Securing trade, technological progress and global development: why international trade needs smart controls, not fewer

From chemicals and drones to software and semiconductors, dual-use items are part of everyday life—but they can also pose serious security risks. When misused, these goods can contribute to the development of weapons, fuel conflicts, or enable terrorism. To address these challenges while supporting legitimate trade, the European Union brought together 46 participants from 41 countries in July 2025 for the 11th EU P2P Summer University on Export Control for Dual-Use Goods, hosted in Copenhagen under the Danish EU Council Presidency.  

The goal: to strengthen a global network of professionals capable of preventing the proliferation of dual-use items without hindering peaceful trade. 

What Are ‘Dual-Use’ Goods? 

Dual-use goods are products and technologies that have legitimate civilian applications but can also be misused for military or other non-peaceful purposes. In this sense, their international trade is considered ‘strategic’. Think of drones used for agriculture that can also carry payloads, or chemicals used in medicine that can be weaponized. 

Managing how these goods are transferred in the international markets is not about red tape: it is about safeguarding global peace and stability. That is why the EU, through the EU P2P Partner-to-Partner Export Control Programme for Dual-Use Goods, works closely with partner countries around the world to build stronger, smarter, and more transparent strategic trade management systems. 

Global Outreach, Local Impact 

The five-day Summer University, co-organised by the European Commission, the EU P2P implementing team and the University of Liège, gathered participants from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Many are state officials directly responsible for reviewing trade licenses, advising ministries, or working with customs and security agencies. 

At the opening, Stefan Klement, the EU Special Envoy for Non-proliferation and Disarmament emphasized their key role: 

“Strategic export controls are crucial for advancing global non-proliferation, managing crises, and shaping strong partnerships. The responsibility lies with specialised officials like you.” 

The participants engaged in hands-on learning through lectures, group work, assignments, and case studies. These covered: 

• Strategic Trade Control (STC) Principles
• Implementation and Enforcement
• Compliance and Private Sector Involvement
• Global Perspectives on Export Controls 

Participants who successfully completed the programme were awarded a 10 ECTS higher education diploma from the University of Liège. 

Trade Management ≠ Trade Restriction 

A key takeaway of the event was that effective dual-use trade management does not hinder trade, but it protects it. It also builds trust between trading nations leading to enhanced access to markets and boosting security-driven cooperation. 

Why is the EU working with third countries? 

Because global threats require global solutions. The EU's approach is not about imposing rules or its own model on dual-use items’ trade management; It is about partnership, shared learning, and long-term cooperation. Be it preventing a dual-use shipment from being diverted to sensitive applications or ensuring laws keep-up with fast-moving technologies, no country can manage it alone. 

One Goal: Peaceful Development 

At its core, the Summer University in Copenhagen is more than just a training. It offers a unique opportunity to contemplate how supporting economic growth and global innovation goes hand in hand with promoting international security and peace.  

As graduates return to their home countries all over the world, they hopefully carry with them not only academic knowledge and technical skills but also a shared commitment:  to make trade safer, smarter, and more responsible towards a future we all share.