Columbia International Affairs Online
CIAO DATE: 8/5/2007
Analysis of Arms Export and Transfer National Legislation in the Western Balkans
2006 August
South Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons
Abstract
The European Union (EU) has long been a provider of diplomatic and technical support for the enhancement of international controls governing arms transfers. In June 1998, the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports (EU Code) was developed and agreed among member states. The EU Code includes a list of eight criteria designed to guide decisions on whether to grant or refuse export licence applications, as well as a number of operative provisions designed to aid its implementation, including, for example, a system for circulating reports among member states concerning both licences granted and applications denied. Subsequently, the EU has developed a number of other instruments and strategies.
