objective assessments of proliferation threats, to support international efforts to strengthen nuclear security and the non-proliferation regime and to encourage a stronger congruence of non-proliferation and arms control policies.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute(SIPRI) is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament. Established in 1966, SIPRI provides data, analysis and recommendations, based on open sources, to policymakers, researchers, media and the interested public. Located in Stockholm, Sweden, SIPRI offers a unique platform for researchers from different countries to work in close cooperation. The Institute also hosts guest researchers and interns who work on issues related to the SIPRI research programmes. SIPRI maintains contacts with other research centres and individual researchers throughout the world. The Institute cooperates closely with several intergovernmental organizations and entities, including the United Nations, the European Union, the IAEA and the OPCW, and regularly provides support to parliamentary, scientific and government partners.

The International Affairs Institute (IAI) is an independent think tank, founded in 1965 on the initiative of Altiero Spinelli. IAI aims to promote the understanding of international politics and international relations and to contribute to the advancement of European integration and multilateral cooperation through conferences, seminars, publications and training.  It is the leading Italian study centre on defence and security but its scope also encompasses EU issues, international economics and global governance, energy, climate and Italian foreign policy as well as the dynamics of cooperation and conflict in the Mediterranean and Middle East, Asia, Africa and the Americas. The institute provides advice to governmental institutions and collaborates on a regular basis with the European Union, NATO and the OSCE. It takes part in several European, regional and global research networks.

The Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) is an international non-governmental organization established on the initiative of the Austrian Foreign Ministry in 2010 and officially opened in 2011. The Center’s mission is to promote international peace and security by providing a platform for independent analysis and dialogue in the field of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. In order to fulfill its mission, the VCDNP employs conferences, seminars, and other fora to foster results-oriented discussion among international organizations, national governments, non-governmental experts, scholars and civil society. The Center partners with other academic and non-governmental institutions as well as international organizations in conducting research, outreach, education and training on non-proliferation and disarmament. The VCDNP is operated by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.

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