An official website of the European Union. See all European Institutions
Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Arms Export Control
EU policy in this field focuses on 3 broad areas: weapons of mass destruction (WMD), conventional weapons and Security and sustainability in outer space
The goal of a world free of chemical weapons is one the EU is upholding through its support to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The EU has just agreed to continue its funding of the OPCW with €11.6 million over the next three years. The OPCW's mission is to implement the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention to achieve a world free of chemical weapons and to address the threat of their use. The work of the Hague-based organisation has been recognised with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013.
34-year-old taxi driver Omar Musa, was amongst 40,000 Libyans who, together with his family, had to flee from the city of Tawergha after the 2011 revolution in Libya. People were living in dire conditions in camps spread across the country. Seven years later, Omar was finally able to return home. “When I arrived I was not aware of the danger that I faced. However, I found billboards and posters on the walls near the entrance of the city with emergency phone numbers to report any explosive remnants of war. I did not really understand what that meant at the time." Indeed, in such situations, the EU supports projects to raise awareness about unexploded ordnances and mines, and to help clear people’s properties so that they can return safely home.
On Monday, 18 March, the EU Delegation, together with the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), organised a launch event for the new EU Council Decision in support of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC).
Today, EU Ambassador Walter Stevens spoke at the 22th International Meeting of Mine Action Directors and UN Advisers organised by the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS).
Report of the Joint Commission to the Security Council on the status of the Procurement Working Group’s decisions and on any implementation issues:
