BETA
This is a historical view (2014/02/06)

Changes: 2023/08/03docs, events.date, links.National_parliaments.url, 2021/12/18docs.docs.url, procedure.Other_legal_basis, events, events.type, events.docs.url, procedure.Modified_legal_basis, committees.shadows, 2020/01/19committees, events, events.docs.url, procedure.Modified_legal_basis, 2019/07/06events, procedure.final.url, procedure.dossier_of_the_committee, activities, other, procedure.subject, commission, committees, procedure.Modified_legal_basis, docs, council, 2015/11/04activities.docs.celexid, 2015/11/04activities.docs.celexid, procedure.subject, links.European_Commission.title, 2014/11/09activities.committees.shadows, committees.committee, activities.text, committees.responsible, procedure.subject, activities.committees.committee_full, committees.rapporteur.group, committees.rapporteur.mepref, procedure.final, activities.committees.rapporteur.name, procedure.Modified_legal_basis, committees.shadows, activities.body, activities.committees.rapporteur.mepref, activities.commission, activities.committees, committees.committee_full, committees.date, activities.committees.committee, activities.committees.responsible, activities.docs, activities.committees.rapporteur.group, activities.type, activities.committees.date, committees.rapporteur.name, activities.date, 2014/04/10procedure.stage_reached, activities, 2014/04/06activities.type, activities.docs, 2014/04/05activities.docs.url, 2014/03/26activities.docs.url

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Procedure completed, awaiting publication in Official Journal



Activites

  • #3298
  • 2014/03/03 Council Meeting
  • 2014/03/03 End of procedure in Parliament
  • 2014/03/03 Act adopted by Council after consultation of Parliament
  • 2014/02/05 Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
    • T7-0080/2014 summary
  • 2014/02/04 Debate in Parliament
  • 2014/01/23 Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading
    • A7-0041/2014 summary
  • 2014/01/21 Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
  • 2013/09/09 Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
  • 2013/07/17 Legislative proposal published
    • 12178/2013 summary
    • DG {'url': 'http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/', 'title': 'Enterprise and Industry'}, TAJANI Antonio
  • 2013/06/28 Initial legislative proposal published
    • COM(2013)0482 summary
    • DG {'url': 'http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/', 'title': 'Enterprise and Industry'}, TAJANI Antonio

Documents

History

(these mark the time of scraping, not the official date of the change)

activities/1/docs/0/url
Old
http://register.consilium.europa.eu/servlet/driver?page=Result&lang=EN&typ=Advanced&cmsid=639&ff_COTE_DOCUMENT=12178%2F13&fc=REGAISEN&srm=25&md=100
New
http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=Advanced&cmsid=639&ff_COTE_DOCUMENT=12178%2F13&fc=REGAISEN&srm=25&md=100
activities/7
date
2014-03-03T00:00:00
body
CSL
type
Council Meeting
council
Justice and Home Affairs (JHA)
meeting_id
3298
activities/8
date
2014-03-03T00:00:00
body
EP
type
End of procedure in Parliament
activities/9
date
2014-03-03T00:00:00
body
EP/CSL
type
Act adopted by Council after consultation of Parliament
procedure/stage_reached
Old
Awaiting final decision
New
Procedure completed, awaiting publication in Official Journal
activities/6/docs/0/text
  • The European Parliament adopted a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision authorising Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Union, the Arms Trade Treaty.

    Parliament gave its consent to the draft Council decision.

    A resolution on the ratification of the Treaty was adopted on the same day and outlined the European Parliament’s position in this area.

activities/0/docs/0/celexid
CELEX:52013PC0482:EN
activities/0/docs/0/celexid
CELEX:52013PC0482:EN
activities/6/docs/0/url
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P7-TA-2014-0080
procedure/Modified legal basis
Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 138
activities/5/docs
  • url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20140204&type=CRE type: Debate in Parliament title: Debate in Parliament
activities/6/docs
  • type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading title: T7-0080/2014
activities/6/type
Old
Vote in plenary scheduled
New
Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
procedure/stage_reached
Old
Awaiting Parliament 1st reading / single reading / budget 1st stage
New
Awaiting final decision
activities/5/type
Old
Debate in plenary scheduled
New
Debate in Parliament
activities/4/docs/0/text
  • The <Commission>{INTA}Committee on International Trade unanimously adopted the report by </Commission>David MARTIN (S&D, UK) on the draft Council decision authorising Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Union, the Arms Trade Treaty.

    Whilst regretting the loopholes and limited scope of the Treaty, Members considered that a quick ratification by all EU Member States would send a message to third countries that have not yet ratified such as the United States.

