(9) The technical implementation of this Decision should be entrusted to the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO which, on the basis of its unique expertise and capabilities through the network of the International Monitoring System (IMS), comprising over 337 facilities around the globe, and the International Data Centre (IDC), is the sole international organisation having the ability and legitimacy to implement this Decision. The projects as supported by the Union can only be financed through an extra-budgetary contribution to the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

1. For the purpose of continuing the effective implementation of the Strategy, the Union shall support the activities of the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO, which aim to:

(a) strengthen the capabilities of the CTBT monitoring and verification system, including radionuclide detection;

(b) strengthen the capabilities of the States Signatories to the CTBT to fulfil their verification responsibilities under the CTBT and to enable them to benefit fully from their participation in the CTBT regime.

2. The projects to be financed by the Union shall support:

(a) maintenance of certified auxiliary seismic stations, part of the CTBTO IMS;

(b) engagement with State Signatories, including technical system validation and testing using Cloud technology for phase 3 of the IDC Reengineering;

(d) a study on possible performance improvements of FLEXPART simulations through Graphics Processing Unit acceleration;

(e) development of a background estimator tool to quantify radio xenon contributions to detections at IMS stations;

(f) development of a source-term estimator tool;

(g) provision of helpdesk and upgrading support to the virtual exploitation data centre platform;

(h) continuation of the radio xenon mobile measurement campaigns in different regions of the world;

(i) provision of technical assistance including integrated capacity building and outreach such as enhancement of seismic, hydroacoustic and infrasound (SHI) automatic processing capabilities in NDC-in-a-Box and simplified, standards compliant IDC products and services access for National Data Centres (NDCs);

(j) support training, workshops and follow-up for emerging NDCs in developing countries worldwide, and acquisition and maintenance of capacity building systems for the NDCs;

(k) support the evolution and homogenisation of the multi-waveform technology processing and interactive system;

(l) organisation of open source seismic impact regional introductory courses for two CTBT geographical regions;

(m) conduct of outreach to non-signatories and non-ratifying countries, including States whose signature and ratification are required for entry into force of the CTBT, and capacity building for youth, parliamentarians, journalists and scientists in developing or emerging countries.

3. In the implementation of the projects referred to in paragraph 2, Union visibility shall be ensured, as well as proper programme management in the implementation of this Decision.

4. The projects shall be carried out for the benefit of all States Signatories to the CTBT.

5. All project components shall be supported by proactive and innovative public outreach activities, and resources shall be allocated accordingly.

6. A detailed description of the projects is set out in the Annex to this Decision.

Article 2

1. The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (the ‘High Representative’) shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision.