EU Common Position

In December 2008, the EU adopted Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP defining common rules governing the control of exports of military technology and equipment (EU Common Position). The EU Common Position replaced and expanded the 1998 EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports (EU Code of Conduct). The EU Code of Conduct and EU Common Position were aimed at harmonizing EU member states arms export policies in line with agreed minimum standards. They contain common criteria which member states agree to apply when issuing arms export licences as well as mechanisms of information exchange and consultation. 

SIPRI Arms Transfers Programme researchers conduct projects examining the implementation and impact of the EU Code of Conduct and Common Position and publish their findings. 

For more information on the EU Annual Report on arms exports, click here.