The Council has adopted a new decision on arms-related export controls, emphasizing the importance of responsible arms trade policies, cooperation and convergence among Member States, and the prevention of diversion to unauthorized users. On 14 April, the Council concluded its review of the EU framework for arms export control by adopting a decision (15 April 2025)[1] amending the Councilâs Common Position 2008/944/CFSP, defining common rules governing the control of exports of military technology and equipment,…
On 7 April 2025, the Dutch government announced changes to certain general licenses for transfers of dual-use and military items, as follows: These changes will be effective from 8 April 2025. Therefore, operators can no longer rely on these general licenses for transfers that are no longer covered by the respective general licenses because of the above changes. Instead, operators will need to confirm whether another general license is available (requiring a one-off prior registration…
On 19 March 2025, the European Commission (âECâ), in collaboration with the EUâs High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, published the Joint White Paper on the Future of European Defence (the âWhite Paperâ), available here. As outlined in the White Paper, the EU is embarking on an ambitious journey: bolstering its defence capabilities through the “REARM Europe” initiative (as announced by the President of the European Commission here. The REARM Europe initiative is…
On 18 October 2024, the Dutch government announced supplemental controls for exports of certain emerging technology items from the Netherlands. These controls will enter into force on 1 December 2024 and will be implemented through the Dutch Regulations Supplemental Controls to the Dual-Use Regulation (Regeling aanvullende controlemaatregelen op de Verordening producten voor tweeĂ«rlei gebruik, the “Dutch Regulations”). The official text of the Dutch Regulations is available here. Scope of Unilaterally Controlled Items The Dutch Regulations…