    The committee recommended the European Parliament to give its consent to the approval of the draft Council Decision with respect to the matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union.

activities/5/date
Old
2014-02-05T00:00:00
New
2014-02-04T00:00:00
activities/6/date
Old
2014-02-06T00:00:00
New
2014-02-05T00:00:00
activities/4
date
2014-01-23T00:00:00
docs
url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A7-2014-0041&language=EN type: Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading title: A7-0041/2014
body
EP
committees
type
Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading
procedure/stage_reached
Old
Awaiting committee decision
New
Awaiting Parliament 1st reading / single reading / budget 1st stage
activities/3/committees
  • body: EP responsible: False committee: AFET date: 2013-11-14T00:00:00 committee_full: Foreign Affairs rapporteur: group: EPP name: LISEK Krzysztof
  • body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Internal Market and Consumer Protection committee: IMCO
  • body: EP shadows: group: EPP name: QUISTHOUDT-ROWOHL Godelieve group: ALDE name: RINALDI Niccolò group: Verts/ALE name: KELLER Franziska group: ECR name: CAMPBELL BANNERMAN David group: GUE/NGL name: SCHOLZ Helmut responsible: True committee: INTA date: 2013-07-10T00:00:00 committee_full: International Trade rapporteur: group: S&D name: MARTIN David
  • body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs committee: LIBE
activities/3/type
Old
Vote scheduled in committee, 1st reading/single reading
New
Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
procedure/Modified legal basis
Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 138
activities/0
date
2013-06-28T00:00:00
docs
url: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!DocNumber&lg=EN&type_doc=COMfinal&an_doc=2013&nu_doc=482 celexid: CELEX:52013PC0482:EN type: Initial legislative proposal published title: COM(2013)0482
body
EC
commission
DG: url: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/ title: Enterprise and Industry Commissioner: TAJANI Antonio
type
Initial legislative proposal
activities/0/body
Old
EP
New
EC
activities/0/commission
  • DG: url: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/ title: Enterprise and Industry Commissioner: TAJANI Antonio
activities/0/date
Old
2013-12-04T00:00:00
New
2013-06-28T00:00:00
activities/0/docs/0/celexid
CELEX:52013PC0482:EN
activities/0/docs/0/text
  • PURPOSE: to authorise Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Union, the Arms Trade Treaty.

    PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

    ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

    BACKGROUND: UN Resolution 61/89, adopted in 2006, initiated the process for developing a Treaty to regulate the international trade in conventional weapons, the so-called Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The objective was to achieve a legally binding Treaty making the legal trade in conventional arms more responsible, by setting high common international standards on imports, exports and transfers.

    Intensive preparatory work was carried out, followed by a First United Nations Conference on the ATT held in New York from 2 to 27 July 2012 which delivered a first draft Treaty adopted by qualified majority on 2 April 2013 and which is open for signature.

    Due to reasons of competence, the European Union cannot sign and ratify the Treaty, as only States can be parties thereto. Therefore, in accordance with Article 2(1) TFEU, with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union, the Council should also authorise Member States to ratify the Treaty in the interests of the Union.

    It is vital to fill the gap of the unregulated trade of conventional arms at an international level and to assist the development of peace-building and humanitarian efforts. The ATT's objectives are shared by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission as this Treaty has the potential to reinforce international peace and security at global level.

    IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

    LEGAL BASIS: Article 114 and 207(3) in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a)(v) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

    CONTENT: under this proposed Decision, the Council authorises the Member States to ratify the current Arms Trade Treaty with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union.

    Details and Scope of the ATT: the ATT creates standards for transfers of conventional weapons and requires State Parties to review all arms exports to ensure conventional arms and munitions will not be used inter alia in Human Rights abuses, terrorism and violations of humanitarian law.

    The ATT provides for the assessment of arms transfers and measures to prevent the diversion of conventional arms from the importing and exporting States. In addition, it enhances transparency in arms trading by requiring record keeping and reporting to the Secretariat and other State Parties.

    The provisions of the ATT cover conventional arms of the following categories:

    • battle tanks,
    • armoured combat vehicles,
    • large-calibre artillery systems,
    • combat aircraft,
    • attack helicopters,
    • warships,
    • missiles and missile launchers and
    • small arms and light weapons.

    The Treaty also covers the related ammunition/ munitions and parts and components.

    Competences: in accordance with the rules on external competence as laid down in Article 3 of the TFEU, the ATT includes matters that fall under exclusive competence of the Union.

    The ATT provides, inter alia, for measures (such as import and export controls), which fall within the scope of the Union's Common Commercial Policy. In this domain, ATT addresses areas of Union law where the degree of regulation has already reached an advanced stage.

    Moreover, the following EU-secondary legislation related to the internal market is also of relevance:

    • Directive 2009/43/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council simplifying terms and conditions of transfers of defence-related products within the Community;
    • Council Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons;
    • Regulation (EU) No 258/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council implementing Article 10 of the United Nations' Protocol against the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, their parts and components and ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UN Firearms Protocol).

    As the ATT includes matters of exclusive EU competence, Member States are not in a position to decide autonomously on the signature and ratification of the Treaty. They can only do it, in the interest of the Union, after authorisation by the Council upon a proposal by the Commission.

    BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the EU budget.

activities/0/docs/0/title
Old
PE524.685
New
COM(2013)0482
activities/0/docs/0/type
Old
Committee draft report
New
Initial legislative proposal published
activities/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE524.685
New
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!DocNumber&lg=EN&type_doc=COMfinal&an_doc=2013&nu_doc=482
activities/0/type
Old
Committee draft report
New
Initial legislative proposal published
activities/1
date
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docs
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Indicative plenary sitting date, 1st reading/single reading
New
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activities/3/committees/2/shadows/0
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activities/3/committees/2/shadows/2
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Verts/ALE
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KELLER Franziska
activities/3/committees/2/shadows/3
group
ECR
name
CAMPBELL BANNERMAN David
activities/3/committees/2/shadows/4
group
GUE/NGL
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QUISTHOUDT-ROWOHL Godelieve
committees/2/shadows/2
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KELLER Franziska
committees/2/shadows/3
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ECR
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CAMPBELL BANNERMAN David
committees/2/shadows/4
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GUE/NGL
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committees/0/date
2013-11-14T00:00:00
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  • group: EPP name: LISEK Krzysztof
activities/0/docs/0/text
  • PURPOSE: to authorise Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Union, the Arms Trade Treaty.

    PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

    ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

    BACKGROUND: UN Resolution 61/89, adopted in 2006, initiated the process for developing a Treaty to regulate the international trade in conventional weapons, the so-called Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The objective was to achieve a legally binding Treaty making the legal trade in conventional arms more responsible, by setting high common international standards on imports, exports and transfers.

    Intensive preparatory work was carried out, followed by a First United Nations Conference on the ATT held in New York from 2 to 27 July 2012 which delivered a first draft Treaty adopted by qualified majority on 2 April 2013 and which is open for signature.

    Due to reasons of competence, the European Union cannot sign and ratify the Treaty, as only States can be parties thereto. Therefore, in accordance with Article 2(1) TFEU, with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union, the Council should also authorise Member States to ratify the Treaty in the interests of the Union.

    It is vital to fill the gap of the unregulated trade of conventional arms at an international level and to assist the development of peace-building and humanitarian efforts. The ATT's objectives are shared by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission as this Treaty has the potential to reinforce international peace and security at global level.

    IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

    LEGAL BASIS: Article 114 and 207(3) in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a)(v) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

    CONTENT: under this proposed Decision, the Council authorises the Member States to ratify the current Arms Trade Treaty with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union.

    Details and Scope of the ATT: the ATT creates standards for transfers of conventional weapons and requires State Parties to review all arms exports to ensure conventional arms and munitions will not be used inter alia in Human Rights abuses, terrorism and violations of humanitarian law.

    The ATT provides for the assessment of arms transfers and measures to prevent the diversion of conventional arms from the importing and exporting States. In addition, it enhances transparency in arms trading by requiring record keeping and reporting to the Secretariat and other State Parties.

    The provisions of the ATT cover conventional arms of the following categories:

    • battle tanks,
    • armoured combat vehicles,
    • large-calibre artillery systems,
    • combat aircraft,
    • attack helicopters,
    • warships,
    • missiles and missile launchers and
    • small arms and light weapons.

    The Treaty also covers the related ammunition/ munitions and parts and components.

    Competences: in accordance with the rules on external competence as laid down in Article 3 of the TFEU, the ATT includes matters that fall under exclusive competence of the Union.

    The ATT provides, inter alia, for measures (such as import and export controls), which fall within the scope of the Union's Common Commercial Policy. In this domain, ATT addresses areas of Union law where the degree of regulation has already reached an advanced stage.

    Moreover, the following EU-secondary legislation related to the internal market is also of relevance:

    • Directive 2009/43/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council simplifying terms and conditions of transfers of defence-related products within the Community;
    • Council Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons;
    • Regulation (EU) No 258/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council implementing Article 10 of the United Nations' Protocol against the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, their parts and components and ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UN Firearms Protocol).

    As the ATT includes matters of exclusive EU competence, Member States are not in a position to decide autonomously on the signature and ratification of the Treaty. They can only do it, in the interest of the Union, after authorisation by the Council upon a proposal by the Commission.

    BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the EU budget.

activities/3/committees/2/shadows
  • group: ALDE name: RINALDI Niccolò
committees/2/shadows
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EP
type
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2013-07-10T00:00:00
activities/3/committees/2/rapporteur
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2014-01-21T00:00:00
body
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type
Vote scheduled in committee, 1st reading/single reading
committees/2/date
2013-07-10T00:00:00
committees/2/rapporteur
  • group: S&D name: MARTIN David
activities/0/docs/0/text
  • PURPOSE: to authorise Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Union, the Arms Trade Treaty.

    PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

    ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act. 

    BACKGROUND: UN Resolution 61/89, adopted in 2006, initiated the process for developing a Treaty to regulate the international trade in conventional weapons, the so-called Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The objective was to achieve a legally binding Treaty making the legal trade in conventional arms more responsible, by setting high common international standards on imports, exports and transfers.

    Intensive preparatory work was carried out, followed by a First United Nations Conference on the ATT held in New York from 2 to 27 July 2012 which delivered a first draft Treaty adopted by qualified majority on 2 April 2013 and which is open for signature.

    Due to reasons of competence, the European Union cannot sign and ratify the Treaty, as only States can be parties thereto. Therefore, in accordance with Article 2(1) TFEU, with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union, the Council should also authorise Member States to ratify the Treaty in the interests of the Union.

    It is vital to fill the gap of the unregulated trade of conventional arms at an international level and to assist the development of peace-building and humanitarian efforts. The ATT’s objectives are shared by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission as this Treaty has the potential to reinforce international peace and security at global level.

    IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

    LEGAL BASIS: Article 114 and 207(3) in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a)(v) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

    CONTENT: under this proposed Decision, the Council authorises the Member States to ratify the current Arms Trade Treaty with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union.

    Details and Scope of the ATT: the ATT creates standards for transfers of conventional weapons and requires State Parties to review all arms exports to ensure conventional arms and munitions will not be used inter alia in Human Rights abuses, terrorism and violations of humanitarian law.

    The ATT provides for the assessment of arms transfers and measures to prevent the diversion of conventional arms from the importing and exporting States. In addition, it enhances transparency in arms trading by requiring record keeping and reporting to the Secretariat and other State Parties.

    The provisions of the ATT cover conventional arms of the following categories:

    • battle tanks,
    • armoured combat vehicles,
    • large-calibre artillery systems,
    • combat aircraft,
    • attack helicopters,
    • warships,
    • missiles and missile launchers and
    • small arms and light weapons.

    The Treaty also covers the related ammunition/ munitions and parts and components.

    Competences: in accordance with the rules on external competence as laid down in Article 3 of the TFEU, the ATT includes matters that fall under exclusive competence of the Union.

    The ATT provides, inter alia, for measures (such as import and export controls), which fall within the scope of the Union's Common Commercial Policy. In this domain, ATT addresses areas of Union law where the degree of regulation has already reached an advanced stage.

    Moreover, the following EU-secondary legislation related to the internal market is also of relevance:

    • Directive 2009/43/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council simplifying terms and conditions of transfers of defence-related products within the Community;
    • Council Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons;
    • Regulation (EU) No 258/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council implementing Article 10 of the United Nations’ Protocol against the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, their parts and components and ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UN Firearms Protocol).

    As the ATT includes matters of exclusive EU competence, Member States are not in a position to decide autonomously on the signature and ratification of the Treaty. They can only do it, in the interest of the Union, after authorisation by the Council upon a proposal by the Commission.

    BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the EU budget.

activities/0/docs/0/text
  • PURPOSE: to authorise Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Union, the Arms Trade Treaty.

    PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

    ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act. 

    BACKGROUND: UN Resolution 61/89, adopted in 2006, initiated the process for developing a Treaty to regulate the international trade in conventional weapons, the so-called Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The objective was to achieve a legally binding Treaty making the legal trade in conventional arms more responsible, by setting high common international standards on imports, exports and transfers.

    Intensive preparatory work was carried out, followed by a First United Nations Conference on the ATT held in New York from 2 to 27 July 2012 which delivered a first draft Treaty adopted by qualified majority on 2 April 2013 and which is open for signature.

    Due to reasons of competence, the European Union cannot sign and ratify the Treaty, as only States can be parties thereto. Therefore, in accordance with Article 2(1) TFEU, with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union, the Council should also authorise Member States to ratify the Treaty in the interests of the Union.

    It is vital to fill the gap of the unregulated trade of conventional arms at an international level and to assist the development of peace-building and humanitarian efforts. The ATT’s objectives are shared by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission as this Treaty has the potential to reinforce international peace and security at global level.

    IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

    LEGAL BASIS: Article 114 and 207(3) in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a)(v) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

    CONTENT: under this proposed Decision, the Council authorises the Member States to ratify the current Arms Trade Treaty with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union.

    Details and Scope of the ATT: the ATT creates standards for transfers of conventional weapons and requires State Parties to review all arms exports to ensure conventional arms and munitions will not be used inter alia in Human Rights abuses, terrorism and violations of humanitarian law.

    The ATT provides for the assessment of arms transfers and measures to prevent the diversion of conventional arms from the importing and exporting States. In addition, it enhances transparency in arms trading by requiring record keeping and reporting to the Secretariat and other State Parties.

    The provisions of the ATT cover conventional arms of the following categories:

    • battle tanks,
    • armoured combat vehicles,
    • large-calibre artillery systems,
    • combat aircraft,
    • attack helicopters,
    • warships,
    • missiles and missile launchers and
    • small arms and light weapons.

    The Treaty also covers the related ammunition/ munitions and parts and components.

    Competences: in accordance with the rules on external competence as laid down in Article 3 of the TFEU, the ATT includes matters that fall under exclusive competence of the Union.

    The ATT provides, inter alia, for measures (such as import and export controls), which fall within the scope of the Union's Common Commercial Policy. In this domain, ATT addresses areas of Union law where the degree of regulation has already reached an advanced stage.

    Moreover, the following EU-secondary legislation related to the internal market is also of relevance:

    • Directive 2009/43/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council simplifying terms and conditions of transfers of defence-related products within the Community;
    • Council Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons;
    • Regulation (EU) No 258/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council implementing Article 10 of the United Nations’ Protocol against the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, their parts and components and ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UN Firearms Protocol).

    As the ATT includes matters of exclusive EU competence, Member States are not in a position to decide autonomously on the signature and ratification of the Treaty. They can only do it, in the interest of the Union, after authorisation by the Council upon a proposal by the Commission.

    BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the EU budget.

activities/0/docs/0/text
  • PURPOSE: to authorise Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Union, the Arms Trade Treaty.

    PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

    ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act. 

