European Union Conventional Arms Export Controls

During the 1990s the European Union developed an export control system that includes a common legal basis for dual-use export control and strengthened cooperation in conventional arms export control.

The European Union has exercised a progressively larger influence over the conventional arms export systems of its Member States. This expanding influence reflects the growing use of the EU as a forum in which the Member States can harmonize views on legislation, develop common standards and exchange information that helps them to implement their collective decisions.

The decision to further enlarge the membership of the European Union will extend these agreed standards to additional countries, who are also gaining access to the common mechanisms for consultation and information sharing.