The EU Non-Proliferation Consortium

Security in a Nuclear-Armed World
2021-06-21 08:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Paris)
Benoît Pelopidas and Kjølv Egeland
Sciences Po
Spring 2021
This course will introduce the main debates about nuclear weapons and their effects on international security. Every session will be devoted to a crucial problem of the ‘nuclear age’ which is still relevant to contemporary security policymaking. How do we know that something “is nuclear” or not? Is there a “nuclear revolution” and if so, what does it mean? How do nuclear weapons affect military strategy? How to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons? How can we explain the nuclear arms race? What is at stake in the debate about nuclear disarmament and the nuclear ban treaty? Why have nuclear weapons not been used in anger since 1945? What are the political implications of referring to “Weapons of Mass Destruction” (WMD)? These questions will be introduced through the study of concepts as well as historical events and their political operationalization.

Level: Postgraduate
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Perspectives on Arms control, Disarmament and Non-proliferation
2021-06-21 08:00 - 17:00
Jens Bartsch
Goethe University Frankfurt
Spring 2021
This seminar will introduce students to fundamental issues and enduring controversies of arms control, with a special focus on nuclear weapons as the paradigmatic case of arms control. It will explore cross connections between the development of arms control and International Relations theory as well as recent challenges posed by technological and political developments, including controversies over “nuclear justice” or the geopolitical implications of arms control negotiations. At the end of the seminar, students should have a solid base of knowledge about key arms control regimes, both historical and current, in addition to insights into the practical activities of arms control professionals and the debates surrounding arms control within IR.

Level: Undergraduate
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Considering potential lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic to strengthen the BTWC (Part 2 – virtual)
2021-06-07
In view of the next Review Conference of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), this high-level part of the Ad hoc seminar aimed to consider and determine the key issues highlighted by the pandemic that could be relevant to the disarmament and non-proliferation scope of Convention. The purpose was to explore the lessons that can be learned from this international public health crisis and the response, and to discuss how they could have an impact on the BTWC and help strengthen its implementation.
This high-level event followed an expert workshop which took place on 17 May 2021. The expert workshop was designed so that its outputs could contribute to foster discussions at European level during this high-level session.
During the expert workshop, the seminar first sought to identify and discuss the potential repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic with regard to the implementation of the BTWC, with a focus on national implementation, biosecurity challenges, and the need to keep up with scientific and technical advances. Then, it provided an opportunity to reconsider the reflections pertaining to the implementation of Article VII on emergency assistance in case of a violation of the Convention, and of Article X on cooperation and assistance.
Through the seminar, participants highlighted anew the key challenges facing the BTWC, but also strongly stressed the need to build on the unique momentum created by the pandemic crisis to strengthen the BTWC at the next Review Conference (RevCon). As far as the intersection between the fields of security and health is concerned, they emphasised the need to avoid duplication and be careful to respect the mandates and scopes of existing instruments, organisations, and mechanisms.

14:00 – 14:05 Introduction and Welcoming Remarks

Elisande Nexon, Pharm.D, Senior Research Fellow, Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique, France

14:05 – 14:15 Introductory remarks (recorded)

H.E. Ambassador Marjolijn van Deelen, EU Special Envoy for Non-proliferation and Disarmament

14:15 – 14:30 Keynote speech
H.E. Dr. Cleopa K. Mailu, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations in Geneva and Chairperson of the BWC Meeting of States Parties
14:30 – 15:30 Session 1: Exploring the potential impact of the Covid-19 pandemic with regard to the implementation of the BTWC
Moderator: Dr. Sonia Drobysz, Programme Director for National Implementation, VERTIC, United Kingdom
Speakers:

Dr. Una Jakob, Research Associate, Peace Research Institute Frankfurt, Germany – Reporting from the expert workshop
Sigurd Schelstraete, Director of the Department of Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Belgium
Dr. Irmgard Adam, Policy officer, Permanent Representation of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva

Discussion
15:30 – 16:30 Session 2: Revisiting the prospects of cooperation for peaceful purposes and emergency assistance through the potential lessons of the pandemic
Moderator: Dr. Ralf Trapp, Independent consultant
Speakers:

Elisande Nexon, Pharm.D, Senior Research Fellow, Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique, France – Reporting from the expert workshop
H.E. Ambassador Gianfranco Incarnato, Permanent Representative of Italy to the Conference on Disarmament
H.E. Ambassador Yann Hwang, Permanent Representative of France to the Conference on Disarmament

Discussion
16:30 Conclusion

Considering potential lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic to strengthen the BTWC (Part 1 - virtual)
2021-05-17
This expert seminar aims to consider and determine the key issues highlighted by the pandemic that could be relevant to the disarmament and non-proliferation scope of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC). The purpose is to explore the lessons that can be learned from this international public health crisis, and the response, that could have an impact on the Convention and help strengthen its implementation. The seminar will thus contribute to put into perspective questions that notably relate to national implementation and challenges to biosecurity stemming from advances in life sciences. Considering the scope of the Convention as well as the importance of developing interactions with other existing instruments, organisations and mechanisms, while respecting their respective mandates and avoiding duplication, it will also provide an opportunity to reconsider the reflections pertaining to the implementation of Article VII on emergency assistance in case of a violation of the Convention, and of Article X on cooperation and assistance.

Monday, 17 May 2021

10:00 – 10:15 Introduction and Welcoming Remarks

Elisande Nexon (Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique, France)
Mauri Pasanen (Disarmament, non-proliferation and arms export control, EEAS)

10:15 – 11:30 Session 1: Exploring the potential impact of the Covid-19 pandemic with regard to the implementation of the BTWC
Chair: Una Jakob (Peace Research Institute Frankfurt, Germany)
Speakers:

James Revill (United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, Switzerland) – Current and future main challenges and perspectives for the BWC stemming from the pandemic
Filippa Lentzos (Kings College London, United Kingdom) – Global health, research and dual use dilemma in the Covid-19 perspective
Gunnar Jeremias (Hamburg University, Germany) – Potential impact of the pandemic on the BWC national implementation
Tatyana Novossiolova (Centre for the Study of Democracy, Bulgaria) – Cross-sectorial awareness raising and education challenges and perspectives in life sciences

Discussion
11:30 – 11:45 Break
11:45 – 13:00 Session 2: Revisiting the prospects of cooperation for peaceful purposes and emergency assistance through the potential lessons of the pandemic
Chair: Elisande Nexon (Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique, France)
Speakers:

Jean Pascal Zanders (The Trench / FRS, France) – Exploring the issue of emergency assistance in the framework of the BWC (reconsidering the reflections carried out until the pandemic)
Alessandro Marcello (International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Italy) – Promoting capacity building through cooperation and assistance, the example of the ICGEB
Anne-Sophie Lequarré (Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, stability and Peace, European Commission) – The contribution of EU CBRN Centres of Excellence to the COVID-19 response
Antoine Flahault (Institute of Global Health, Switzerland) – Strengthening preparedness and response to international biological public health emergencies

Discussion
13h00 Conclusion

Daniel Feakes (BTWC Implementation Support Unit, UNODA, Geneva Branch)

The European Union’s Role in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament and Its Engagement with Academia and The Younger Generation
2021-04-29
On 29 April 2021, as part of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI), the VCDNP and the International Affairs Institute (IAI) in Rome, Italy, with the support of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC), organized the second public outreach event focused on the EU and its policies on non-proliferation and disarmament, as well as its engagement with academia and the younger generation. The panellists included former High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice‑President of the European Commission, Rector of the College of Europe, Federica Mogherini, Special Envoy for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Ambassador Marjolijn van Deelen, and the EUNPDC Chair, Dr. Sibylle Bauer.

IAI’s Executive Vice President Ettore Greco provided welcome remarks and VCDNP’s Executive Director Elena Sokova moderated the session. Over 300 individuals attended the event, including many of the Young Women in Non‑Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme participants and other EUNPDC next generation conference and training course individuals. The high level of interest demonstrates the strong need for these discussions and opportunities to interact.
Ms. Federica Mogherini
Federica Mogherini shared her experience working as the former High Representative, highlighting the role her team played in 2015 in the final months of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) negotiations with Iran. Stressing that negotiations on the JCPOA are again taking place in Vienna, Austria, Rector Mogherini noted the crucial role of the EU in maintaining and monitoring the agreement, despite the US’s withdrawal in 2018. The EU had a unique role to play in the negotiations as it served as the facilitator and the depository for the text of the agreement. The EU also conducted a fair amount of detailed, technical work on the agreement to make sure nothing was left to interpretation, especially regarding sanctions related issues and nuclear commitments. The facilitator role provided the EU with the institutional basis to reach out to the other parties to the JCPOA after the US withdrew, to ensure that the agreement was preserved and monitored. According to Rector Mogherini, the EU has a role to play in non‑proliferation and disarmament, especially given Europe’s history and experience of devastation when arms control fell short, emphasizing that the EU should become champions in solidifying the international community’s reliability in arms control, non‑proliferation and disarmament infrastructures and regimes.
Ambassador Marjolijn van Deelen
Supporting arms control architecture and treaties, strengthening multilateral institutions, and supporting third countries in developing their arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament architecture is at the core of the EU’s non-proliferation and disarmament strategy. Ambassador Marjolijn van Deelen highlighted that the EU is committed to strengthening the international security environment and recognizes that it cannot tackle global challenges, like those posed by proliferation risks, alone. The EU has multiple institutions focused on non-proliferation and disarmament ranging from the EEAS, which serves as the EU’s diplomatic service, to the EU Commission which manages the EU’s policies on dual-use export controls and the EU Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence, to the Joint Research Centre focused on technical issues related to disarmament verification. Nuclear safeguards in the EU are implemented by EURATOM that also provides valuable expertise on international safeguards development to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and EEAS office. In international fora the EU is active in taking common positions in support of existing treaties, encouraging other States to accede to treaties they are not yet party to, and supporting institutions, like the IAEA and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, that support these treaties. The EU strongly believes in the powers of multilateral diplomacy to resolve problems peacefully and is devoted to ensuring the international system is fit for purpose. To do this, the EU works closely in partnership with other institutions and academia.
Dr. Sibylle Bauer
The European network of independent non-proliferation and disarmament think tanks, was established in 2010 with the full support of all EU Member States to contribute to independent research and education activities in non-proliferation and disarmament. Dr. Sibylle Bauer shared with the audience the make-up of the Network, comprised of over 100 members, and of the Consortium that coordinates its activities . Dr. Bauer also talked about the various activities, of which the YWNGI is included, that the Consortium implements with the support of the EU. Importantly, it was emphasized that the EUNPDC focuses on a wide range of issues in non-proliferation and disarmament, ranging from nuclear, to conventional, to biological, to outer space and emerging technologies. It was also stressed that the EUNPDC is not limited to institutions in EU Member States but also includes members from third countries outside the EU. For more information on the EUNPDC and its activities please consult the nonproliferation.eu website.
The prepared remarks were followed by a second round of questions seeking panellists’ advice for young women and the next generation interested in entering the field of arms control, non‑proliferation and disarmament. Rector Mogherini emphasized the importance of leading by example, noting that the EU delegation sometimes was only composed of women whereas their interlocuters were solely comprised of men. She also noted that to really address the imbalances in the field, it is important to start with academia and the curricula they encourage their students to follow. The panellists all agreed on a strong list of seven skills and qualities for both professional and personal growth presented by Dr. Sibylle Bauer:

Clear thinking and solid analysis;
Excellence;
Commitment;
Authenticity;
Integrity;
Empathy, in which active listening and really caring was stressed; and
Creative Problem Solving.

“What also is really important, I think, is to help others not just get a foot in the door but then to help them stay in the field and climb up.” – Sibylle Bauer
Adding to this list, other panellists emphasized the importance of working in teams, indicating that every role in a team is important and no one role should be perceived as any more or less significant.
“You need a mix of people that have different competences and when you put those together you can be much stronger.” – Marjolijn van Deelen
There was resounding agreement that passion and interest in what one is doing is the best guide to navigating one’s career. Also, the panellists encouraged participants to not be afraid to try new things and to be willing to go into depth on topics that may not fall within their educational background, whether it be more policy-oriented or technical.
“I think passion in what you are doing is the only thing that really counts.” – Federica Mogherini
Some highlights from the question-and-answer session include insights into the difficulties in forming a common position in the EU, noting the diversity of the group and the need for fierce, internal debates. Once a common position or statement has been agreed, it serves as an umbrella under which other like-minded countries can align themselves. All speakers stressed that given the divergent views within the EU, when a common position has been adopted, especially on controversial matters, it is a powerful statement that can offer hope to the larger international community and refocus energy on where agreement exists, and action can be taken.

EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Next Generation Follow-Up Meeting
2021-04-13 15:00 - 18:00
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, there are currently few opportunities for the next generation to meet around the world and think together about the great challenges of our times. With these words, Elena Sokova, Executive Director of the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP), opened the 2021 EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Next Generation Follow-Up Meeting.
The event – jointly organized by the VCDNP and the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) within the framework of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium – follows the Next Generation Workshop on non-proliferation and disarmament, an initiative held annually that brings together outstanding young scholars, students and professionals to present fresh ideas and solutions to current non-proliferation and disarmament challenges.
As stressed by Ettore Greco, Executive Vice President of IAI, it is essential to substantially involve the younger generation on these issues in order to not only identify gaps and barriers in the existing policies, but also to let fresh ideas and new perspectives help to promote innovative forms of cooperation in an era of daunting challenges for multilateralism. Under the same auspices, the Young Women in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme was launched during the same week.
The meeting was attended by more than 120 participants, including women and girls from all over the world and with the most diverse backgrounds. The event was organised in two tracks. The first track was highly informative, during which two prominent experts addressed respectively biosecurity challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the most current cybersecurity concerns in relation to non-proliferation. The second track of the event was dedicated to networking. Noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has left many young individuals isolated and detached from ongoing activities and has severely limited academic exchanges and training opportunities, the goal of the second track was to provide a framework for young people to meet, exchange ideas and promote their work.
VIEW THE MEETING AGENDA
The Impact of COVID-19 and other Bio-Security Challenges
The first topic was addressed by Dr. Filippa Lentzos, Senior Research Fellow at the King’s College London. As pointed by Federica Dall’Arche, Researcher at IAI and moderator of the panel, the topic was particularly timely due to recent discussions on the origin of the virus. In order to reach an assessment of the health and societal impacts caused by COVID-19, Dr. Lentzos walked the participants through an accurate and anguished timeline of the pandemic stressing, in particular, the evolution of the Chinese government’s narrative on the spread of the virus, the role of the World Health Organization and the progressive recognition of the modalities of human-to-human transmission. As the pandemic escalated, however, many questions remain unanswered, according to Dr. Lentzos. The direct impact of the virus on health is still poorly understood and the extent of the indirect and long-term consequences will only fully emerge with time. The enormous socioeconomic effects of the virus, however, are already clear. Dr. Lentzos noted how the virus led to the disappearance of 225 million full-time jobs around the world and has exacerbated long-standing economic, racial and gender divides. Women, in particular, are paying the highest price, comprising 70% of global health and social care personnel. In addition to the consequently increased exposure to risk, women are also victims of what UN Women has called “the shadow pandemic,” i.e. a worrying increase in gender-based violence and domestic violence.

The effects of the pandemic still remain at least partially unknown, and this is even more true for its origin. As essential as it is to reconstruct a clear picture of what happened to reduce the risk of the introduction of new viruses to the human population, we still know little about the time, place and causes that led to the break out of COVID-19. “What should have been a routine science question,” Dr. Lentzos argued, “has instead become extremely politically charged.” In early April 2021, a WHO-China Joint Mission on COVID-19 released a study listing four different possibilities on the origins of the outbreak of the pandemic. The first hypothesis listed is that the virus jumped from an animal directly to a human; the second, that the virus jumped from an animal to an intermediate host and then to a human; the third hypothesis is that the virus was imported to China via frozen food; the last hypothesis is that it spread because of a lab leak. While, according to the report, the second theory seems to be the most likely, the joint nature of the report raises significant doubts on its mandate and independence. The lack of adequately grounded evidence to favour one hypothesis over another is also a cause of particular concern, according to Dr. Lentzos. Yet, understanding the origin of COVID-19 would be essential to strategise on how to prepare for future pandemics.
Dr. Lentzos concluded her remarks noting that biological threats are not limited to the current pandemic. Among other risks, she included: the potential accidents in biosafety laboratories, noting that many laboratories are currently under-monitored and under-regulated; deliberate biothreats caused by a growing technical capacity to modify pathogen and transfer them to the human body; and biological information warfare possibly targeting specific individuals or groups. Remarkably, the effects of biological information warfare are substantially indifferent from those of real, internationally prohibited biological warfare. This makes disarmament efforts particularly difficult.
Cyber Security and Implications for Non-Proliferation
The relevance of cyber security, as reminded by Mara Zarka, Project/Events Manager and Research Associate at the VCDNP and moderator of the second panel, has recently been brought into the spotlight because of the alleged cyberattack to the Natanz nuclear plant in Iran. Although cybersecurity has been on the policymaking eye for over a decade, these events show that the answers we have come up with still remain largely unsatisfactory. According to Dr. Alexi Drew, Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Policy Institute at King’s College London, “most of the cyber issues that we see in international security arise out of a lingering series of misperceptions about what cyber security actually is, and who does it.” The actors involved are indeed changing rapidly with drastic consequences within the arms control arena. What was traditionally negotiated between States and within international institutions, is now addressed in far more complex negations because of the growing role of the so-called cyber emerging technologies. As a consequence, continued Dr. Drew, today private industries are the new predominant group of actors shaping the cybersecurity field, with a variable role left to the States. Remarkably, both private actors and States are increasingly aware of the new balance of power and of who can really set the standards. Cutting-edge technology is no longer directed solely by States’ interests, with enormous consequences on international governance dynamics. In fact, according to Dr. Drew, while technology might seem neutral and apolitical, it is the result of ethical and political choices. The kind of decisions now happening are about the importance of privacy in next generation technologies and algorithms, or about how domestic and international standards should be set. And these standards are increasingly set by private actors.

Another crucial and often underestimated aspect of cyber security has to do with supply chains that contribute to creating broader attack surfaces, linking private and public digital infrastructures. However, as Dr. Drew explained, not everything that takes place in the cyber space can or should be considered as a form of warfare. In the large majority of cases, it is about cyber espionage, never intended to cause physical damage. This difference is widespread and yet difficult to explain, since it is incidents such as the one that happened at the Natanz nuclear plant – actually intended to cause physical damage – that make the headlines. The consequent general failure in grasping these nuances between espionage and attacks remains one of the main barriers to effective policymaking on cybersecurity. The key of the instability risk that should be addressed by cybersecurity is indeed the possibility of escalation due to lack of knowledge, resulting from a deliberate policy on the side of both States and institutions involved in a cyber event. For instance, NATO members have never defined the standard beyond which a cyber incident can be considered a full-fledged attack, thus expanding the deterrent potential. However, this makes it hard to establish where the line is and represents a critical risk of escalation or “splash effect.” Dr. Drew concluded her remarks noting that cyber capabilities are rapidly proliferating, both in terms of defence and attack capabilities.
Networking session
During this session, participants were divided in groups and provided with ice-breaking questions.
The discussion in the different groups covered both the main pressing challenges to non-proliferation and disarmament as well as ways in which the EUNPDC and its members could do to better engage the next generation and young women in the field.
READ TAKEAWAYS FROM THE NETWORKING SESSION

Young Women in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme Launch Event
2021-04-12 08:00 - 17:00
Young Women in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Mentorship Programme Launch Event
On 12 April 2021, the International Affairs Institute (IAI) and the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP), as part of the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI), held the first meeting of the recently established Young Women in Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (YWNPD) Mentorship Programme.
The YWNPD mentorship programme, which is organized in the framework of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC), pairs 19 young women (mentees), carefully chosen through a highly-competitive selection process, with well-established experts (mentors) to engage in a mentoring relationship that envisions, among other things, regular video-conferencing sessions. Mentees are also expected to attend conferences, seminars, social events, and other activities to be exposed to networking and career opportunities.
Open Nuclear Network Director Laura Rockwood gives her keynote address.
The launch event was opened by VCDNP Executive Director Elena Sokova and EUNPDC Chair Sibylle Bauer. Afterwards organisers laid out expectations for the programme and a round of introductions followed. The launch event concluded with a keynote address by Laura Rockwood, Director of the Open Nuclear Network and member of the YWNGI Advisory Board. Ms. Rockwood provided participants with an overview of her career in the field and tips for how to succeed. She shared stories and anecdotes from her experience, in particular her work at the International Atomic Energy Agency, where she served 28 years in the Department of Safeguards and was the principal author of the document that became the Model Additional Protocol. She also provided valuable insights and recommendations on how to thrive in the field, highlighting that sometimes the best career path is not the most direct nor the one you thought you would take. In her experience, Ms. Rockwood noted that active listening, strong writing skills and learning how to structure your thoughts and arguments, have proved valuable.
Aside from mentors and mentees, the event was attended by members of the EUNPD Consortium, of the YWNGI Advisory Board, and by representatives from the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI).
Read the event agenda

February 2021 Introductory Course on the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction
2021-02-22 - 2021-02-26
From 22 to 26 February 2021, the VCDNP held its first intensive introductory course on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) for students of biological and chemical sciences. The course, conducted in an online format, brought together 29 students affiliated with eight European universities as well as universities in Nigeria, the Philippines, and Russia. Women made up 59 percent of the participants.

The course covered a broad range of topics and was designed to provide an overview of the basics of biological, chemical and nuclear weapons and their proliferation, existing control regimes, and potential impact of new and emerging technologies on WMD threats.
Students learned about various elements of the international WMD disarmament and non-proliferation regimes, including the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC), the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), as well as strategic trade controls. Course sessions also provided an in-depth look at the advances in life sciences and their implications for chemical and biological weapon threats. The programme included case studies on biosecurity and ethics, nuclear proliferation challenges, and investigation of chemical weapons use and dismantlement of a chemical weapons arsenal.
VCDNP Senior Fellow Angela Kane participating in the session dedicated to a case study on Syria’s chemical weapons program.
A panel discussion on new and emerging technologies featuring Dr. Filippa Lentzos (King’s College London), Dr. Ulrich Kühn (IFSH), and Dr. James Revill (UNIDIR) allowed for a candid exchange of opinions concerning the threats and opportunities these technologies present for mitigating WMD risks.
Filippa Lentzos (King’s College London), Ulrich Kühn (IFSH), and Dr. James Revill (UNIDIR) discussion new and emerging technologies and WMD threats.
Experts and senior officials from international organisations and academic institutions that presented at the course included Dr. Sibylle Bauer (SIPRI), Daniel Feakes (BWC Implementation Support Unit), Dr. Mirko Himmel (University of Hamburg), Dr. Peter Hotchkiss (OPCW), Dr. Ulrich Kühn (IFSH), Dr. Filippa Lentzos (King’s College London), Dr. James Revill (UNIDIR), Dr. Clarissa Rios Rojas (Cambridge University), Shruti Sharma (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, India), and Jerry Smith (CHC Global, former OPCW Team Leader). The VCDNP lecturers included Angela Kane, Gaukhar Mukhatzhanova, and Elena Sokova. Women made up 54 percent of the lecturers.
Dr. Sibylle Bauer and Dr. Mirko Himmel give an overview of Strategic Trade Controls.

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At the end of the course, the participants completed a questionnaire, which gave them an opportunity to assess various aspects of the short course and anonymously provide feedback. Overall, the participants rated the course as an excellent contribution to their knowledge and understanding of issues related to WMD proliferation risks. Below are some of the comments provided by participants (quoted as written):
It introduced me to the world of non-proliferation and how important it is for our world. It also helped me understand all the mechanism[s] that are necessary to implement the controls and the tough job behind all of this.
***
As an undergraduate student, it is very rare that we are taught about the ethical side of what we are doing. Recently there have been some improvements in teaching about sustainability concerns, but this course has been basically the only formal education on security threats that our research may pose. I would say that I have learned a lot on the matter, and that I now have a base and some pointers to continue my education in this topic.
***
This course offered me a complete picture of all weapons of mass destruction but also of possible future risks. Amazing speakers and wonderful presentation of all key points.
***
Thank you for having this course for students with science background. This course will greatly help us understand that there is more that science can offer in terms of international peace, security and stability.
The VCDNP extends its gratitude to the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium for their generous support that made this course possible. The course was funded by the European Union through the EUNPDC pursuant to the EU Council Decision 2018/299.