    BACKGROUND: UN Resolution 61/89, adopted in 2006, initiated the process for developing a Treaty to regulate the international trade in conventional weapons, the so-called Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The objective was to achieve a legally binding Treaty making the legal trade in conventional arms more responsible, by setting high common international standards on imports, exports and transfers.

    Intensive preparatory work was carried out, followed by a First United Nations Conference on the ATT held in New York from 2 to 27 July 2012 which delivered a first draft Treaty adopted by qualified majority on 2 April 2013 and which is open for signature.

    Due to reasons of competence, the European Union cannot sign and ratify the Treaty, as only States can be parties thereto. Therefore, in accordance with Article 2(1) TFEU, with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union, the Council should also authorise Member States to ratify the Treaty in the interests of the Union.

    It is vital to fill the gap of the unregulated trade of conventional arms at an international level and to assist the development of peace-building and humanitarian efforts. The ATT’s objectives are shared by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission as this Treaty has the potential to reinforce international peace and security at global level.

    IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

    LEGAL BASIS: Article 114 and 207(3) in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a)(v) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

    CONTENT: under this proposed Decision, the Council authorises the Member States to ratify the current Arms Trade Treaty with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union.

    Details and Scope of the ATT: the ATT creates standards for transfers of conventional weapons and requires State Parties to review all arms exports to ensure conventional arms and munitions will not be used inter alia in Human Rights abuses, terrorism and violations of humanitarian law.

    The ATT provides for the assessment of arms transfers and measures to prevent the diversion of conventional arms from the importing and exporting States. In addition, it enhances transparency in arms trading by requiring record keeping and reporting to the Secretariat and other State Parties.

    The provisions of the ATT cover conventional arms of the following categories:

    • battle tanks,
    • armoured combat vehicles,
    • large-calibre artillery systems,
    • combat aircraft,
    • attack helicopters,
    • warships,
    • missiles and missile launchers and
    • small arms and light weapons.

    The Treaty also covers the related ammunition/ munitions and parts and components.

    Competences: in accordance with the rules on external competence as laid down in Article 3 of the TFEU, the ATT includes matters that fall under exclusive competence of the Union.

    The ATT provides, inter alia, for measures (such as import and export controls), which fall within the scope of the Union's Common Commercial Policy. In this domain, ATT addresses areas of Union law where the degree of regulation has already reached an advanced stage.

    Moreover, the following EU-secondary legislation related to the internal market is also of relevance:

    • Directive 2009/43/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council simplifying terms and conditions of transfers of defence-related products within the Community;
    • Council Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons;
    • Regulation (EU) No 258/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council implementing Article 10 of the United Nations’ Protocol against the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, their parts and components and ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UN Firearms Protocol).

    As the ATT includes matters of exclusive EU competence, Member States are not in a position to decide autonomously on the signature and ratification of the Treaty. They can only do it, in the interest of the Union, after authorisation by the Council upon a proposal by the Commission.

    BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the EU budget.

activities/0/docs/0/text
  • PURPOSE: to authorise Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Union, the Arms Trade Treaty.

    PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

    ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act. 

    BACKGROUND: UN Resolution 61/89, adopted in 2006, initiated the process for developing a Treaty to regulate the international trade in conventional weapons, the so-called Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The objective was to achieve a legally binding Treaty making the legal trade in conventional arms more responsible, by setting high common international standards on imports, exports and transfers.

    Intensive preparatory work was carried out, followed by a First United Nations Conference on the ATT held in New York from 2 to 27 July 2012 which delivered a first draft Treaty adopted by qualified majority on 2 April 2013 and which is open for signature.

    Due to reasons of competence, the European Union cannot sign and ratify the Treaty, as only States can be parties thereto. Therefore, in accordance with Article 2(1) TFEU, with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union, the Council should also authorise Member States to ratify the Treaty in the interests of the Union.

    It is vital to fill the gap of the unregulated trade of conventional arms at an international level and to assist the development of peace-building and humanitarian efforts. The ATT’s objectives are shared by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission as this Treaty has the potential to reinforce international peace and security at global level.

    IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

    LEGAL BASIS: Article 114 and 207(3) in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a)(v) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

    CONTENT: under this proposed Decision, the Council authorises the Member States to ratify the current Arms Trade Treaty with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union.

    Details and Scope of the ATT: the ATT creates standards for transfers of conventional weapons and requires State Parties to review all arms exports to ensure conventional arms and munitions will not be used inter alia in Human Rights abuses, terrorism and violations of humanitarian law.

    The ATT provides for the assessment of arms transfers and measures to prevent the diversion of conventional arms from the importing and exporting States. In addition, it enhances transparency in arms trading by requiring record keeping and reporting to the Secretariat and other State Parties.

    The provisions of the ATT cover conventional arms of the following categories:

    • battle tanks,
    • armoured combat vehicles,
    • large-calibre artillery systems,
    • combat aircraft,
    • attack helicopters,
    • warships,
    • missiles and missile launchers and
    • small arms and light weapons.

    The Treaty also covers the related ammunition/ munitions and parts and components.

    Competences: in accordance with the rules on external competence as laid down in Article 3 of the TFEU, the ATT includes matters that fall under exclusive competence of the Union.

