Brussels, 09/01/2003 (Agence Europe) - The fourth annual report assessing implementation of the EU code of conduct on arms exports was published in the Official Journal C319/1 of 19 December 2002. The report (based on information supplied by Member States) considers that the EU code of conduct remains the most complete and transparent international system in the matter (an opinion shared by the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee on the basis of the report by British Socialist Gary Titley), even though improvements are expected. Here are the main conclusions:
Harmonisation of national reports: Member States have made considerable efforts to draw up national reports in a uniform manner so as to ensure more transparency and means of comparisons. The report does, however, stress that uniform criteria applicable to all Member States need to be established.
Controlling exports of non-military and police equipment: the report calls for the definitive adoption of a system of control in the matter and states that the European Commission is preparing a draft regulation.
Arms brokering: the report welcomes the fact that, in their national legislation, some Member States have already introduced controls over arms brokering but considers that there should be a common position in the matter (the Spanish presidency made a proposal that is still being examined);
End-use certificate: Member States have defined a core of elements (co-ordinates of the exporter and end-user, final country of destination, description and quantity of the goods being exported) that should appear on the end-user certificate relating to the export of military equipment. The report calls for further work to be undertaken aimed at standardising this information.
Production of military goods under licence: Member States have agreed to examine the risks of misappropriation or abusive use when an export licence is requested. The report also encourages work to continue to promote the principles of the EU code of conduct among non-member countries and international organisations and to encourage the candidate countries to actively participate in its implementation.