European Union

The European Union has proposed a “Universality Strategy” to bring non-States Parties into the BWC treaty. They also recommend that its impact be assessed by States Parties at the Seventh Review Conference in 2011. The strategy includes seven interlinked proposals:

• Establish informal networks of national and regional “points of contact.”
• Promote the BWC through other regional, sub-regional, and international organizations.
• Develop assistance measures for states preparing to implement the BWC.
• Promote BWC membership in bilateral contacts with non-States Parties and offer bilateral assistance to states that decide to become members.
• Organize regional and sub-regional seminars and workshops.
• Establish measures for increasing awareness of the BWC, including publication of past conference and meeting proceedings.
• Promote the BWC in bilateral, regional, and other agreements.

Latin American Group

The group of Latin American countries has proposed an “Action Plan” to achieve BWC universality. Their plan includes:

• A Support Unit mandate to promote universality through activities that interest non-State Parties, to provide implementation assistance, and to promote participation by non-State Parties at BWC meetings and events.
• A commitment by States Parties to intensify bilateral, regional, and multilateral efforts towards universality.
• An appointed focal point for coordinating these efforts, with a report presented at the Annual Meetings.

Australia

Australia has also proposed an “Action Plan” for BWC universality. In general, the plan emphasizes a strong link between BWC implementation and universality. Specific measures include:

• A call for non-States Parties to accede to and ratify the BWC and voluntarily adhere to the treaty until then.
• A call for States Parties to introduce and strengthen implementation measures.
• Use bilateral, regional, and multilateral contacts with non-States Parties to promote political, security, and economic benefits of BWC membership.
• Undertake national, regional, and international initiatives to promote implementation and universality.
• Provide assistance to non-State Parties acceding to and ratifying the BWC and assistance on implementation.
• Seek support and assistance from relevant regional and multilateral organizations.
• Nominate points of contact to facilitate information exchange between States Parties.
• Submit and make available CBMs to increase transparency.
• Report activities to the Secretariat for compilation and dissemination among States Parties.