    The ATT provides, inter alia, for measures (such as import and export controls), which fall within the scope of the Union's Common Commercial Policy. In this domain, ATT addresses areas of Union law where the degree of regulation has already reached an advanced stage.

    Moreover, the following EU-secondary legislation related to the internal market is also of relevance:

    • Directive 2009/43/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council simplifying terms and conditions of transfers of defence-related products within the Community;
    • Council Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons;
    • Regulation (EU) No 258/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council implementing Article 10 of the United Nations’ Protocol against the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, their parts and components and ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UN Firearms Protocol).

    As the ATT includes matters of exclusive EU competence, Member States are not in a position to decide autonomously on the signature and ratification of the Treaty. They can only do it, in the interest of the Union, after authorisation by the Council upon a proposal by the Commission.

    BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the EU budget.

activities/0/docs/0/text
  • PURPOSE: to authorise Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Union, the Arms Trade Treaty.

    PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

    ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act. 

    BACKGROUND: UN Resolution 61/89, adopted in 2006, initiated the process for developing a Treaty to regulate the international trade in conventional weapons, the so-called Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The objective was to achieve a legally binding Treaty making the legal trade in conventional arms more responsible, by setting high common international standards on imports, exports and transfers.

    Intensive preparatory work was carried out, followed by a First United Nations Conference on the ATT held in New York from 2 to 27 July 2012 which delivered a first draft Treaty adopted by qualified majority on 2 April 2013 and which is open for signature.

    Due to reasons of competence, the European Union cannot sign and ratify the Treaty, as only States can be parties thereto. Therefore, in accordance with Article 2(1) TFEU, with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union, the Council should also authorise Member States to ratify the Treaty in the interests of the Union.

    It is vital to fill the gap of the unregulated trade of conventional arms at an international level and to assist the development of peace-building and humanitarian efforts. The ATT’s objectives are shared by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission as this Treaty has the potential to reinforce international peace and security at global level.

    IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

    LEGAL BASIS: Article 114 and 207(3) in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a)(v) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

    CONTENT: under this proposed Decision, the Council authorises the Member States to ratify the current Arms Trade Treaty with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union.

    Details and Scope of the ATT: the ATT creates standards for transfers of conventional weapons and requires State Parties to review all arms exports to ensure conventional arms and munitions will not be used inter alia in Human Rights abuses, terrorism and violations of humanitarian law.

    The ATT provides for the assessment of arms transfers and measures to prevent the diversion of conventional arms from the importing and exporting States. In addition, it enhances transparency in arms trading by requiring record keeping and reporting to the Secretariat and other State Parties.

    The provisions of the ATT cover conventional arms of the following categories:

    • battle tanks,
    • armoured combat vehicles,
    • large-calibre artillery systems,
    • combat aircraft,
    • attack helicopters,
    • warships,
    • missiles and missile launchers and
    • small arms and light weapons.

    The Treaty also covers the related ammunition/ munitions and parts and components.

    Competences: in accordance with the rules on external competence as laid down in Article 3 of the TFEU, the ATT includes matters that fall under exclusive competence of the Union.

    The ATT provides, inter alia, for measures (such as import and export controls), which fall within the scope of the Union's Common Commercial Policy. In this domain, ATT addresses areas of Union law where the degree of regulation has already reached an advanced stage.

    Moreover, the following EU-secondary legislation related to the internal market is also of relevance:

    • Directive 2009/43/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council simplifying terms and conditions of transfers of defence-related products within the Community;
    • Council Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons;
    • Regulation (EU) No 258/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council implementing Article 10 of the United Nations’ Protocol against the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, their parts and components and ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UN Firearms Protocol).

    As the ATT includes matters of exclusive EU competence, Member States are not in a position to decide autonomously on the signature and ratification of the Treaty. They can only do it, in the interest of the Union, after authorisation by the Council upon a proposal by the Commission.

    BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the EU budget.

activities/0/docs/0/text
  • PURPOSE: to authorise Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Union, the Arms Trade Treaty.

    PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

    ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act. 

    BACKGROUND: UN Resolution 61/89, adopted in 2006, initiated the process for developing a Treaty to regulate the international trade in conventional weapons, the so-called Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The objective was to achieve a legally binding Treaty making the legal trade in conventional arms more responsible, by setting high common international standards on imports, exports and transfers.

    Intensive preparatory work was carried out, followed by a First United Nations Conference on the ATT held in New York from 2 to 27 July 2012 which delivered a first draft Treaty adopted by qualified majority on 2 April 2013 and which is open for signature.

    Due to reasons of competence, the European Union cannot sign and ratify the Treaty, as only States can be parties thereto. Therefore, in accordance with Article 2(1) TFEU, with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union, the Council should also authorise Member States to ratify the Treaty in the interests of the Union.

    It is vital to fill the gap of the unregulated trade of conventional arms at an international level and to assist the development of peace-building and humanitarian efforts. The ATT’s objectives are shared by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission as this Treaty has the potential to reinforce international peace and security at global level.

    IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

    LEGAL BASIS: Article 114 and 207(3) in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a)(v) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

    CONTENT: under this proposed Decision, the Council authorises the Member States to ratify the current Arms Trade Treaty with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union.