Non-Proliferation, Arms Control and Disarmament: Changes in the Field and Career Tracks
2021-02-10
The fields of arms control, non-proliferation and security have been dominated by men. Though improvements have been made over the last decade, diversity is still lacking in terms of gender, color, and age. This observation is the driving force behind the Young Women and Next Generation Initiative (YWNGI) launched on 10 February 2021 by the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) and the International Affairs Institute (IAI) in Rome, Italy, in the framework of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium. The Initiative encourages young women and the next generation to enter the non‑proliferation, arms control, and disarmament field, especially at a time in which the global pandemic has isolated many young people who may find themselves lacking resources and assistance.
In this spirit, the launch event featured a spectacular panel of speakers from different backgrounds including Angela Kane, former UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Ambassador Kjersti Andersen of Norway, Dr. Kim Baines, a scientist at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Dr. Heather Williams from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. IAI’s Researcher Federica Dall’Arche moderated the event and VCDNP Executive Director Elena Sokova offered welcoming remarks. The event attracted over 350 attendees highlighting the appetite to learn more and engage in the field.
L-R: Federica Dall’Arche (IAI), Dr. Kim Baines: (IAEA), Elena Sokova (VCDNP), Dr. Heather Williams (MIT), Ambassador Kjersti Andersen (Norway), Angela Kane (VCDNP).
The speakers addressed how the non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament field has changed over the years and provided insights into their own experiences in the field as well as offered recommendations for the next generation. Coming from diverse backgrounds, the speakers drew on experiences in the UN, government, natural sciences, and academia, emphasizing the diversity of the field itself and highlighting that there are many different pathways to enter the non-proliferation, arms control, and disarmament area. In her opening remarks, Angela Kane stressed that to make a difference in the field it is not necessary to have a background specifically on arms control and non-proliferation and encouraged the next generation to think of the field with a wider lens focused on international policy and security.
In reflecting on how the field has changed over the years, speakers noted that the representation of women has seen an improvement, with many panellists noting that at the start of their careers it was not rare to be the only women in a room full of men. Despite the improvement, however, Ambassador Andersen highlighted that “once you have gender parity within an organization you need to keep working on it because it is never achieved once and for all.” Dr. Baines also personally expressed excitement on “the paradigm shift that has been occurring over the last five years to be inclusive of women in technical and political disciplines.” This shift is also supported by the IAEA’s newly established Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme.
Panellists also offered insights and recommendations to early- to mid-career individuals. There was consensus among the panellists on the need to accept challenges, to reach out to colleagues and other experts, to build a network, and follow one’s passion. Caution was expressed in terms of networking though, noting that one needs to be conscientious of others time, and though many in the field are happy to help, such networking effort must be done with a purpose or question in mind. In this regard Dr. Heather Williams stressed the importance of being someone that other people want to work and network with, as the arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament field is a community and most people know each other and collaborate with one another.
Many participants were keen to learn of opportunities and recommendations for what they could actively be doing during the pandemic and beyond, especially as the implications of COVID-19 on the job market remain to be seen. Panellists provided plenty of ideas, including the importance of writing and publishing as it shows willingness to take intellectual risks. Speakers also stressed the need to invest in one’s skills, such as presentation skills, languages and intellectual curiosity in other fields of study. One way to expand one’s knowledge is through courses, traineeships, internships and mentorships, such as those offered by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS), King’s College London, Women in Nuclear, country embassies and permanent missions, and international organisations.
The event ended with an anecdote shared by Angela Kane emphasizing the importance of women needing to support one another in a still largely male dominated field. One way to do this is by promoting and establishing an advocacy network or group of like-minded individuals to make a statement that could lead to change.
More events like this one will be organized and the VCDNP and IAI look forward to connecting and making use of the virtual format with which we are now familiar. To learn more about VCDNP and IAI’s initiative and mentorship programme or email mzarka@middlebury.edu or f.dallarche@iai.it.

Addressing illicit SALW and ammunition in conflict affected areas - The role for peace support operations (virtual)
2020-12-14 15:00 - 2020-12-15 18:30
The proliferation of illicit weapons, especially small arms and light weapons (SALW) and their ammunition, continues to contribute to armed violence, crime and instability especially in conflict affected areas. The destabilizing accumulation, illicit transfer and misuse of conventional weapons and ammunition continue to initiate, sustain and exacerbate armed conflict. In addition, poorly-controlled weaponry and associated ammunition are impeding sustainable development and negatively impacting humanitarian assistance, often in the world’s most fragile societies.
The UN Security Council—the primary organ of the United Nations responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security—remains actively seized of these cross-cutting challenges. It has addressed weapons-related issues across its agenda, from Security Sector Reform to arms embargoes to counter-terrorism and sustaining peace, while also treating these matters in country-specific and regionally-focused contexts.
Weapons and ammunition management (WAM) has become an increasingly critical tool of the Security Council in this regard. In recent years, the United Nations has supported national authorities in WAM in places like Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti and Mali.
The Secretary-General has acknowledged the criticality of weapons and ammunition management to “saving lives”, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings. In his Agenda for Disarmament, Securing Our Common Future, the Secretary-General acknowledges that the loss of arms and ammunition from storage sites, and their onward proliferation, can be a catalyst for armed violence, conflict and insecurity.
Against this backdrop, the aim of this ad hoc webinar was to allow for an exchange of views and experiences of EU and UN peace operations in addressing illicit weapons, and to provide recommendations to develop further the arms control aspect in the design and mandate of EU and UN peace support operations.

Monday, 14 December 2020

15:15 – 15:30 Introduction and Welcoming Remarks

Ambassador Marjolijn van Deelen, Special Envoy on Disarmament and Non-proliferation and Head of the EEAS Disarmament Non-proliferation and Arms Export Control Division, EU
Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, UN
Mr. Benjamin Hautecouverture, Senior research fellow, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique/EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium

15:30 – 16:30 Session 1: The Legal and Political Environment
Chair: Mr. Benjamin Hautecouverture, Senior research fellow, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique/EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium
Speakers:

Ms. Katherine Prizeman, UNODA
Mr. Jonah Leff, Conflict Armament Research
Mr. Eric Berman, former Director, Small Arms Survey

16:30 – 16:45 Break
16:45 – 18h00 Session 2: The Role of Peace Operations in Information Gathering, Tracing and Investigation
Chair: Mr. Ntagahoraho Burihabwa, DPO, UN
Speakers:

Savannah de Tessieres, UN consultant, former Coordinator of UN Libya Panel of Experts
David Lochhead, ex-DPKO MINUSMA, UNMISS and UNMIS; Small Arms Survey
ACOS CJ3 – OF5 Dionysios Mantadakis, EUNAVFOR MED IRINI, EU

Tuesday, 15 December 2020

15:30 – 16:45 Session 3: The Role of Peace Operations in Supporting Weapons and Ammunition Management
Chair: Dr. Sylvain Paile-Calvo, Senior researcher, European Studies Unit, University of Liège
Speakers:

Alexander Ralf Riebl, UNMAS
Nora Allgaier, DPO-ODA, UN
Hardy Giezendanner, UNIDIR
Lt Col (EL A) Odysseas Loukopoulos, C.2 – Crisis Response Planning and Current Operations, European External Action Service, EU

16:45 – 17:00 Break
17:00 – 18h15 Session 4: Weapons and Ammunition Management Policy and Practices in Peace Operations
Chair: Mr. Michal Adamowicz, European External Action Service, EU
Speakers:

Mr. Emile Le Brun, Small Arms Survey
Wing Commander Samatha Gomani, DPO-Office of Military Affairs, Policy and Doctrine Division, UN
Dr. Jovana Carapic, GICHD’s Ammunition Management Advisory Team (AMAT)

18:15 – 18:30 Concluding Remarks

Mr. Alexandre Zouev, Assistant Secretary-General for Rule of Law and Security Institutions, UN
Ms. Alison Weston, Head of Division – Partnerships and Agreements (SECDEFPOL.2), European External Action Service, EU
Mr. Benjamin Hautecouverture, Senior research fellow, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique/EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium

2020 Next Generation Workshop
2020-11-25 08:30 - 17:00
The EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Next Generation Workshop was held virtually on 25 November 2020. The event was organized by the Isitituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium.
14 young professionals were selected among over 50 applications to discuss pressing issues of the Arms Control, Non-Proliferation and Disarmament field and present fresh ideas and views on how to address the field’s main challenges. Specifically, this year, the Workshop cover the following topics:

The Future of Nuclear Arms Control and Non-Proliferation in an Era of Crumbling Treaties
Arms Trade Regulation and the Fight Against Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW)
Regional Threats to Non-Proliferation and Arms Control
The Impact of Emerging Technologies on International Security and Arms Control: From Cyber Attacks to Autonomous Weapons

Presentations were followed by comments from other participants, including EU officials.
The Workshop brought together over 100 participants from 26 different countries, contributing significantly to the advancement of fresh thinking and news ideas on arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament.

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Ninth EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference
2020-11-12 09:00 - 2020-11-13 13:00
The Ninth EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Conference was held virtually on 12 – 13 November 2020. Organised by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) on behalf of the EU Consortium of independent non-proliferation and disarmament think tanks the Conference has been, since 2012, one of the key non-proliferation and disarmament events worldwide.
The conference addressed several pressing issues of the field, including ways to rebuild mutual trust in arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament; how to tackle arms diversion; the impact of artificial intelligence and related technologies; and the similitudes between biological weapons and pandemics and lessons learned from Covid-19.
The conference was attended by over 420 experts from over 54 different countries, including experts and representatives from governments and international organizations and high-level speakers from public institutions, international organisations and civil society. Opened by a message from the Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, and remarks from United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, the Conference included keynote speeches from Amb. Gustavo Zlauvinen, President-designate of the 2020 Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and Amb. Fernando Arias, Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Further speakers included US Assistant Secretary of State, Christopher Ford, and the Director-General of the Department of Arms Control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Fu Cong, besides renowned academics, researchers and officials from around the world.
The EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Conference demonstrated once again the EU’s strong commitment and support for multilateral non-proliferation and disarmament as well as the rules-based order.

Message from High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the Commission Josep Borrell

EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference
12-13 November 2020
Remarks by HE Gustavo Zlauvinen, President-designate of Tenth NPT Review Conference

Speech by Izumi Nakamitsu, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs

Speech by Christopher Ashley Ford, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, U.S. Department of State

Statement by Director-General FU Cong at the EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Conference

Read the summary report from the event :

Agenda of the ninth EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference

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Ninth EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consultative Meeting – virtual event
2020-09-10 - 2020-09-11 | Held virtually
10 September 2020 – 11 September 2020
The 9th consultative meeting of the EU Consortium on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament was held on 10 and 11 September 2020 in remote format. It was an opportunity to welcome the new Special Envoy on Disarmament and Non-proliferation and Head of the EEAS Disarmament Non-proliferation and Arms Export Control Division, Ambassador Marjolijn van Deelen, who focused her presentation on the challenge of multilateralism in arms control.
This year, our consultative meeting also addressed in particular Arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament challenges in the context of the global health crisis; the challenges facing the EU in the run-up to the 10th NPT Review Conference to be held in 2021; Artificial Intelligence in weapon systems, the norm of non-use of chemical and biological weapons, key developments in the global and European arms trade, and attempted to elaborate a long-term view on non-proliferation and export control regimes.
Despite the format constrained by sanitary conditions, the meeting allowed more than 80 European participants representing States, the EU, and research centres of our Consortium network to discuss the thorny questions that the particularly tense strategic environment poses in terms of arms control and international security.
Year after year, changes in the technological context in which new weapons systems are emerging are increasingly at the heart of the reflections of our group, with the aim of placing European action at the forefront of the new challenges facing arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament.
Noteworthy this year: for many participants, the global sanitary crisis will probably have contributed to increasing the polarization in arms control and disarmament.

10 September 2020
15:15 – 15:30
Welcome and introduction to the meeting
Amb. Marjolijn van Deelen, Special Envoy on Disarmament and Non-proliferation and Head of the EEAS Disarmament Non-proliferation and Arms Export Control Division
Benjamin Hautecouverture, Senior research fellow, FRS, France
15:30 – 16:30
Arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament challenges in the context of the global health crisis
Chair: Sibylle Bauer, Director of studies, SIPRI
Speakers:
– Amb. Marjolijn van Deelen, Special Envoy on Disarmament and Non-proliferation and Head of the EEAS Disarmament Non-proliferation and Arms Export Control Division
– Elena Sokova, Director, VCDNP
– Emmanuelle Maitre, Research fellow, FRS
17:00-18:00
Is the postponement of the Tenth NPT Review Conference an opportunity?
Chair: Ettore Greco, Executive Vice-President, IAI
Speakers:
– Narcisa Vladulescu, Chair of the Non-Proliferation Council Working Party (CONOP), EEAS
– Océane Tranchez, Researcher, IESD
– Marion Messmer, Co-Director, BASIC

11 september 2020
09:00 – 10:00: Breakout sessions

10:30 – 11:30
A long-term view on non-proliferation and export control regimes
Chair: Stéphane Chardon, DG TRADE, European Commission
Speakers:
– Melissa Hanham, Deputy director, Open Nuclear Network
– Aude Jalabert, Trade Compliance Manager at Infineon Technologies AG
– Jean Masson, Research fellow, FRS
11:30 – 11:45
Concluding remarks
Benjamin Hautecouverture, Senior research fellow, FRS
Amb. Marjolijn van Deelen, Special Envoy on Disarmament and Non-proliferation and Head of the EEAS Disarmament Non-proliferation and Arms Export Control Division

Strengthening Non-proliferation and Disarmament Education in Europe (Part I – virtual)
2020-06-23 09:00 - 2020-06-24 12:00
On 23 and 24 June 2020, SIPRI, on behalf of the EUNPD Consortium, organised a virtual event on Strengthening Non-proliferation and Disarmament (NPD) Education in Europe. The inperson event originally planned to be held in Brussels will take place at a later date. The 47 participants included, for the first time, university-affiliated members of the EUNPD Network. The first session provided an overview of education activities by the Consortium, the Network and the United Nations. The second session focused on how to make NPD education relevant and engaging, with contributions from academics who drew on experiences in different disciplines. The third session discussed ways to adjust to current challenges by sharing lessons learned from online teaching as well as other platforms. In this context, PRIF presented the EUNPDC e-Learning tool. Given the sudden shift to online learning following the COVID outbreak, the event provided an extremely valuable forum for sharing good practices, including feedback from students on online teaching. The concluding roundtable session explored ideas to improve NPD education for Consortium and Network members. Suggestions included a gender focus given the continuing imbalance in NPD education; interdisciplinary initiatives; shared classrooms and mutual teaching at each other’s classes; joint summer schools; engagement with other regions; and stronger synergies between students and professionals, inter alia by reinforcing links between Network members involved in education activities and those who are not, as well as officials participating in the various Consortium activities. An overview of NPD education activities by Network members will be the subject of an EUNPD paper to be published after the summer.

