Implementation of EU Common Position on arms exports

30.6.2017

Question for written answer E-004389-17
to the Council
Rule 130
Neena Gill (S&D)

Implementation of the EU arms export control system is vital for ensuring that such exports do not contribute to human rights violations in third countries. As the responsibility for implementation lies with Member States, there are significant differences in controls across the EU, leaving the door open for exports of weapons and technologies to countries where they risk contributing to human rights violations.

1. Does the Council agree that enhancing compliance with the EU Common Position on arms exports is vital in order to ensure that the EU does not facilitate human rights violations through its exports?

2. Will the Council consider adopting the recommendations made by experts to this effect, including: launching a peer review process to compare the different implementation systems; sharing information on cases of diversion, companies involved in criminal activities, and suspended and revoked licences; and adopting quarterly exchanges on licences issued and end use/end users for destinations that were subject to an EU arms embargo?

3. Would the Council consider strengthening the language of the Common Position with respect to the human rights evaluation to be made when assessing a licence, by clarifying whether the exporter should look at the general situation of a country or whether a particular weapon could be used to violate certain human rights?