By launching the Instrument for Stability – taking into account the above mentioned strategies – the EU created a strategic tool to enable the Union to take action and address global security and development challenges. Hereupon based and in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (UNSCR 1540, 2004), the EU mandated the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) to implement projects addressing the issue of export control of dual-use goods. The programme complements the general external policy of the EU and promotes a key element in security policy, namely efficient export control systems.

Since January 2011, BAFA is implementing the Long Term Programme 2011. The main objectives of the EU outreach programme are:

• to reduce the risk of proliferation by strengthening international cooperation on export control and raise awareness and willingness among governments, industry and research community;
• to develop together with the partner countries tailor-made and needs-driven activity plans to enhance the national legal and regulatory framework in the field of export control
• to establish long-term cooperation to support the enhancement of sustainable national export control capacities worldwide, taking into account the careful balance between security and economic interests;
• to promote a regional approach of EU outreach activities and strengthen regional capacities and cooperation by interaction with other EU programmes.