Project 089: EU P2P Export Control Programme for Dual-use Goods

Context

Dual-use items are highly sensitive strategic goods, software or technologies used for either civilian or military applications. They are mostly designed and traded for civilian uses and are the driving force behind economic growth, innovation, industrial and societal development. Because of their potentially harmful uses, e.g. for weapons of mass destruction, terrorism or human rights abuses, governments are required to manage their trade by setting up strategic trade control systems. Export controls are a major contribution to international peace and security and also create traceability, trust and business opportunities in trade and transfer of goods, knowledge and technology, as well as in financing and foreign direct investment.

The EU P2P Export Control Programme for Dual-use Goods cooperates with strategic partners to jointly enhance the effectiveness of dual-use trade control systems worldwide by sharing experiences and best practices and supporting compliance with international obligations.

Overall objective

This project aims to contribute to the creation, consolidation and/or updating of effective strategic trade control (STC) systems for dual-use goods by offering a long-term perspective for cooperation and mutual economic benefits of export controls harmonisation. It builds on previous engagements in the region and it promotes cooperation particularly with the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as well as Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon.

Specific objectives

• To contribute to the implementation of effective dual-use trade control systems, in particular regarding the drafting, amending or updating of related legislation, including the adoption of national control lists.
• To contribute to the set-up, implementation and operation of effective licensing systems, and to the adoption, review and enhancement of customs, investigation and prosecution procedures.
• To identify of and outreach to domestic and regional stakeholders and to the wider community.
• To contribute to the increase of stakeholders’ awareness of dual-use trade controls and to community-building/networking activities.
• To regularlyexchange with other support programmes and international organisations (export control regimes, 1540 committee), e.g. through coordination groups and international conferences.

Concrete activities

• Awareness-raising events, including working meetings and dialogue events with policy makers.
• Capacity-building activities for responsible stakeholders, including seminars, workshops, study visits.
• Regional, trans-regional events and international conferences.
• Train-the-trainer workshops.

Expected results

• Raising awareness of partner countries´ key stakeholders on an effective dual-use trade control system and support in setting up, amending or updating of a national legislation, including a national control list, is provided.
• Capacity-building and support in setting up, implementing and applying an effective dual-use trade control is provided, including related customs, investigation and prosecution procedures.
• Support in identification of and establishment of communication structures among the key stakeholders in dual-use trade controls is provided.
• Establishment of a regular coordination mechanism and cooperation with other providers of technical assistance in the area of dual-use trade controls.

Achievements

• Adoption of national dual-use control lists in some partner countries, which are aligned to the EU dual-use control list as of Annex I of Regulation (EC) 821/2021.
• Adoption and implementation of amended legislation and procedures on dual-use trade controls, based on recommendations provided by the project.
• Outreach-to-industry, including mapping of industry provided.
• Inter-agency communication and information exchange capacities established in some countries.
• Peer-to-peer events organised and supported.
• Extension of the number of partners and the regional coverage of the project.