Joint Action - Control of technical assistance related to military end-uses

European Union Dual-Use Export Control System

Council Regulation (EC) 1334/2000 provides legal authority to control exports of dual-use items, including software and technology, out of the EU. However, Regulation 1334/2000 does not provide a legal basis to control oral transfers of technology, for example during a face-to-face meeting or a visit to a facility.

The Member States of the EU have made a political commitment to control oral transfers of technology in decisions taken by international export control regimes. There is also a need to control such transfer to ensure the effective implementation of multilateral arms control treaties as well as arms embargoes decided either in the United Nations Security Council or by the European Union acting autonomously.

The EU has defined common standards for the control of this type of intangible technology transfer in a Joint Action that is implemented by Member States through national legislation.

Council Joint Action of 22 June 2000 concerning the control of technical assistance related to certain military end-uses (2000/401/CFSP)

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