As the European Union’s contribution to combating the destabilizing accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons[1], the European Union member states agreed in December 1998 on a Joint Action[2]. Following this joint action subsequent Council Decisions and report have strengthened and expanded this first step. The Royal Government of Cambodia was one of the first countries to declare its willingness to engage with the European Union in a comprehensive programme for curbing small arms and light weapons in Cambodia. On 15 November 1999 the Council of Ministers of the European Union took a Council Decision[3] concerning the European Union contribution to combating the destabilizing accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons in Cambodia.  In March 2000 EU ASAC started its work in Cambodia.

On 15 November 2001 , the Council of Ministers of the European Union decided[4], in the light of the recommendations of an evaluation of the EU ASAC project carried out in May 2001 and at the request of the Royal Government of Cambodia, to extend for another year its assistance in curbing small arms and light weapons in Cambodia. Similar council decisions to extend the programme mandate for a further year were taken in November 2002[5]and November 2003[6].

Related Council Decisions [1] Small Arms and Light Weapons - The response of the European [2] First Joint Action December 1998 [3] Council decision 1999 [4] Council decision 2001 [5] Council decision 2002 [6] Council Decision 2003