Sale of warships to Saudi Arabia

27.1.2016

Question for written answer E-000616-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Tania González Peñas (GUE/NGL)

According to press reports, the Spanish public company Navantia will shortly sign a contract with Saudi Arabia for the construction of five Avante 2200 type frigates for the Saudi Navy.

Leading human rights NGOs have reported that these ships could be used in the blockade Saudi Arabia has been imposing on Yemen since March 2015, as part of a campaign which has seen serious human rights violations, including war crimes, being committed.

The sale of these ships by this Spanish public company could constitute a violation of international law, including the Arms Trade Treaty, Spanish Law 53/2007 on the Control of external trade in defence and dual-use material and the EU common position on the rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment, as well as the principles governing conventional arms transfers adopted by the OSCE.

How does the Commission monitor these kinds of sales?

Can it require that they conform to international treaties, including EU rules?