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Short Course on The Spread of Nuclear Weapons: History, Threats and Solutions
2020-02-19
On 19-21 February 2020, the VCDNP held the first course on nuclear non-proliferation for graduate and post-graduate students in the fields of IT and engineering, titled “The Spread of Nuclear Weapons: History, Threats and Solutions”. The course represented a joint project between the VCDNP and the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC), of which the VCDNP is one of six leading non-governmental organizations. The course brought together 26 participants from nine European universities in nine countries.
Course instructors Alexi Drew (King’s College London), Gaukhar Mukhatzhanova (VCDNP), Sibylle Bauer (SIPRI), Elena Sokova (VCDNP) and Jean-Maurice Crete (IAEA, retired) during the course’s final session on “Nuclear Proliferation, New Technologies, and the Shape of the Future
The three-day course was designed to provide an introduction to nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament issues to students of technical subjects. The program covered a broad range of topics, from the fundamentals of the nuclear fuel cycle and the history of the spread of nuclear weapons, to export controls and the challenges and opportunities presented by advanced and emerging technologies.
The students learned about different elements of the international non-proliferation regime, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its safeguards, and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) and the verification system it establishes. Course participants also received an overview of how open source information and tools, including satellite imagery and image analysis software, can be used to monitor nuclear and missile programs such as that of North Korea.
The lecturers at the course included experts from the VCDNP, the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, IAEA, CTBTO, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, King’s College London and Austrian Red Cross.
Course instructors Alexi Drew (King’s College London), Gaukhar Mukhatzhanova (VCDNP), Sibylle Bauer (SIPRI), Elena Sokova (VCDNP) and Jean-Maurice Crete (IAEA, retired) during the course’s final session on “Nuclear Proliferation, New Technologies, and the Shape of the Future

International Politics and the Nuclear Age
2019-12-21 08:00 - 17:00
Jan Ruzicka
Aberystwyth University
Winter 2019/2020
The module examines key historical developments of the nuclear age. It looks at various factors which have shaped this period (the end of the World War II; the onset, conduct and the end of the Cold War; the post-Cold War period). It shows how nuclear weapons and concerns about their spread have informed state policies, led to the formation of international agreements and regimes, and shaped the involvement of non-state actors in international politics. The module also highlights the normative dilemmas presented by the onset of the nuclear age. It will focus on state policies, institutional mechanisms, economic and societal constraints, and ideas influencing the humanity’s life with the bomb.

Level: Undergraduate
Download Syllabus

Eighth EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference
2019-12-13 - 2019-12-14
Message from Pawel Herczyński on behalf of HR/VP Josep Borrell
EU NON-PROLIFERATION AND DISARMAMENT CONFERENCE
13-14 DECEMBER, 2019
Excellency’s, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to Brussels to the Eight Annual EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Conference. Diplomats, policy makers, civil society, industry, and academics from around the world are here today to tackle some of the most complex challenges of our times. Today you are not simply discussing non-proliferation and disarmament issues. You are here to discuss about our future: the fate of global security. I very much regret not being able to attend in person.
I want to welcome the participation of civil society, in particular the EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Consortium of think tanks. Thank you for organising this event. But, above all, thank you for your tireless work in promoting research and dialogue on these important issues.
We live in a dangerous world. This will not come as a surprise to you. Looking at the wider geo-strategic picture, we see the rebirth of geo-strategic competition. This affects different regions and mobilises powerful regional actors. Today’s challenges affect us all irrespective of our location.
We are seeing a step back in some of the greatest accomplishments in global non-proliferation and disarmamanet after the cold war. If we forget our past, we are doomed to repeat the same mistakes. We must avoid entering into a new arms race which would endanger the peaceful future of our continent.
Non-proliferation and disarmament are at a critical juncture. Multilateralism as a whole is under threat. The European Union strongly believes in a rules-based world order, where States and institutions address global challenges together, but also resolve their differences.
In the coming year, the EU will particularly focus on promoting a successful outcome of the 2020 Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. On its 50th anniversary, we must celebrate and reinforce the NPT as a key multilateral instrument for international peace, security and stability. The EU strongly supports all three pillars of the NPT: disarmament, non-proliferation, and peaceful uses of nuclear technologies. All States Parties have committed to pursuing policies that are fully compatible with the Treaty and the objective of achieving a world without nuclear weapons. Our non-proliferation efforts in relation to Iran will continue to be key in this context.
The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty has been an important component of European security architecture. Its disappearance creates a dangerous security void. It also highlights that intermediate-range nuclear missiles are a threat way beyond Europe. The EU is ready to support international efforts aimed at developing confidence-building measures that will help avoid escalation and further proliferation.
The well-established norm against chemical weapons is being tested. We must be firm that any use of chemical weapons anywhere, at any time, by anyone, be it a State or a non-State actor, under any circumstances is unacceptable and violates international law and norms. There can be no impunity, those responsible need to be brought to justice.
Finally, we should not forget that it is conventional weapons that claim most victims in today’s conflicts. For this reason, the EU is stepping up its efforts to prevent the trafficking of small arms and light weapons, and to achieve a mine-free world for future generations. We should never forget the human face of security.
Further initiatives and processes at international and regional levels to restore dialogue and trust and promote transparency and confidence-building measures are crucial and deserve our support.
In all these areas, dialogue with our global partners is essential. This is what makes gatherings such as this conference so important. We must collectively speak the language of both our interests and of our values.
I call upon all of you to demonstrate persistence and creativity in strengthening the global non-proliferation and disarmament architecture. We owe this to future generations to leave to them a more secure and stable world.
I wish you a fruitful and open discussion, with the collective aim to increase international security, ensure non-proliferation, and promote disarmament.
This is some extract of the Eighth EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference :
SUMMARY REPORT

Presentation at the 8th EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference

FRIDAY, 13 DECEMBER 2019
INTRODUCTORY SESSION – Europe Room
Welcome Addresses
Ettore Greco, Executive Vice President, Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), Rome
Opening Speech
Pawel Herczyński, Acting Deputy Secretary General for Common Security and Defence Policy and Crisis Response
FIRST PLENARY SESSION – Europe Room
Non-Proliferation and Disarmament at a Critical Juncture: New Trends and Challenges
Chair:
Jacek Bylica, Special Envoy for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, European Union External Action Service (EEAS), Brussels
Speakers:
Christopher Ford, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, U.S. Department of State, Washington D.C.
Izumi Nakamitsu, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, New York
Mikhail Ulyanov, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the International Organizations in Vienna
William Alberque, Director of Arms Control, Disarmament, WMD Non-Proliferation Centre (ACDC), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
PARALLEL BREAKOUT SESSIONS
SESSION IA – Orange Room
Non-Proliferation and Disarmament in North-East Asia
Chair:
Elena Sokova, Executive Director, Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP)
Speakers:
Akira Igata, Visiting Professor, Center for Rule-making Strategies, Tama University, Tokyo
Andrei Lankov, Director of Korea Risk Group, and Professor, Kookmin University, Seoul
Duyeon Kim, Senior Advisor for Northeast Asia and Nuclear Policy, International Crisis Group, Seoul
Melissa Hanham, Deputy Director, Open Nuclear Network, and Director, Datayo Project, One Earth Future Foundation, Vienna
SESSION IB – Europe Room
Prospects and challenges of the WMDFZ in the Middle East
Chair:
Chen Kane, Director, Middle East Nonproliferation Program, James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS), Monterey
Speakers:
Emad Kiyaei, Principal, IGD Group
Farzan Sabet, Project Manager and Researcher, United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), Geneva
Karim Haggag, Professor, American University of Cairo
Tomisha Bino, Programme Analyst, United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), Geneva
SESSION IIA – Orange Room
Arms Control in Outer Space
Chair:
Michael Elleman, Director of Non-Proliferation and Nuclear Policy Programme, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Washington DC
Speakers:
Ajey Lele, Senior Fellow, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), New Delhi
Alexandra Stickings, Research Fellow, Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), London
Petr Havlik, Senior Space Policy Officer, EEAS
Ma Shengkun, Deputy Director-General, Department of Arms Control, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Beijing
Xavier Pasco, Director, Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique (FRS), Paris
SESSION IIB – Europe Room
Cyber Security Challenges
Chair:
Niklas Schörnig, Senior Researcher, Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF)
Speakers:
Giacomo Persi Paoli, Programme Lead for Security and Technology, United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), Geneva
Gregor Ramuš, Project Associate, OSCE, Vienna
Jinghua Lyu, Visiting Scholar, Cyber Policy Initiative, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Washington D.C.
Raluca Csernatoni, Visiting Researcher, Carnegie Europe, Brussels
SECOND PLENARY SESSION – Europe Room
Towards the 2020 NPT Review Conference
Chair:
Benjamin Hautecouverture, Senior Research Fellow, Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique (FRS), Paris
Speakers:
Jenny Nielsen, Information Officer, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Vienna
Gaukhar Mukhatzhanova, Director of International Organizations and Non-Proliferation Program, Vienna Center For Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP)
Marjolijn van Deelen, Head of the Non-proliferation, Disarmament and Nuclear Affairs Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, The Hague
Meena Singelee, Head of the Geneva Office, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
The JCPOA Procurement Channel: An Assessment
Nicolas Kasprzyk, Head JCPOA Procurement Channel Section, Delegation of the EU to the International Organisations in Vienna
SATURDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2019
THIRD PLENARY SESSION – Europe Room
Regulating Arms Trade
Chair:
Tim Ripley, Independent journalist and analyst
Speakers:
Abayomi Nicholas Adeomi, Program Officer, Small Arms and Light Weapons, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
Jānis Kārkliņš, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the United Nations, Geneva
Mélanie Régimbal, Director, United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC), Lima
Sigrid Lipott, Associate Researcher, Small Arms Survey, Geneva
FOURTH PLENARY SESSION – Europe Room
Keynote Speech

Hans Brattskar, President of the Fourth Review Conference of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations and other International Organisations, Geneva
Implementing the EU’s Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Agenda
Chair:
Gustav Lindstrom, Director, EU Institute for Security Studies (EUISS), Paris
Speakers:
Jacek Bylica, Special Envoy for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, European Union External Action Service (EEAS), Brussels
Leena Pylvanainen, Director for Arms Control, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Helsinki
Susanne Baumann, Federal Government Commissioner for Disarmament and Arms Control and Director-General for International Order, the United Nations and Arms Control, Federal Foreign Office, Berlin
Closing Remarks
Sibylle Bauer, Chair, EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Consortium /Director of Studies, Armament and Disarmament, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)

To watch the full videos from the conference, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqpWJLN2954&list=PLlBLU211Zhenvhe4HE_vDwV1JnuaOnaWd&index=2&t=0s

2019 Next Generation Workshop
2019-12-12 08:00 - 17:00
Welcome Addresses
Eran Nagan, Incoming Chair of Working Party on Conventional Arms Exports (COARM),
European Union External Action Service (EEAS)
Federica Dall’Arche, Researcher, Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), Rome
Emerging Technologies, including Cyber Security
Chair:
Ettore Greco, Executive Vice-President, Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), Rome
Speakers:
Alexi Drew, Postdoctoral Researcher, King’s College, London
Johanna Polle, Researcher, Research Area Arms Control and Emerging Technologies,
Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg (IFSH)
Federico Variola, PhD Candidate, School of International Relations and Public Affairs
(SIRPA) at Fudan University, Shanghai
Non-Proliferation and Arms Control in Asia
Chair:
Névine Schepers, Research Associate, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS),
London
Speakers:
Maimuna Ashraf, Research Officer, Center for International Strategic Studies,
Islamabad
Kanica Rakhra, Consultant, Disarmament and International Security Affairs Division
(D&ISA), Ministry of External Affairs of India, New Delhi
Elizabeth Yeseul Woo, Developing Scholar, Hudson Institute, Washington D.C.
Sayaka Shingu, Assistant Director, Arms Control and Disarmament Division, Disarmament
Non-proliferation and Science, Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA),
Tokyo
Illicit Trade of Conventional Arms, including SALW
Chair:
Giovanna Maletta, Researcher, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
Speakers:
Liat Biron, CEO, Forum for Regional Thinking, Tel Aviv
Maria Camello, Researcher, Group for Research and Information on Peace and
Security (GRIP), Bruxelles
Martha Mariana Mendoza Basulto, International Relations Officer, Agency for the
Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Carribean (OPANAL), Mexico City
Non-Proliferation and Arms Control in the Middle East
Chair:
Federica Dall’Arche, Researcher, Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), Rome
Speakers:
Maximilian Hoell, Policy Fellow and Project Manager, European Leadership Network,
London
Selim Can Sazak, Resident Fellow, Delma Institute, Abu Dhabi
Concluding Remarks
Sibylle Bauer, Chair, EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Consortium /Director of
Studies, Armament and Disarmament (SIPRI)
Georgios Kritikos, Deputy Head of Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Division,
European External Action Service (EEAS)

Security, Safety, Sustainability: Promoting Good Behaviour in Outer Space
2019-12-09 08:00 - 19:00
Security, Safety, Sustainability: Promoting Good Behaviour in Outer Space
Objective: Exchange of views and information on national, regional and global initiatives to promote the preservation of safe, secure and sustainable space environment and the peaceful use of outer space on an equitable and mutually acceptable basis, with a view to feed into a voluntary instrument to establish standards of responsible behaviour across the full range of space activities and related challenges.