    Details and Scope of the ATT: the ATT creates standards for transfers of conventional weapons and requires State Parties to review all arms exports to ensure conventional arms and munitions will not be used inter alia in Human Rights abuses, terrorism and violations of humanitarian law.

    The ATT provides for the assessment of arms transfers and measures to prevent the diversion of conventional arms from the importing and exporting States. In addition, it enhances transparency in arms trading by requiring record keeping and reporting to the Secretariat and other State Parties.

    The provisions of the ATT cover conventional arms of the following categories:

    • battle tanks,
    • armoured combat vehicles,
    • large-calibre artillery systems,
    • combat aircraft,
    • attack helicopters,
    • warships,
    • missiles and missile launchers and
    • small arms and light weapons.

    The Treaty also covers the related ammunition/ munitions and parts and components.

    Competences: in accordance with the rules on external competence as laid down in Article 3 of the TFEU, the ATT includes matters that fall under exclusive competence of the Union.

    The ATT provides, inter alia, for measures (such as import and export controls), which fall within the scope of the Union's Common Commercial Policy. In this domain, ATT addresses areas of Union law where the degree of regulation has already reached an advanced stage.

    Moreover, the following EU-secondary legislation related to the internal market is also of relevance:

    • Directive 2009/43/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council simplifying terms and conditions of transfers of defence-related products within the Community;
    • Council Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons;
    • Regulation (EU) No 258/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council implementing Article 10 of the United Nations’ Protocol against the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, their parts and components and ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UN Firearms Protocol).

    As the ATT includes matters of exclusive EU competence, Member States are not in a position to decide autonomously on the signature and ratification of the Treaty. They can only do it, in the interest of the Union, after authorisation by the Council upon a proposal by the Commission.

    BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the EU budget.

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CELEX:52013PC0482:EN
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2013-09-09T00:00:00
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procedure/stage_reached
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Preparatory phase in Parliament
New
Awaiting committee decision
activities/1/docs/0/text
  • PURPOSE: to authorise Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Union, the Arms Trade Treaty.

    PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

    ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act. 

    BACKGROUND: UN Resolution 61/89, adopted in 2006, initiated the process for developing a Treaty to regulate the international trade in conventional weapons, the so-called Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The objective was to achieve a legally binding Treaty making the legal trade in conventional arms more responsible, by setting high common international standards on imports, exports and transfers.

    After intensive preparatory work was carried out,  a First United Nations Conference on the ATT was held in New York from 2 to 27 July 2012. Although the Conference failed to reach a consensus, it delivered a first draft text. The Treaty was finally adopted by qualified majority on 2 April 2013 and is now open to signature.

    The object of the ATT is to establish the highest possible common international standards for regulating or improving the regulation of the international trade in conventional arms and to prevent and eradicate illicit trade in conventional arms and prevent their diversion.

    Member States expressed their satisfaction for the outcome of the negotiations and their willingness to urgently proceed to the signature and ratification of the ATT.

    The European Union cannot sign and ratify the ATT, as only States can be parties thereto.

    On the 27 May 2013, Council adopted Decision 2013/269/CFSP authorising Member States to sign, in the interests of the European Union, the Arms Trade Treaty.

    Therefore, in accordance with Article 2(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union, the Council should authorise Member States to ratify the ATT in the interests of the Union.

    It is vital to fill the gap of the unregulated trade of conventional arms at an international level and to assist the development of peace-building and humanitarian efforts. The ATT’s objectives are shared by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission as this Treaty has the potential to reinforce international peace and security at global level.

    IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

    LEGAL BASIS: Article 114 and 207(3) in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a)(v) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

    CONTENT: under this proposed Decision, the Council authorises the Member States to ratify the current Arms Trade Treaty with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union.

    Details and Scope of the ATT: the ATT creates standards for transfers of conventional weapons and requires State Parties to review all arms exports to ensure conventional arms and munitions will not be used inter alia in Human Rights abuses, terrorism and violations of humanitarian law.

    The ATT provides for the assessment of arms transfers and measures to prevent the diversion of conventional arms from the importing and exporting States. In addition, it enhances transparency in arms trading by requiring record keeping and reporting to the Secretariat and other State Parties.

    The provisions of the ATT cover conventional arms of the following categories:

    • battle tanks,
    • armoured combat vehicles,
    • large-calibre artillery systems,
    • combat aircraft,
    • attack helicopters,
    • warships,
    • missiles and missile launchers and
    • small arms and light weapons.

    The Treaty also covers the related ammunition/ munitions and parts and components.

    Competences: in accordance with the rules on external competence as laid down in Article 3 of the TFEU, the ATT includes matters that fall under exclusive competence of the Union.

    The ATT provides, inter alia, for measures (such as import and export controls), which fall within the scope of the Union's Common Commercial Policy. In this domain, ATT addresses areas of Union law where the degree of regulation has already reached an advanced stage.

    Moreover, the following EU-secondary legislation related to the internal market is also of relevance:

    • Directive 2009/43/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council simplifying terms and conditions of transfers of defence-related products within the Community;
    • Council Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons;
    • Regulation (EU) No 258/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council implementing Article 10 of the United Nations’ Protocol against the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, their parts and components and ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UN Firearms Protocol).

