The UN Disarmament Fellows’ Visit to Brussels

On 12-13 September 2019, the VCDNP organized for the second time a visit to the seat of the European policy organs in Brussels, Belgium, for the participants of the United Nations Programme of Fellowships on Disarmament.

During the UN Disarmament Fellowship program, the participants spend about 10 weeks traveling to the centers of international disarmament and non-proliferation affairs, including Geneva, Vienna, The Hague, and New York, to learn more about the work of the international organizations and to gain a better understanding of disarmament and international security issues. The Fellows also visit a number of states, such as Kazakhstan, Japan, and Brazil, upon the invitation of those governments.

Prior to Council Decision (CDSP) 2018/299, the Fellows had not visited the European Union institutions in Brussels. As a member of the EU Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPD Consortium) the VCDNP organises the Brussels visit as mandated by Council Decision (CDSP) 2018/299, in order to introduce the Fellows to the policies and functioning of the European Union (EU).

On 12 September, the Fellows started their visit with a tour of the European Parliament, where they got acquainted with the structure and functions of EU’s main institutions and policy-making bodies. Later, at the Flemish Peace Institute, experts from the EUNPD Consortium and Network organizations gave thematic presentations and discussed with the Fellows issues related to export control regimes and EU policies, drivers of disarmament diplomacy, and the future of the non-proliferation regime.

EUNPD Consortium Chair Dr. Sybille Bauer also provided an overview of the Consortium history, structure, goals, and activities. Director of the NATO Arms Control, Disarmament and WMD Non-Proliferation Centre William Alberque briefed the Fellows on the structure and functions of NATO, the Organization’s activities in arms control and non-proliferation, and cooperation with the EU in these areas.

On 13 September, the Disarmament Fellows visited the European External Action Service (EEAS) to learn about the work of European Union’s diplomatic service in various international security areas. Mr. Jacek Bylica, Special Envoy for Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, welcomed the Fellows and provided an overview of the EEAS’ history and role in helping implement the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy with regard to arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation matters. Following Ambassador Bylica’s remarks, EEAS, European Council, the Council of the EU, and European Commission experts from different committees and offices discussed with the Fellows a broad range of issues, including the EU’s work on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the EU Joint Research Centre, conventional weapons controls, space policy, and new challenges in cybersecurity. The Fellows also were given the opportunity to visit the Europa Building, the main seat of the European Council and the Council of the EU.

During the discussions in Brussels, the Disarmament Fellows asked astute questions and engaged actively in the substantive material presented by all the speakers. The VCDNP would like to extend its gratitude to the Flemish Peace Institute and EEAS for their generous support and cooperation in organizing this visit.