08:45 – 09:00 Introduction and Welcoming Remarks
Carine Claeys, Special Envoy for Space, European External Action Service
Xavier Pasco, Director, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique, France

09:00 – 11:00 Session 1: The Legal and Political Environment
Chair: Sergio Marchisio, Chairman, European Centre for Space Law
Speakers:
– Nathalie Le Cam, policy and legal officer, Space Task Force, European External Action Service
– Andre João Rypl, Chair, UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Brazil
– David Kuan-Wei Chen, Executive Director, McGill Centre for Research in Air and Space Law, Canada
– Daniel Porras, Space Security Fellow, UNIDIR

11:00 – 11:15 Coffee break

11:15 – 13:00 Session 2: National Policies and International Implications
Chair: Petr Havlik, Space Policy Officer, Space Task Force, European External Action Service
Speakers:
– Xavier Pasco, Director, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique, France
– Mariel Borowitz, Assistant Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
– Shang Zhen, Councellor and Legal Advisor, Mission of China to the EU

13:00 – 14:00 Lunch

14:15 – 16:15 Session 3: Knowledge and Monitoring of the Space Environment
Chair: Jana Robinson, Space Security Program Director, The Prague Security Studies Institute
Speakers:
– Sabine Lecrenier, HoU Space policy, European Commission
– Daniel Oltrogge, Director, Center for Space Standards and Innovation, Analytical Graphics, Inc., USA
– Christine Leurquin, VP, Institutional Relations, SES SA, Belgium
– Jean-François Bureau, Vice-President, Eutelsat, France

16:15 – 16:30 Coffee break

16:30 – 18:30 Session 4: Challenges and Opportunities for International Regulation
Chair: Paul Wohrer, Research fellow, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique, France
Speakers:
– Patricia Lewis, Research Director, Chatham House, UK
– Niklas Hedman, Chief, UNOOSA’s Committee, Policy and Legal Affairs Section
– Regina Peldszus, Co-Chair, EU SST Consortium
– Jean-Jacques Tortora, Director, European Space Policy Institute, Austria
– Smita Jha, Senior Partner, Mazars, India

18:30 – 18:40
Concluding Remarks
Benjamin Hautecouverture, Senior research fellow, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique, France
Georgios Kritikos, Deputy Head of Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Division, European External Action Service

Arms Control and Nonproliferation: Contemporary Challenges
2019-09-21 08:00 - 17:00
Richard Cupitt
George Mason University
Fall 2019
The United States and many other countries have identified the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction as the gravest threat to international peace and national security, but the international efforts to slow, halt, or reverse the spread of these weapons and their means of delivery have been under intense strain in recent years. The course explores these nonproliferation regimes and the many challenges they face.

Level: Postgraduate
Download Syllabus

The UN Disarmament Fellows’ Visits
2019-09-12 - 2019-09-13
The European Union (EU) Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium is tasked with arranging the visit of the United Nations (UN) Programme of Fellowships on Disarmament to Brussels, Belgium. The Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) organises the two-to-three-day visit which aims to familiarise participants with the structure and functions of the EU’s main institutions and policy-making bodies, as well as the EU’s strategies and policies in the field.
Launched by the General Assembly in 1978 at its first special session devoted to disarmament, the UN Programme of Fellowships on Disarmament aims to train and build the capacity of officials from UN Member States to enable them to participate more effectively in international disarmament deliberating and negotiating fora. Since its inception in 1979, participants in the Fellowship Programme are selected by the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) based on nominations from Member States. The selection process considers the greater needs of developing countries by training their young diplomats in the field of disarmament and security, and the need for geographical and gender balance. Many participants of the programme have held positions of responsibility in the field of disarmament within their governments and disarmament-related international organisations.
Click on the arrows to expand the sections.

▶ UN Disarmament Fellows: EU-Focused Day in Vienna – April 2025

On 10 April 2025, the VCDNP, on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC), was pleased to organise and host a one-day programme in Vienna to provide the 2025 UN Disarmament Fellows with an overview of the policies and functioning of the European Union (EU), in particular related to non-proliferation and disarmament. The 24 UN Disarmament Fellows represented countries from around the world, with this year’s cohort including only one EU Member State representative.
The intensive programme brought together speakers from the EU Delegation in Vienna, representatives from the European External Action Service (EEAS), and the EU Commission in person and virtually, as well as members of the EUNPDC network. Ambassador Carl Hallergard, EU Ambassador to the International Organisations in Vienna, welcomed the Fellows and provided remarks reflecting on Europe’s history, the establishment of the European Union, and the challenges Europe faces today. These themes were seen throughout the programme.

EU Ambassador in Vienna Carl Hallergard and VCDNP Executive Director Elena K. Sokova with the UN Disarmament Fellows

Following welcome remarks, the programme commenced with an overview of the key EU institutions, covering in detail the European Council, the Council of the EU, the European Commission, and the European Parliament. Subsequent sessions focused on thematic areas, including the European Union’s approach to space security, emerging technologies and arms control, and export controls on arms and dual-use items.
The programme concluded with a presentation from EUNPDC network member Dr. Oliver Meier, Policy & Research Director at the European Leadership Network, focused on Europe and the European Union in today’s changing world.
The highlight of the programme was the opportunity for the Fellows to engage in an in-person, informal dialogue with EEAS Special Envoy for Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Ambassador Stephan Klement. The session covered topics across the weapons of mass destruction (WMD) spectrum, the EU’s 2003 WMD strategy, and the EU’s role in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
The interactive dialogue allowed for an open and frank conversation about the EU’s position in the non-proliferation and disarmament field and the challenges today’s geopolitical environment presents.

EU Special Envoy for Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Stephan Klement and VCDNP Executive Director Elena K. Sokova

The one-day EU-focused programme in Vienna was packed with dynamic presentations, active Q&A sessions, and positive feedback from the participants.
The VCDNP extends its gratitude to the European External Action Service and the EU Delegation in Vienna for their support and cooperation in organising the programme, and thanks the European Union for its support to the EUNPDC for making the event possible.

▶ UN Disarmament Fellows Visit to Brussels – June 2024

From 18 to 19 June 2024, the VCDNP, on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC), organised a visit for the 2024 UN Disarmament Fellows to Brussels, Belgium, to learn more about the policies and functioning of the European Union, in particular on non-proliferation and disarmament.
The group of 25 Fellows, representing countries from around the world, travel to various centres of international disarmament and non-proliferation, including Geneva, Vienna, and New York, to gather insights about the work of the international organisations and to gain a better understanding of issues relevant to non-proliferation and disarmament.

UN Disarmament Fellows and VCDNP staff visiting the EU Council

The programme in Brussels commenced on 18 June with a tour of the EU Council, to learn about one of the key legislative branches of the European Union and how decisions are made in the EU. Following the tour, participants proceeded to the European External Action Service (EEAS), where Deputy Head of the Division for Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Arms Export Controls Mr. Stefan Tressing welcomed them. The Fellows were introduced to the work of the Division and of other policy-making organs in the EU working on non-proliferation and disarmament matters, as well as the EU’s overall approach to these issues.
Following Mr. Tressing’s remarks, the work of the Council Working Party on Arms Export Control (COARM) and Council Working Party on Non-Proliferation (CONOP) was discussed. The day ended with presentations from representatives of the EU institutions and EUNPDC network on outer space and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. The UN Disarmament Fellows were also given the opportunity to hear from a representative of NATO on its work in arms control, disarmament, and weapons of mass destruction non-proliferation.

UN Disarmament Fellows receiving presentations at the European External Action Service

On the second day, the UN Disarmament Fellows visited the European Parliament. The tour was timely given the recent European Parliament elections that took place in early June 2024. The visit explained the Parliament’s structure and functioning, its co-legislative role together with the EU Council, and how decisions are made. After the visit, the Fellows heard thematic presentations covering a range of topics from cyber security, missile defence, and illicit arms trafficking, to the role of the EU Joint Research Centre and a review of Belgium’s presidency of the EU Council. An overview of the history, structure, and activities of the EUNPDC was provided as well.

UN Disarmament Fellows and VCDNP staff visiting the EU Council

At the end of the programme an anonymous survey was circulated. Overall, the participants found the programme to be very good and useful. A selection of comments is posted below (quoted as written):
“The session helped me to understand the role of the EU in the realm of non-proliferation and disarmament.”
“It was an excellent introduction to the work that EU is doing in regards to Disarmament and non-proliferation. I had very little knowledge prior but this visit has set a good base that I will build on.”
“It was extremely useful for a better understanding of the rules and functioning process of the main European institutions.”
The VCDNP extends its gratitude to the European External Action Service and the EU Council for their support and cooperation in organising the visit, made possible thanks to the generous support of the European Union for the EUNPDC.

▶ The UN Disarmament Fellows’ Visit to Brussels – September 2023

From 13 to 15 September 2023, the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP), on behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC), organised a visit to the seat of the European policy organs in Brussels for participants of the United Nations Programme of Fellowships on Disarmament.
Browse the visit’s programme here.

UN Fellows and VCDNP staff at the European External Action Service with Marjolijn van Deelen (in green)

The visit of the UN Disarmament Fellows to Brussels, which has taken place every year since 2018, is aimed at introducing participants to the EU’s decision-making processes and policies on disarmament and non-proliferation.
This year, the programme started with a visit to the European External Action Service (EEAS), where the Fellows were welcomed by Amb. Marjolijn van Deelen, EU Special Envoy for Non-Proliferation and Disarmament.

At the EEAS, the Fellows gained insights into the EU’s extensive involvement in international security, non-proliferation, and disarmament matters, including countering the spread of weapons of mass destruction, coordinating arms and dual-use export controls, and formulating policies on outer space. Presentations were delivered by EEAS and European Commission experts from different offices.

Jose Torres, Policy Officer in the Directorate General for Trade of the European Commission delivering a presentation

Following briefings at the EEAS, fellows were offered a guided tour of the Council premises where a wide array of significant events, including EU summits, multilateral summits, and ministerial meetings are held.
The second day of the visit was dedicated to thematic presentations from experts at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NATO, and the EUNPDC Network.
Eirini Lemos-Maniati, Deputy Director of the Arms Control, Disarmament, and WMD Non-Proliferation Centre, briefed the Fellows on NATO’s work in the field; Sigurd Schelstraete, Director of Disarmament and Non-Proliferation at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, offered a national perspective; and Dr. Sybille Bauer, Chair of the EUNPD Consortium, provided an overview of the Consortium’s history, structure, goals, and activities.

Raluca Csernatoni, Louis Reitmann, and Clémence Poirier, respectively researchers at Carnegie Europe, the VCDNP, and the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) and members of the EUNPDC Network, provided insights on artificial intelligence, the value of diversity for nuclear weapons policy, as well as ballistic missile proliferation and cybersecurity.

Fellows were then offered tours of the Parlamentarium and the House of European History, where they learned about the complexity and the decades-long processes that led to the creation of the European Union as well as the structure and functions of the EU policy-making bodies.

UN Fellows and VCDNP staff at the European Council

The VCDNP would like to extend its gratitude to the EEAS and the EU Council for their generous support and cooperation in organizing this visit.

Eighth EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consultative Meeting
2019-06-11 - 2019-06-12 | Breydel Building, Auditorium - 45, Avenue d'Auderghem, Brussels, 1040, Belgium
The Eighth Consultative Meeting of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (EUNPD) Consortium was held in Brussels (Breydel building) on 11 and 12 June 2019.
This year’s debates addressed six current and future challenges: Missile proliferation and new tools and initiatives to fight against it, the renewal of arms control thinking towards outer space, the increasing nuclear and ballistic challenges in North East Asia, including the nuclear crisis in the Korean peninsula since the Singapore summit in May 2018, the future of strategic arms control and the role the EU in the future of security architecture in Europe, new technologies and arms control, including artificial intelligence, and the study and definition of hybrid warfare and cyber risks.
While the beginning of our century has been characterised by the deconstruction of a significant part of the arms control architecture developed in the post-Cold War years, European countries find themselves in a paradoxical situation: The EU has become a global actor in non-proliferation and disarmament since the adoption of the 2003 Common Strategy; at the same time, security within Europe’s borders has been attacked in such a way that today’s collective European security frameworks are fragile.
In this context, this Eighth Consultative Meeting of the EUNPD Consortium was a privileged opportunity to collectively rethink what multilateral arms control can bring to European security interests.

Five interviews were conducted on the margins of the Eighth Consultative Meeting.
With :
• Benjamin Hautecouverture, Head, Arms control and Technologies programme, FRS
• Jacek Bylica, Principal Adviser and Special Envoy for Non-proliferation and Disarmament, EEAS
• Renata Dwan, Director, UNIDIR
• Frank Meeussen, Policy Officer, Conventional arms export control, EEAS
• Névine Schepers, Research Associate, Non-Proliferation and Nuclear Policy programme, IISS
Agenda
Tuesday, 11 June 2019
14:45 – 15:15
Registration
15:15 – 15:30
Welcome and introduction to the meeting
15:30 – 17:00
Dealing with missile proliferation: tools, approaches, initiatives
17:00-18:30
Arms control in outer space
19:15 Dinner
Wednesday, 12 June 2019
08:15 – 08:45
Registration
08:45 – 10:45
Proliferation challenges in North East Asia
10:45 – 11:00 Coffee break
11:00 – 13:00
The future of strategic arms control
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
14:00 – 16:00
New technologies and their implications for arms control (including LAWS and AI)
16:00 – 16:15 Coffee break
16:15 – 18:15
Hybrid warfare, cyber risks and threats and arms control
18:15 – 18:30
Concluding remarks

Seventh EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference
2018-12-17 - 2018-12-19 | Palais d’Egmont, Brussels, Belgique
SUMMARY REPORT

NETWORK MEETING
Monday, 17 December 2018
14.00 – 15.00 Registration and Welcome Coffee

15.00 – 16.30 FIRST SESSION:
CURRENT STATE OF THE NETWORK AND THE WAY AHEAD
This session will provide a brief overview of the new structure and activities of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium as well as of the EUNPD Network, assessing membership, role and available expertise. The session will also be an opportunity to provide input and make proposals for the next implementation steps.
Chair:
Sibylle Bauer, EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Consortium/ Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
Introductory Remarks:
Emil Kazakov, Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Arms
Export Control Division, European External Action Service (EEAS)
State and Prospects of the Network:
Giovanna Maletta, EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Consortium/SIPRI

16.30 – 17.00 COFFEE BREAK

17.00 – 18.30 SECOND SESSION:
THE CHANGING SECURITY ENVIRONMENT, THE EU’S ROLE AND RELATED RESEARCH PRIORITIES
This session will look at the challenges ahead for non-proliferation and disarmament, exploring in particular the EU’s role. In light of this, the session will also discuss the network’s current and future contribution to the ongoing security debate.
Chair:
Ettore Greco, EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Consortium / Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI)
Open Debate

Closing Remarks:
Representative of the European Union External Action Service (EEAS)

18.30 DINNER BUFFET

EU NON-PROLIFERATION AND DISARMAMENT CONFERENCE
Tuesday, 18 December 2018

MORNING
INTRODUCTORY SESSION

8:30 Registration and Welcome Coffee

9:30 Welcome Remarks
Ettore Greco, Executive Vice President, Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), Rome

9:45 Opening Speech
Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the Commission – TBC

FIRST PLENARY SESSION
10:00 Non-Proliferation and Disarmament: The Political Framework
Chair:
Jacek Bylica, Special Envoy for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, European Union External Action Service (EEAS)
Speakers:

Vladimir Baranovskiy, Member of the Directorate, Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO), Moscow
Christopher Ford, Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of International Security and Non-Proliferation, U.S. Department of State
Rose Gottemoeller, Deputy Secretary General, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
Anja Kaspersen, Director Geneva Branch, United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA)

11:45 Keynote Speech – The CWC after the Fourth Review Conference
Fernando Arias, Director-General, Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)

12:15 – 13:30 – LUNCH

AFTERNOON
PARALLEL BREAKOUT SESSIONS:

SESSION IA
13:30 Regulating the Arms Trade
Chair:
Sibylle Bauer, Director of Studies, Armament and Disarmament, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Stockholm
Speakers:

Ashley Georgina Hamer, Field Analyst, Conflict Armament Research, London
Manuel Martinez Miralles, Researcher, United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), Geneva
Sarah Parker, Policy Support Officer, Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) Secretariat, Geneva
Anselme Nahmtante Yabouri, Director, United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC), Lomé

SESSION IB
13:30 The Challenges of Autonomous Weapons
Chair:
Niklas Schörnig, Senior Researcher, Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF), Frankfurt
Speakers:

Vincent Boulanin, Senior Researcher, SIPRI
Ulrike Esther Franke, Policy Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), London
Kathleen Lawand, Head of Arms Unit, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Geneva
Gustav Lindstrom, Director, The EU Institute for Security Studies (EUISS), Paris

15:00 – 15:30 – COFFEE BREAK

PARALLEL BREAKOUT SESSIONS II

SESSION IIA
15:30 Arms Control in Outer Space
Chair:
Xavier Pasco, Director, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS), Paris
Speakers:

Amber Charlesworth, Office of Space and Advanced Technology, U.S. Department of State – TBC
Carine Claeys, Acting Special Envoy for Space, EEAS
Sergio Marchisio, Chairman, European Centre for Space Law (ECSL)
Tereza Kupkova, Project Coordinator, Space Security Program, The Prague Security Studies Institute, Prague
Guoyu Wang, Deputy Dean, Academy of Air, Space Policy and Law, Beijing Institute of Technology

SESSION IIB

15:30 Cyber Security Challenges
Chair:
Antonio Missiroli, Assistant Secretary General for Emergency Security Challenges, NATO
Speakers:

Eléonore Pauwels, Research Fellow on AI and Emerging Cyber Technologies, United Nations University, New York
Francesco M. Talò, Coordinator for Cyber Security Issues, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Heli Tiirmaa-Klaar, Ambassador at Large for Cyber Security, Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – TBC
Tong Zhao, Fellow, Carnegie-Tsinghua Center for Global Policy, Beijing

17:00 – 17:30 – COFFEE BREAK

SECOND PLENARY SESSION

17:30 Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament
Chair:
Névine Schepers, Research Analyst, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), London
Speakers:

Irma Arguello, President, NPSGlobal Foundation, Buenos Aires
Cornel Feruţă, Assistant Director General, Chief Coordinator, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Patricia Lewis, Research Director, International Security, Chatham House, London
Adil Sultan Muhammad, Visiting Research Fellow, King’s College London
Bruno Tertrais, Deputy Director, FRS, Paris

19:00 – DINNER

WEDNESDAY, 19 DECEMBER 2018
THIRD PLENARY SESSION

08:30 Registration and Welcome Coffee

09:00 Non-Proliferation and Disarmament in North-East Asia
Chair:
Benjamin Hautecouverture, Senior Research Fellow, FRS, Paris
Speakers:

Nobuyasu Abe, Senior Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center, Cambridge
Andrea Berger, Senior Research Associate, James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, Monterey
Park Jiyoung, Senior Fellow, Asan Institute for Policy Studies, Seoul
Phillip Schell, Political Affairs Officer, United Nations Department of Political Affairs

10:30 – 11:00 – COFFEE BREAK

FOURTH PLENARY SESSION

11:00 The EU CBRN Centres of Excellence Initiative and its 2019-2020 Roadmap
Tristan Simonart, EU Coordinator, CBRN Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence, Brussels

11:30 Implementing the EU’s Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Agenda
Chair:
Laura Rockwood, Executive Director, Vienna Centre for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation
Speakers:

Rüdiger Bohn, Ambassador, Federal Foreign Office, Germany
Jacek Bylica, Special Envoy for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, EEAS
Ann-Sofie Nilsson, Ambassador for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Manpreet Sethi, Senior Fellow, Centre for Air Power Studies, New Delhi

13:00 Closing Remarks
Sibylle Bauer, Chair, EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Consortium /Director of Studies, Armament and Disarmament, SIPRI

13:30 – LUNCH

Mine Action Donor Strategies
2018-11-28 | Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Mine Action Donor Strategies – Lessons for the Revision of the EU Guidelines for Mine Action

On 28 November 2018, the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium organized an Ad-Hoc Seminar on Mine Action Donor Strategies – Lessons for the Revision of the EU Guidelines for Mine Action, which was held at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, on the margins of the 17th Meeting of the States Parties to the Mine-Ban Convention (the Ottawa Convention). The event brought together nearly 60 participants from States Parties to the Convention, the UN (UNMAS), the EU (EEAS, Commission), and the main NGOs in the field of Mine action.
The objective of this Ad-Hoc Seminar was to collect lessons learned, views and inputs regarding Mine action donor strategies, with a view to feed the revision of the EU guidelines for Mine action. The EU is one of the world’s top donors. EU’s assistance is still led by the “guidelines for Mine action” dating from 2008 and which has to be revised.
As a result, seven main donor countries explained their Mine action strategies (the UK, Germany, the USA, the Netherlands, Japan, Switzerland, Norway) along with key donors at regional (the EU) and global (the UNMAS) levels. Thanks to Afghanistan, Angola, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Colombia, the participants were provided with accurate lessons learned from the ground. Significant messages were sent to donor countries and operators. And exchanges with some of the more relevant operators helped European officials fuel the reflexion about the revision of the EU guidelines.

Agenda
Tuesday, 27 November 2018
19:00 Welcome Dinner

Wednesday, 28 November 2018
08:15 – 08:45
Registration & Welcome Coffee

08:45 – 09:00
Introduction and Welcoming Remarks
Ahmad Helal Atmar, Afghan presidency of the 17th Meeting of States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention
Benjamin Hautecouverture, Senior research fellow, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique

09:00 – 11:00
Presentation of National Mine Action Donor Strategies
Chair: Frank Meeussen, Policy officer, Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Arms Export Control, SECPOL1, European External Action Service
Speakers:

Elizabeth McGarva, Conflict, Humanitarian and Security Department, Department for International Development United Kingdom
Ingrid Schøyen, Humanitarian Affiars, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Oliver Bräuner, Desk Officer, Europe and Humanitarian Mine Action, Federal Foreign Office Germany
Steven Costner, Deputy Director, Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Department of State USA
Koen Höcker, Directorate Stability & Humanitarian Aid, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Netherlands
Alessandro Palmoso, Programme Officer, Human Security Division of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Switzerland
Jun Yamada, First Secretary, Defense Attaché, Delegation of Japan for the Conference on Disarmament, Geneva

11:00 – 11:15 Coffee break

11:15 – 13:00
Regional and Global Mine Action Strategies
Chair: Anne Kemppainen, Deputy Head, EU Delegation to the UN and other international organisations in Geneva
Speakers:

Agnès Marcaillou, Director, UN Mine Action Service
Fotini Antonopoulou, Programme Manager in charge of Mine Action, Operations Section III, EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Asa Massleberg, Advisor, Strategic Management, Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining
Tomaž Lovrenčič, Director, ITF Enhancing Human Security

13:00 – 15:00 Lunch

15:00 – 16:30
Donor strategies – perspectives from affected Countries
Chair: Mohammad Shafiq Yosufi, Director, Directorate of Mine Action Coordination, Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority
Speakers:

Adriano Gonçalves, Head, Cabinet of International Cooperation and Assistance, Angola
Saša Obradović, Director, Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Centre
Miguel Ceballos, High Commisioner for Peace, Colombia

16:30– 16:45 Coffee break

16:45 – 18:30
Donor Strategies – perspectives from operators
Chair: Hector Guerra, Director, International Campaign to Ban Landmines – Cluster Munition Coalition
Speakers:

Tim Kreuk, Head, Halo Trust Europe office
Josephine Dresner, Country Representative, Mines Advisory Group
Emmanuel Sauvage, Director, Armed Violence Reduction Unit, Handicap International
Hans Risser, Head of Operations, NPA
Steve Priestley, Director, MA Programs, Janus Global operations LLC

18:30 – 18:40
Concluding Remarks
Benjamin Hautecouverture, Senior research fellow, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique
Frank Meeussen, Policy officer, Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Arms Export Control, SECPOL1, European External Action Service

Man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS)
2018-11-27 | Courtyard by Marriott, Avenue des Olympiades 6, Brussels, 1140, Belgium
Man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS)
On behalf of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) organised an ad-hoc workshop in Brussels on 27 November on the diversion risks of man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS), attended by approximately 55 government officials and non-governmental experts from Europe and elsewhere. Jacek Bylica, European External Action Service Special Envoy for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, who had initiated the workshop, noted that MANPADs exemplify the interactive nature of the key threats identified in the European Agenda on Security: in this case, terrorism, organised crime and proliferation.
The workshop addressed the level of risk, the level of awareness and the actions needed to alleviate risks. A technical session explained the history, design, components, use, and variations of MANPADS, more than one million of which have been produced in the last 50 years. Over the past decade, about 20,000 have been transferred, often with insufficient transparency. Some of these weapons can be used with little training and they can last for decades in the right climate conditions. Trade and diversion trends were explained, and the export controls that have introduced, including best practices promoted by the OSCE and the authorization system introduced by one company to prevent illicit use of its weapons.
Briefings covered the situation in specific regions and conflict zones around the world, including northern Africa, the Levant, South America, eastern Africa, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe. While the situation in the Horn of Africa remains fraught, here are serious risks in Venezuela, where the unstable government has procured over 500 MANPADS launchers and dispersed them to 42 military units around the country, and in the Donbas region of Ukraine, where Russian-supported rebels have seized government stockpiles. Elsewhere, government secrecy is as much of a problem as capacity constraints in impeding the tracing of transfers.

