Mixing tools against proliferation: The EU’s strategy for dealing with weapons of mass destruction

Abstract:

Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction constitutes a renewed risk for International Peace and Security. The conventional international mechanisms that control WMD rely on the State, but their efficiency faces specific challenges nowadays. Within this context, the EU has tried to enhance its role as a non-proliferation actor, specifically with the adoption of the EU Strategy against proliferation of WMD in December 2003. This Strategy reflects the political will of EU Member States to fight against proliferation in a specific ‘European way’. This ‘European way’ is related to the nature and structure of EU, and has classical European trademarks: rule of law, multilateralism, economic and political pressure on third States, focus on the political causes of international problems, and international cooperation. To assess the EU approach, the article examines the scope, objectives and principles of the EU strategy as well as her instruments with regards to WMD. Overall, the analysis shows that the EU strategy, even if not sufficient, is effective against proliferation of WMD and, at the same time, is compatible with the main requirements of international law.