Project 103: EU P2P Export Control Programme for Dual-use Goods Global

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. 

Specific objectives

• To assist partners in developing sound legal frameworks at national and, if applicable, regional level.
• To assist partners in developing institutional capacities for the implementation of effective export controls.
• To strengthen communities of practice among export control officials, scientists, academia, industry and other stakeholders.
• To increase coordination and dialogue with other implementing entities from the EU, international export control regimes, and international organisations. 

Concrete activities

• Strategic visits and updates of EU P2P partnership roadmaps
• Awareness-raising and specialised training seminars targeting stakeholders
• Train-the-trainers on licensing and enforcement topics
• Practical exercises and case studies
• E-learning opportunities
• Legal assistance in drafting or updating national legislation
• Regional cooperation and best practices’ exchange events
• Industry/academic outreach and/or assistance in dual-use industry mapping
• High-level dialogues on specific issues 

Expected results

• Awareness of EU P2P counterparts and key stakeholders globally with regards to the implementation and challenges of effective dual-use trade control systems and support in drafting or amending national legal frameworks, including the adoption of national control list(s), is raised.
• Capacity-building assistance and support to set up, implement, review and operationalise effective licensing systems, customs, investigation and prosecution procedures that are fit for the control of trade in dual-use items are implemented.
• Identification of and liaison with key stakeholders, including awareness-raising and outreach as well as community-building/networking activities among key stakeholders.
• Coordination and cooperation with EU implementers, other assistance providers and relevant international organisations (e.g. export control regimes, 1540 Committee, etc.) through regular contacts and exchanges (e.g. coordination groups, international conferences) is enhanced.
• Communities of practice among export control officials, scientists, academia, industry and other stakeholders including regional organisations are strengthened. 

Achievements

• EU P2P long-term partnerships have been established with new countries invited for this phase of the programme (2024-2026).
• Morocco has finalised the elaboration of its national legal framework and implements it.
• Thailand has identified the national trading operators of dual-use items.
• Moldova has updated its national dual-use items’ trade control legislation.
• Dual-use items’ strategic trade control frameworks are being elaborated in all ASEAN member states.
• The EU P2P and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) work jointly for accompanying partner countries in the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2024).
• The EU P2P has initiated or taken part to initiatives aimed at coordinating the actions of the European (incl. EU CBRN CoE) and international support programmes in dual-use goods, in all geographical areas of the project’s implementation.
• The EU P2P organises annually the EU P2P Summer University.