European arms export control in a changing European defence landscape – COARM-NGO Forum
On Thursday 16 June 2022, Saferworld, alongside the European External Action Service, co-hosted the COARM-NGO Forum entitled ‘European arms export control in a changing European defence landscape’. The COARM-NGO Forum is an annual conference convened by Saferworld that brings together representatives from civil society and European Union (EU) member states to discuss pertinent issues related to the export of conventional arms. It is mainly attended by members of the Conventional Arms Exports subgroup of the EU Working Party on Non-proliferation and Arms Exports (COARM), a forum where member states communicate and share information on their arms export policies and practices, and civil society representatives from organisations based across Europe. Representatives from other EU bodies working on related areas such as the European Peace Facility as well as others working on arms export licensing at the national and EU level also attend the conference.
This year’s COARM-NGO Forum took place at a time of potentially significant change for the EU’s defence landscape and addressed several major challenges related to arms export controls. In particular, the war in Ukraine has presented new challenges for European and global peace and security, triggering reflection by governments and civil society on when and when not to supply arms into conflict. Notably, it has also led to an increase in defence and security spending and has highlighted the potential role and impact of EU-level initiatives, such as the establishment of the European Peace Facility (EPF), on arms export policy and practice. At the same time, the member states have begun their third review of the Common Position, with a view to completion by the end of 2024, which for some may be seen as an opportunity to increase the level of export control harmonisation across the EU. This report provides an overview of the key points raised in discussions on these matters, among others, at the COARM-NGO Forum.
