Green Paper – The dual-use export control system of the European Union: ensuring security and competitiveness in a changing world

Controlling the export of dual-use items, that is items which can be used for both civil and military purposes, is at the forefront of international non-proliferation efforts.

Guided by security objectives, dual-use export controls are implemented through trade measures taking the form of authorisation requirements for the export of dual-use items to third countries.

The high-tech nature of such goods and technologies, and the considerable volume of trade in them, means that the dual-use sector is a crucial element of the EU's drive towards innovation and competitiveness.

Consequently, when controlling exports, particular attention needs to be paid to striking the right balance between the pursued security objective and the need to support business activities.

This close link between security and trade is at the heart of dual-use export controls. It is also what creates particular challenges for implementation within the European Union.

• Primary Source

EUR-Lex: COM(2011)393: Follow the progress of this document through the decision-making procedure http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/HIS/?uri=COM:2011:393:FIN

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