Strengthening biological safety and security in Ukraine

SUMMARY OF:

Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/1296 in support of strengthening biological safety and security in Ukraine

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DECISION?

Decision (CFSP) 2019/1296 aims to:

strengthen biological safety and security in Ukraine by improving its legislative and regulatory basis and its human and animal health systems, and by raising awareness among life scientists;
promote multilateralism at the regional level by supporting the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe initiative to enhance Ukraine’s biological safety and security capabilities, in line with the obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004) and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention.

KEY POINTS

European Union (EU)–Ukraine relations are based on an association agreement between the two parties.
The decision supports Decision (CFSP) 2023/654 (see summary) on implementing the UN resolution.

EU projects

To support the objectives of the decision, the EU has undertaken projects aimed at:

harmonising existing Ukrainian regulations on biosafety and biosecurity with international standards;
establishing veterinary surveillance system sustainability in Ukraine for diseases related to especially dangerous pathogens;
raising awareness and providing education and training for life scientists on biosafety and biosecurity.

Detailed descriptions of these projects are set out in the annexes to the decision.

Reporting and evaluation

The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy reports regularly to the Council of the European Union on the implementation of the decision on the basis of Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe reports (Decision (CFSP) 2019/1296).
These reports form the basis for the Council’s evaluation.
The European Commission provides information on the financial aspects of the projects’ implementation.

FROM WHEN DOES THE DECISION APPLY?

It has applied since 31 July 2019 and will expire on 14 July 2024.

BACKGROUND

For further information, see:

EU measures to combat WMD proliferation (European External Action Service).

MAIN DOCUMENT

Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/1296 of 31 July 2019 in support of strengthening biological safety and security in Ukraine in line with the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004) on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery (OJ L 204, 2.8.2019, pp. 29–35).

Successive amendments to Decision (CFSP) 2019/1296 have been incorporated into the original text. This consolidated version is for documentary value only.