EU-Projects "Assistance in export control of Dual-Use goods"

Since 2005 the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) has been mandated by the European Commission to implement assistance and cooperation projects in export control of Dual-Use goods with third countries. Three of the projects were successfully finished. The fourth is under way.

The political background is the strategy of the EU against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD-Strategy), respectively the Instrument for Stability (IfS).

The technical expertise offered to third countries has been provided by experienced professionals from EU Member States. This shows the European flag of the programmes. Today a number of almost 100 experts from more than 20 Member States is involved in the programme, representing authorities (licensing, customs), industry and scientific institutions, as well as the judicial sector.

All major five pillars of effective export controls are covered: legal, licensing, customs, awareness / enforcement and judicial / sanctions.

On our webpage you will find information about the partner countries under cooperation, about planned or implemented activities and additional publications on the project as such.

As the experts from the EU Member States are the backbone of the project, we dedicated a particular section to them.

Not all parts of the webpage are completed yet, they will be continously expanded. The project management team welcomes your feedback and suggestions for a further improvement of the webpage.

The content of this website is the sole responsibility of BAFA and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.

More about the projects:

EU - Assistance in export control of dual-use goods, a means to a secure Europe in a better world

In the current climate of increasing international peace and security threat, the need for a centralised and effective counter is evermore pronounced. The fundamental nature of the dedication of the EU to security and the greater good is represented by its firm and ultimately effective fight against proliferation, the clarity of which becomes visible through the projects EU - Assistance in export control.

Risks and challenges

All projects providing technical assistance to administrations in third countries need stable political situations and structures to ensure success. The most important aspect in this context is that export controls fall entirely in the ambit of states’ sovereignty. Final implementation of proposals – be it in the legal or administrative field –- need to be introduced through a formal act by recipient governments. Political will and the willingness to accept and implement proposed changes is crucial for the success of project work.

A multitude of circumstances can hamper effective management and implementation of export controls. Frequent government restructuring, lack of clear delineation of duties and responsibilities between federal agencies, corruption and economic hardship in the industrial complex can be but some elements that substantially influence the implementation of technical assistance work.

Persisting risks of illegal exports of dual use material and technology can also stem from the reorganisation of the industrial complex and from related economic difficulties for companies. The role and perception of industry is a central factor for the implementation of controls and for technical assistance measures. When industry representatives remain unconvinced of the benefits of an efficient export control system or are deterred by heavy procedures, delays and bureaucratic hurdles project measures need to include all stakeholders into assistance measures.

Where state authorities lack or loose access to and control over territories the entire concept of technical assistance is questioned. The role of political support and the nexus between political outreach and technical assistance can not be overstated. It has to be seen that both fields require different tools and do aim at different objectives.  It has to be seen that once an effective administrative structure is in place the danger remains that decisions made by this administration may turn out to be politically contentious. At the same time it is of utmost importance to underline that both realms are mutually reinforcing. Political developments may require underpinning on the factual / technical level and structural change on the technical side requires positive political momentum.

It has to be seen that in some recipient countries even small, short-term action can be very efficient whereas long-term progress might require entirely different preparation and tools. The actors in the project – on the receiving end as well as for the implementing agent  – are officials. Neither consulting nor seminars can be carried out by private entities, for reasons of technical knowledge, confidentiality of the issues at stake, topicality of subject-matters and networks.

Relationship with other organisation involved in implementing the action:

EU Member States play a central role in implementing project activities. Input from EU Member States is the backbone of implementation. EU experts from almost all Member States are closely involved in the project.

UN-bodies (e.g.: UNDP ) Seminars have been carried out in co-operation with the relevant UN-bodies in order to streamline common efforts in the region.

UNSC Resolution 1540-Committee and international regimes are important for a co-ordination of assistance measures and for discussions with other donors. All current and future activities under this and the following programs are drafted in a way to avoid unnecessary overlapping and to ensure complementarity with UN actions in this field.

EXBS: In order to avoid unnecessary duplications of efforts project staff closely co-operates with EXBS in various regions where appropriate.

Lessons learnt

As a starting point it is important to recall that in providing technical assistance the donors aim at supporting changes that lie within the competencies of partner countries. The over-all targets therefore are not technocratic solutions but the design of change-management processes in co-operation with partners. These processes require that there is clarity on both sides not only on the aims but particularly on the underlying values and interests. These have an important impact on the structures to be implemented or changed and thus eventually on the content. This can only be achieved through joint ownership. Joint ownership also implies that there is willingness and ability to understand and incorporate inter-cultural aspects. Successful communication and understanding not only of technicalities but of underlying values requires genuine examination of differing meanings. This goes beyond mere translation issues. And finally, projects need to be structured in a co-operative manner, perceiving recipients as peers.

Outlook

Our goals are as clear as they are justified, we want to enhance the effectiveness of export control systems of dual use items worldwide, with a view to contribute to the fight against the proliferation of WMD and related materials, equipment and technologies without hindering the requirements of free trade. Past undertakings have helped approximating institutional co-operation. The project is bringing about a systematic bettering of international security and increased efficiency comes with our joint experiences. Our capabilities are evolving, bringing policy on an individual level, combined with more highly flexible competences to adapt to the specific  circumstances.

EU - Assistance projects complement the general external policy of the EU and promote a key element in security policy, namely efficient export control systems. In order to achieve sustainable results it is necessary to continue and further expand the efforts undertaken so far.

It is our strong belief that co-operation with third countries can serve both the legitimate security interests of EU Member States and third countries and at the same time help build up new networks giving room for exchanges with other stakeholders from within the EU and beyond. All parties involved will and can benefit from insights gained and contacts established in the various forms of EU – Assistance co-operation.