Agenda
Tuesday, 27 November 2018
08:45 – 09:00
Registration
09:00 – 09:15
Introductory remarks
Jacek Bylica, Special Envoy for Disarmament and Non-proliferation, EEAS
Mark Fitzpatrick, Director, Non-Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, IISS
Part I: MANPADS global issues and responses
These first two sessions will aim to address the following elements:

MANPADS basics:history, design, main components, use, variations
MANPADS lifecycle, durability and longevity
Expertise and training needed for effective operation.
Numbers produced
Trade and diversion trends
Export controls
Technical end-use control features
Principles and best practices

09:15 – 10:15
Session I a: Threat assessment, technical introduction, production, control features
Speakers:

Ben Barry, Senior Fellow for Land Warfare, IISS
Tomasz Brodniewicz, Head of the Precise Ammunition Department, MESKO

10:15 – 11:00
Session I b: Trade, export controls and best practices
Speakers:

Siemon Wezeman, Senior Researcher, Arms Transfers and Military Expenditure
Programme, SIPRI
Robin Mossinkoff, Head FSC Support Section, Conflict Prevention Centre, OSCE

11:00 – 11:30
Coffee break
Part II: Focus on specific regions and conflict zones
In each of the following sessions we will seek, as best possible, to address:

Availability and use of MANPADS
Perceptions of threat
Actions undertaken to address the issue
Capacity of local governments and regional institutions to mitigate threat
Outside assistance needed

11:30 – 12:15
Session II a: Regional focus –North Africa
Speakers:

Matt Schroeder, Senior Researcher, Small Arms Survey
David Diaz, Chief of Staff, Strategic Capacity Group

12:15 – 13:00
Session II b: Conflict zones – The Levant
Speakers:

David Diaz, Chief of Staff, Strategic Capacity Group
Siemon Wezeman, Senior Researcher, Arms Transfers and Military Expenditure
Programme, SIPRI

13:00 – 14:00
Lunch
14:00 – 14:45
Session II c: Regional focus – Southeast Asia
Speaker:

Shang-Su Wu, Research Fellow, Military Studies Programme, Institute of Defence and
Strategic Studies, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies

14:45 – 15:30
Session II d: Regional focus – South and Central America
Speaker:

Andrei Serbin Pont, Research Director, La Coordinadora Regional de Investigaciones
Económicas y Sociales (CRIES)

15:30 – 15:45
Coffee break
15:45 – 16:45
Session II e: Regional focus – East Africa
Speakers:

Dr Nelson Alusala, Research consultant, Institute for Security Studies (ISS)
Claudio Gramizzi, Head of Regional Operations – West Africa, Conflict Armament
Research

16:45– 17:30
Session II f: Regional focus – Eastern Europe (Ukraine)
Speaker:

Dr Margarita Konaev,Non-Resident Fellow, Modern War Institute at West Point

17:30 – 17:45
Concluding remarks
Jacek Bylica, Special Envoy for Disarmament and Non-proliferation, EEAS

Seventh Consultative Meeting of the EU Non-Proliferation Consortium
2018-09-04 - 2018-09-05 | Borschette Center, Brussels, B-1040, Belgique
The Seventh Consultative Meeting of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC) was held in Brussels (Borschette Center) on 4 and 5 September 2018. ​
It tackled the most pressing challenges in the Middle East (the US withdrawal from the JCPOA in May 2018) and in North East Asia (which “denuclearization” process for the DPRK after the June 2018 Singapore Summit?), the nuclear disarmament objective in a constraint strategic environment, the UN Secretary general’s disarmament agenda, the reinforcement of the chemical weapons prohibition norm after the 2017 crises, and the EU strategy against illicit small arms and light weapons.
It cannot be denied that the present context is not auspicious to progress in the non-proliferation and disarmament realm: The global environment has seen many challenges to the normative order for several years (North Korea’s withdrawal from the NPT in 2003, US and Russia’s strategic dialogue stalemate since 2014, chemical weapons use in the Syrian conflict since 2013, etc.); existing arms control and non-proliferation agreements are getting dangerously close to unravelling.
In such a context, it was widely acknowledged by the hundred participants to the meeting that the EU has a special responsibility to uphold existing regimes in a coherent, concerted and effective way, pursuant to the principle of “effective multilateralism” which has been the cornerstone of the European Strategy against proliferation of weapons of mass destruction since 2003.

Agenda
Tuesday, 4 September 2018
13:30 – 14:00
Registration
14:00 – 14:15
Welcome and introduction to the meeting
Benjamin Hautecouverture, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique
Jacek Bylica, European External Action Service
14:15 – 15:45
The revision of the EU Strategy against illicit SALW and their ammunition
Chair: Frank Meeussen, European External Action Service
Speakers:
– Damien Spleeters, Conflict Armament Research
– Fabio Marini, DG Home
15:45-16:00 Coffee break
16:00 – 18:00
The chemical weapons non-use norm after the Special Conference of States Parties to the CWC
Chair: Christopher Daase, Peace Research Institute Frankfurt
Speakers:
– Elisande Nexon, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique
– Una Becker-Jakob, Peace Research Institute Frankfurt
– Dimitris Iliopoulos, EEAS, Former EU Liaison Officer to OPCW
19:00 Dinner

Credit: FRS

Wednesday, 5 September 2018
08:15 – 08:45
Registration
08:45 – 10:45
The JCPOA after the US withdrawal
Chair: Stephan Klement, European External Action Service Iran Task Force
Speakers:
– Tytti Erastö, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
– Louis de Gaulle, Le Club des Juristes
10:45 – 11:00 Coffee break
11:00 – 13:00
The DPRK crisis after the Singapore summit
Chair: Laura Rockwood, Vienna Center on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation
Speakers:
– Mark Fitzpatrick, International Institute for Strategic Studies
– Tongfi Kim, Vesalius College
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
14:00 – 16:00
Nuclear disarmament, the NPT review process and the TPNW: Prospects for the EU
Chair: Ettore Greco, Istituto Affari Internazionali
Speakers:
– Emmanuelle Maître, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique
– Bruno Hellendorff, Egmont
16:00 – 16:15 Coffee break
16:15 – 17:45
UNSG’s Disarmament agenda
Chair: Maria Mekri, SaferGlobe
Speakers:
– Renata Dwan, United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research
– Cristina Varriale, Royal United Services Institute
– Anne Kemppainen, EUDEL Geneva
17:45 – 18:00
Concluding remarks
Benjamin Hautecouverture, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique
Jacek Bylica, European External Action Service

Sixth EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference
2017-12-12 - 2017-12-13 | Palais d’Egmont, Brussels, Belgique
The Sixth EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament conference took place in Brussels on 12 and 13 December 2017.
For any questions please contact “EUNPC Conference Account“.
Video message by Federica Mogherini
High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the European Commission

EU Non-proliferation and Disarmament Conference 2017
Overview of the conference by Dan Smith, SIPRI Director

The video has been produced by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and is published on SIPRI’s YouTube Channel.

Tuesday, 12 December 2017

09:30 – 09:40
Welcome

Sibylle Bauer, Chair, EU Non-Proliferation Consortium
Video message by Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the European Commission
Pedro Serrano, Deputy-Secretary General for CSDP and Crisis Response, European External Action Service (EEAS)

Plenary Session: Perspectives on Nonproliferation and Disarmament Challenges

Chair: Jacek Bylica, Special Envoy for Disarmament and Nonproliferation, EEAS
Vladimir Baranovsky, Board member, Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IMEMO)
Rose Gottemoeller, Deputy Secretary-General, NATO
Izumi Nakamitsu, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs
Jianqun Teng, Director, Department of American Studies, China Institute of International Studies
Irma Arguello, Non-proliferation for Global Security Foundation, Buenos Aires (was unable to participate due to flight disruptions) (download the presentation)

12:00 – 13:30
Parallel Break-out Sessions I : Perspectives on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Challenges

North East Asia
Chair: Angela Kane, Former UN Under-Secretary-General
Antoine Bondaz, Research Fellow, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS), Paris
Hua Han, Professor, School of International Studies (SIS), Beijing University
Andrei Lankov, Professor, Kookmin University, Seoul
Kiejoo Kim, Minister, Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Belgium and Mission of the Republic of Korea to the European UnionAsia Pacific Chair: Laura Rockwood, Executive Director, Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-proliferation (VCDNP)
Rizwana Abassi, Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, National Defence University, Islamabad
Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan, Senior Fellow and Head of the Nuclear and Space Policy Initiative, Observer Research Foundation, Delhi
Piotr Topychkanov, Senior Researcher, Center for International Security – Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences

14:30 – 16:00
Parallel Break-out Sessions II : Perspectives on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Challenges

After the BTWC Meeting of States Parties: What Next?
Chair: Anne Kemppainen, Head of Political Section for Disarmament and Non-proliferation, EU Delegation, Geneva
Amandeep Singh Gill, Ambassador of India to the UN Conference on Disarmament
Elisande Nexon, Research Fellow, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique (FRS), Paris
Richard Guthrie, Coordinating Editor, CBW Events
Emil Kazakov, International Relations Officer, Disarmament, Non-proliferation and Arms Export Control Division, EEASSmall Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Flows: Preventing Diversion
Chair: Pawel Herczynski, Director, Security Policy Directorate, EEAS
James Bevan, Executive Director, Conflict Armaments Research
Nils Duquet, Senior Researcher, Flemish Peace Institute
Nobushige Takamizawa, Ambassador of Japan to the Conference on Disarmament/ President of the Fourth Conference of States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty

14:30 – 16:00
Plenary Session: The JCPOA

Chair: Rolf Ekeus, European Leadership Network / Distinguished Associate Fellow SIPRI
Mark Fitzpatrick, Head, Non-Proliferation and Nuclear Policy Programme, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), London/Washington D.C.
Saeed Khatibzadeh, Acting Director, Institute for International and Political Studies (IPIS), Tehran
Aniseh Bassiri Tabrizi, Research Fellow, Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), London

18:00 – 18:30
Keynote Speech

Annika Söder, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Sweden

Wednesday, 13 December 2017

09:00 – 10:30
Plenary Session: Technological Challenges to Arms Control, Too Fast to Keep Up?

Chair: John Borrie, Chief of Research, UNIDIR/Associate Fellow, Chatham House
Rick Cupitt, Senior Associate, WMD, Non-proliferation and Security, Stimson Center, Washington D.C.
Netta Goussac, Legal Advisor, International Committee of the Red Cross – Arms Unit, Legal Division
Lora Saalman, Director of Studies, Peace and Conflict/ Programme Director, China and Global Security, SIPRI

11:00 – 13:00
Closing PLenary: The Future of Arms Control, Non-Proliferation and Disarmament and the Role of the EU

Chair: Sibylle Bauer, Chair, EU Non-proliferation Consortium/Director of Studies, Armament and Disarmament, SIPRI
Jacek Bylica, Special Envoy for Disarmament and Nonproliferation, EEAS
Christopher Ford, Senior Director for WMD and Counterproliferation, U.S. National Security Council (download the presentation)
Angela Kane, Former UN Under-Secretary-General (download the presentation)

Sixth Consultative Meeting of the EU Non-Proliferation Consortium
2017-06-14 | Charlemagne Building, Sicco Mansholt - Rue Froissart 36, Brussels, B-1040, Belgique
The Sixth Consultative Meeting of the EU Non-Proliferation Consortium took place on 14 June 2017 in the Charlemagne Building, Brussels.

