European Arms Exports: Under Control?

Abstract

This panel will provide a platform for a multi-level analysis of the current state of play with regards to arms export controls within the European Union (EU). The panel will critically assess efforts to coordinate and achieve convergence in the arms export control policies of EU member states. The overarching hypothesis is that after a period during which one could observe greater coordination and convergence in European arms export policies – then commonly spoken of as Europeanisation of arms export control – we are now witnessing a period characterised by greater divergence and a reassertion of national interests with regards to the economic and foreign policy benefits that can be accrued from arms exports. This has important consequences for what is exported to whom, and on the willingness of member states to implement restraining, common European arms export rules. Attention will be given to the willingness of EU member states to domestically implement common export control norms. Domestic implementation is believed to be crucial for compliance, but the implementation record is so far varying at best. Furthermore, emphasis will be placed upon the tension between increased state support for arms export promotion within member states and the calls for ‘ethical’ arms export policies, in particular following the Arab Spring. Attention will be given to the use of arms supplied by EU member states in human rights abuses, conflict and crime around the globe. Case studies of Germany, the UK and Sweden will show how all this takes place under low levels of public insight and parliamentary scrutiny. Last, case studies of France, Sweden and the UK will show how several of the largest arms exporters in the EU provide support to ‘national’ arms industries despite the internationalised nature of European arms production.