Project 105: EU P2P Export Control Programme for Dual-use Goods Central Asia

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 a wide number of stakeholders.
• Train-the-trainers on licensing and enforcement topics.
• Practical exercises and case studies.
• Legal assistance in drafting or updating national legislation.
• Regional cooperation and best practices’ exchange events.
• Industry outreach and/or assistance in dual-use industry mapping.
• High-level dialogues on specific issues. 

Expected results

• Awareness-raising of counterparts and key stakeholders in partner countries concerning the implementation of effective dual-use trade control systems.
• Support in drafting, amending or updating the national legislation, including the adoption of national control list(s).
• Capacity-building and support to set up and/or to implement an effective licensing system, as well as for adopting, reviewing and improving customs, investigations and prosecution procedures related to dual-use items.
• Identification of and liaison with key stakeholders, including awareness-raising and outreach as well as community-building/networking activities.
• 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). 

Achievements

• Peer-to-peer and cross-project activities, including cross-regional events are organised and supported.
• Supporting committed partner countries in the adoption and implementation of dual-use control list, aligned to Annex I of Regulation (EC) 821/2021, as amended.
• Translation of Annex I of Regulation (EC) 821/2021 into Russian is arranged for the Russian-speaking partner countries.
• Support provided to some partner countries in applying the e-Licensing software of the EU in the national licensing system.