Wednesday, 14 June 2017

09:30 – 09:40
Welcome and introduction to the meeting
Giorgio Franceschini, Peace Research Institute Frankfurt
Jacek Bylica, European External Action Service

09:40 – 11:15
The Revision of the 2005 EU Strategy to combat the illicit accumulation and trafficking of SALW and their ammunition
Chair: Frank Meeussen, European External Action Service
Speaker: James Bevan, Conflict Analysis Research
Speaker: An Vranckx, Independent Expert
Speaker: Mark Bromley, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute

11:45-13:00
Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) as a focus of the discussion in the framework of the CCW work programme of 2017
Chair: Lene Lindholft Rietveld, European External Action Service
Speaker: Vincent Boulanin, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
Speaker: Anja Dahlmann, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik – German Institute for International and Security Affairs

14:00 – 15:30
Recent use of chemical weapons by state and non-state actors in Syria and Iraq, and international responses
Chair: Emil Kazakov, European External Action Service
Speaker: Jean Pascal Zanders, Independent Expert
Speaker: Dimitris Iliopoulos, European External Action Service

16:00 – 17:30
Current challenges in the field of ballistic missiles non-proliferation (MTCR, HCoC, INF, BMD systems)
Chair: Bruno Hanses, European External Action Service
Speaker: Marek Szczygieł, Chairman of the Hague Code of Conduct (HCoC)
Speaker: Stéphane Delory, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique

17:30 – 18:00
Concluding remarks
Giorgio Franceschini, Chairman of the EU Non-Proliferation Consortium
Jacek Bylica, European External Action Service

Cooperating to implement the Convention on Cluster Munitions
2017-03-16 - 2017-03-17 | United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, United Nations Conference Center , Meeting Room A - Rajadamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok, Thaïlande
Landmines and cluster munitions’ survivors : A testimony by Khun Wiboonrat Chanchoo (Thailand)
« It is a great honour for me to be here today. As all of you are aware, I’m not a cluster munitions survivor, but landmine survivor. For me, there is no difference between cluster munitions and landmine survivors or other remnants of wars. We are the same. We are victims.
I myself became person with disability nearly 20 years ago. That day, I went in to the forest near the Thai-Cambodian border to collect bamboo to bring home. I was not aware that there were landmines hidden in that area. All I well recalled was that all of a sudden there was loud noise and my body was catapulted into the air. When I looked at my left leg, I saw it was shattered with dangling fractured bones. I screamed to warn others not to come near while I crawled myself to safety. Though I did not lose my life, but life has changed dramatically after that. My husband by that time could not deal with it and felt ashamed of my physical condition so he abused me, abandoned me and left our family taking with him all the money and assets we had. But he left the most valuable assets for me, our two daughters.
I have been sharing my story, which is of course not a pleasant one, several times. I am aware that sometimes people feel uncomfortable when listening. But I have to continue doing this because I would like people to really know the lives of survivors. It’s not like we received support one time and all have been done so that case can be closed. Not only survivors receive affect, but also our family members. There are too many people with disabilities who still have difficulties in their lives. Some of them are in worse conditions. They still need support. Some of them don’t even have rice on the table.
After having accident, I did not give up, I continued working in the paddies and plots, growing rice and vegetables, and raising my two kids on my own.
As time went on, I came to realise that a person with disability not only can live a normal life with the proper care and support from those around them; but they can also contribute meaningfully towards others. I decided to join a local support group for people with disabilities. It is a platform where we can work together to help improve our living conditions.
Our self-help group started from small group of landmine survivors and people with disabilities in my village. The group expanded to neighbouring villages, and finally become a sub-district group. This group then connects with other survivors’ groups in other districts and provinces.
My self-help group now comprises over 100 landmine survivors. Most recently, I have expanded the scope of my activities to include persons with various disabilities, orphans, children with HIV infected parents, and the abandoned elderly.
Activities of our self-help groups in the past and at present include mushroom planting, micro-credit loan among group members, promotion of income generating activities, setting up a local network to deliver assistance is a much more efficient and sustainable approach in providing assistance, and more. Some activities become successful for example mushroom planting, but some are not successful including raising animals.
After 20 years of being a person with disability, believe it or not, the needs of survivors I have been observing remain the same, which are very basic needs. Survivors need prostheses. Survivors need financial support and micro-credit. Survivors need to accessibility and modification of accommodation and public facilities for appropriate use by persons with disabilities. Survivors need to know about their rights.
I would like to thank the Governments of Thailand for a lot of good work happening. My voices are louder. I would like also to thank other Governments including Lao PDR, Cambodia, Vietnam, and more for lots of good work happening in my survivors’ friends’ countries. We all know that government support and understanding for victims is vital to ensuring our full and equal participation in the society. I wish the international community continue working together to ensure that no one will have to suffer from this indiscriminate weapon ever again. I wish Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam acceding to the CCM very soon. We need protection of the rights of victims in an all-inclusive and sustainable manner.
Aside from Government of Thailand, I would like to thank International Campaign to Ban Landmines-Cluster Munitions Coalition, Handicap International, Jesuit Refugee Services, COERR and Norwegian People’s Aid for supporting me all along. »
Khun Wiboonrat Chanchoo, International Campaign to Ban Landmines – Cluster Munition Coalition, Thailand, 17 March 2017

The closed seminar on “Cooperating to implement the Convention on Cluster Munitions: the country coalition concept” was held in conjunction with the Permanent Representation of Germany to the Conference on Disarmament. It was funded by the European Union and jointly organised by the European External Action Service through the EU Non-proliferation Consortium, and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).
It took place on the premises of the UNESCAP, Bangkok, Thailand, on March 16 and 17, 2017. The participants included both government officials, International organizations representatives and non-governmental experts from the South-East Asia region, the EU member states and beyond.
The purpose of this seminar was to discuss future developments impacting the implementation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM). It focused on the concept of establishing “country coalitions” (i.e. with a country specific focus) as a means to enhance international cooperation and thus support the implementation of the Convention in South-East Asia. A coordinated approach concerning destruction and clearance (including mapping and securing of contaminated areas) of cluster munitions and assisting victims, involving donor states and operators will support States Parties to fulfil their commitments under the Convention. Lastly, a country specific approach is required to help ensure progress in implementation of the CCM.
Against this backdrop the concept of establishing “country coalitions” as a means to enhance international cooperation and thus promote the CCM seems to have considerable potential. The South-East Asia region is the location of the heaviest cluster munition contamination globally. It includes both States Parties and Non-States Parties to the CCM, including countries who are addressing contamination, stockpile destruction, etc. Within the region, Lao PDR, Vietnam and Cambodia are all dealing with very high levels of contamination. Lao PDR has the highest levels of contamination.
The seminar consisted of five sessions:
Session 1 offered to all the countries of the region the opportunity to share their perception of the issue (risks and threats, entry into force and implementation of the CCM, etc.).
Session 2 focused on cooperation and assistance by introducing the country coalition concept, discussing and refining this approach. The relevant actors for such a coalition would include representatives of: the affected country, donor states, international organizations, operators on the ground and other relevant experts, such as the GICHD.
Session 3 addressed the issue of the cooperation and assistance by introducing the country coalition concept.
Session 4 and 5 explored the practical implications of the country coalition concept on the challenge of article 4 obligations and on victim assistance.
Agenda
Thursday 16 March 2017

09:00 – 09:15
Welcome and Introduction – Setting the scene

Michael Biontino (Germany)
Frank Meeussen (EEAS/EU)
Benjamin Hautecouverture (France/EUNPC)

09:15 – 11:15
Session 1: Challenges of Cluster Munition Remnants contamination in the region

Chair & Introduction: Megan Burke (CMC)
Cambodia
Lao PDR
Malaysia
The Philippines
Sri Lanka
Thailand

11:15 – 11:30
Coffee Break

11:30 – 12:45
Session 2: Introducing the country coalition concept

Chair: Benjamin Hautecouverture (France/EUNPC)
Speaker 1 Michael Biontino (Germany)
Speaker 2 Megan Burke (CMC)

12:45 – 14:00
Lunch

14:30 – 16:30
Session 3: Cooperation and assistance – The connection between affected countries and donor countries – Best practices in coordination/cooperation

Chair: Frank Meeussen (EEAS/EU)
Speaker 1 Genevieve Clune (Australia)
Speaker 2 Khampheng Douangthongla (Lao PDR)
Speaker 3 Vidya Abhayagunawardena (Sri Lanka Campaign to Ban Landmines)

18:30 – 21:00
Reception, German residence

Friday 17 March 2017

09:00 – 10:00
Session 4: Practical implications 1 – Victim assistance

Chair: Aksel Steen-Nilsen (NPA Programme Director, Cambodia)
Speaker 1 JJuan Carlos Ruan (Ottawa ISU)
Speaker 2 Sheila Mweemba (CCM-ISU)
Speaker 3 Benoit Couturier (Handicap International Lao PDR)

10:00 – 11:00
Session 5: Practical implications 2 – Clearance

Chair: Maarten Broekhof (The Netherlands)
Speaker 1 Maarten Broekhof (The Netherlands)
Speaker 2 Touch Pheap (Cambodia)
Speaker 3 Bounpheng Sisawath (Lao PDR)

11:00 – 11:15
Coffee Break

11:30 – 12:30
Wrap up and recommendations

Sandra de Waele (EU)
Balasubramaniam Murali (UNDP – Lao PDR)
Stefano Toscano (GICHD)
Benjamin Hautecouverture (France/EUNPC)

12:30 – 13:30
Farewell lunch

Developments in SALW Technology and Design: Implications for Countering Diversion
2017-03-07 | Conference Centre Albert Borschette (CCAB), 36 rue Froissart, Brussels, B- 1040
The EU Non-proliferation Consortium organised a one-day expert seminar on “Developments in SALW-technology: implications for countering diversion”, on 7 March 2017 in Brussels.
Preventing diversion of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) is a key priority for the international community in preventing violent conflicts and gun enabled crimes. The seminar included presentations and discussions on ‘Risks of diversion’, ‘Marking and tracing’, ‘Stockpile management’ and ‘End-use controls’. It built upon the outcomes of the 2015 Meeting of Governmental Experts on the Implementation of the UN Programme of Action on SALW. The discussions will feed into the review of the EU SALW Strategy as well as preparations for the 2018 Review Conference of the UN Programme of Action on SALW.
The seminar brought together 40 participants from European industry, EU and EU member state officials, regional and international organizations, and research institutes.
Agenda

09:00–09:15
Welcome and introduction to the seminar

Pawel Herczynski, Director Security Policy and Conflict Prevention, European External Action Service
Mark Bromley, Co-Director of the Dual-use and Arms Trade Programme, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute

09:15–10:30
Session 1 — Diversion: causes, consequences and risk mitigation

Chair: Frank Meeussen, Alternate Chair of COARM Council Working Party, European External Action Service
Speaker: Savannah de Tessières, Senior Consultant, Small Arms Survey and United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations
Speaker: Tarmo Dix, Desk Officer Conventional Arms Control, German Federal Foreign Office
Speaker: N. R. Jenzen-Jones, Director, Armament Research Services
This session will explore the legal and normative standards to prevent diversion; recent cases of diversion following exports of SALW from Europe; and means to counter diversion, including the opportunities and challenges generated by emerging SALW technologies and designs.
Key questions that will be addressed

What were some of the most notable cases of SALW diversion in the past five years?
What were the main causes and consequences of these cases?
What legal and normative standards are in place to prevent SALW diversion?
What are the key gaps and weaknesses in these standards and their implementation?
What role have new technologies and designs played in recent cases of SALW diversion?
What role can new methods for marking, tagging and enabling/disabling SALW play in preventing cases of diversion?

10:45–12:00
Session 2 — Developments in SALW technology and design: implications for marking and tracing

Chair: Lina Grip, Researcher, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
Speaker: Dr. Giacomo Persi Paoli, Research Leader, RAND Europe
Speaker: Thierry Jacobs, Strategic Projects and Relations Executive, Fabrique Nationale d’Herstal
Speaker: Dr. Gernot Schrems, Laser Expert, Trotec Laser GmbH
This session will explore the current state of the art with regard to available technologies for marking and tracing SALW and related ammunition; the challenges and opportunities posed by developments in modular design, polymer materials and additive manufacturing and how they can be met; and options for states to promote the use of new marking techniques.
Key questions that will be addressed

What systems are in place for establishing harmonized standards for the marking and tracing of SALW?
What are the key gaps in these systems, and what challenges do they face?
What are the particular challenges posed by modular design, polymer materials and additive manufacturing for marking and tracing SALW?
What systems are companies developing for overcoming these challenges?
What are the particular challenges involved in developing effective systems for marking and tracing SALW ammunition?
What systems are companies developing for overcoming these challenges?

13:15–14:30
Session 3 — Developments in SALW technology and design: implications for stockpile management

Chair: Pilar Reina, Independent consultant
Speaker: Alain Lapon, Chief Technical Officer, South Eastern and Eastern European Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons
Speaker: Diman Dimov, Project Support Office, Conflict Prevention Centre, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
Speaker: Robert Kondor, Regional Sales Director, Dynamit Nobel Defence
This session will explore the current state of the art with regard to available technologies for tagging and tracking SALW shipments and stockpiles to facilitate secure stockpile management; the role these systems can play in preventing SALW diversion; and options for states to promote the use of these technologies.
Key questions that will be addressed

What systems are in place for establishing improved standards in SALW physical security and stockpile management?
What are the key gaps in these systems and what are the implementation challenges do states and other stakeholders face?
What are the key lessons-learned from recent efforts to improve SALW physical security and stockpile management in Europe and elsewhere?
What role can different types of technologies play in improving SALW physical security and stockpile management?
What new systems are companies developing for helping to tag and track SALW?
What role can these systems play in helping to improve SALW physical security and stockpile management standards and prevent cases of diversion?

14:30–15:45
Session 4 — Developments in SALW technology and design: implications for end-use controls

Chair: Elvan Isikozlu, Researcher, Bonn International Center for Conversion
Speaker: Matt Schroeder, Senior Researcher, Small Arms Survey
Speaker: Dr. Georg Jahnen, Head of Development, Armatix
This session will explore the current state of the art with regard to available technologies for enabling and/or disabling SALW; other technologies that can help to prevent the post shipment diversion of SALW; and options for states to promote the use of these technologies.
Key questions that will be addressed

Where have technologies for enabling and/or disabling SALW been used to help prevent or respond to cases of diversion?
What potential is there for the wider use of these systems?
What are the economic, functional and political barriers?
What systems have companies developed for ensuring that SALW can only be operated by authorized end-users?
What are some of the potential applications of these systems?

15:45–16:00
Summary of the day’s discussions and links with EU and UN-level processes

Frank Meeussen, alternate chair of COARM Council Working Party, European External Action Service
Dr. Ali Arbia, Project Manager, Small Arms Survey