    As the ATT includes matters of exclusive EU competence, Member States are not in a position to decide autonomously on the signature and ratification of the Treaty. They can only do it, in the interest of the Union, after authorisation by the Council upon a proposal by the Commission.

    BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the EU budget.

activities/2/docs/0/text
  • PURPOSE: to authorise Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Union, the Arms Trade Treaty.

    PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

    ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act. 

    BACKGROUND: UN Resolution 61/89, adopted in 2006, initiated the process for developing a Treaty to regulate the international trade in conventional weapons, the so-called Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The objective was to achieve a legally binding Treaty making the legal trade in conventional arms more responsible, by setting high common international standards on imports, exports and transfers.

    After intensive preparatory work was carried out,  a First United Nations Conference on the ATT was held in New York from 2 to 27 July 2012. Although the Conference failed to reach a consensus, it delivered a first draft text. The Treaty was finally adopted by qualified majority on 2 April 2013 and is now open to signature.

    The object of the ATT is to establish the highest possible common international standards for regulating or improving the regulation of the international trade in conventional arms and to prevent and eradicate illicit trade in conventional arms and prevent their diversion.

    Member States expressed their satisfaction for the outcome of the negotiations and their willingness to urgently proceed to the signature and ratification of the ATT.

    The European Union cannot sign and ratify the ATT, as only States can be parties thereto.

    On the 27 May 2013, Council adopted Decision 2013/269/CFSP authorising Member States to sign, in the interests of the European Union, the Arms Trade Treaty.

    Therefore, in accordance with Article 2(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union, the Council should authorise Member States to ratify the ATT in the interests of the Union.

    It is vital to fill the gap of the unregulated trade of conventional arms at an international level and to assist the development of peace-building and humanitarian efforts. The ATT’s objectives are shared by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission as this Treaty has the potential to reinforce international peace and security at global level.

    IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

    LEGAL BASIS: Article 114 and 207(3) in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a)(v) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

    CONTENT: under this proposed Decision, the Council authorises the Member States to ratify the current Arms Trade Treaty with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union.

    Details and Scope of the ATT: the ATT creates standards for transfers of conventional weapons and requires State Parties to review all arms exports to ensure conventional arms and munitions will not be used inter alia in Human Rights abuses, terrorism and violations of humanitarian law.

    The ATT provides for the assessment of arms transfers and measures to prevent the diversion of conventional arms from the importing and exporting States. In addition, it enhances transparency in arms trading by requiring record keeping and reporting to the Secretariat and other State Parties.

    The provisions of the ATT cover conventional arms of the following categories:

    • battle tanks,
    • armoured combat vehicles,
    • large-calibre artillery systems,
    • combat aircraft,
    • attack helicopters,
    • warships,
    • missiles and missile launchers and
    • small arms and light weapons.

    The Treaty also covers the related ammunition/ munitions and parts and components.

    Competences: in accordance with the rules on external competence as laid down in Article 3 of the TFEU, the ATT includes matters that fall under exclusive competence of the Union.

    The ATT provides, inter alia, for measures (such as import and export controls), which fall within the scope of the Union's Common Commercial Policy. In this domain, ATT addresses areas of Union law where the degree of regulation has already reached an advanced stage.

    Moreover, the following EU-secondary legislation related to the internal market is also of relevance:

    • Directive 2009/43/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council simplifying terms and conditions of transfers of defence-related products within the Community;
    • Council Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons;
    • Regulation (EU) No 258/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council implementing Article 10 of the United Nations’ Protocol against the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, their parts and components and ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UN Firearms Protocol).

    As the ATT includes matters of exclusive EU competence, Member States are not in a position to decide autonomously on the signature and ratification of the Treaty. They can only do it, in the interest of the Union, after authorisation by the Council upon a proposal by the Commission.

    BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the EU budget.

activities/0/docs/0/text
  • PURPOSE: to authorise Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Union, the Arms Trade Treaty.

    PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

    ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act. 

    BACKGROUND: UN Resolution 61/89, adopted in 2006, initiated the process for developing a Treaty to regulate the international trade in conventional weapons, the so-called Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The objective was to achieve a legally binding Treaty making the legal trade in conventional arms more responsible, by setting high common international standards on imports, exports and transfers.

    Intensive preparatory work was carried out, followed by a First United Nations Conference on the ATT held in New York from 2 to 27 July 2012 which delivered a first draft Treaty adopted by qualified majority on 2 April 2013 and which is open for signature.

    Due to reasons of competence, the European Union cannot sign and ratify the Treaty, as only States can be parties thereto. Therefore, in accordance with Article 2(1) TFEU, with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union, the Council should also authorise Member States to ratify the Treaty in the interests of the Union.

    It is vital to fill the gap of the unregulated trade of conventional arms at an international level and to assist the development of peace-building and humanitarian efforts. The ATT’s objectives are shared by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission as this Treaty has the potential to reinforce international peace and security at global level.

    IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

    LEGAL BASIS: Article 114 and 207(3) in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a)(v) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

    CONTENT: under this proposed Decision, the Council authorises the Member States to ratify the current Arms Trade Treaty with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union.

    Details and Scope of the ATT: the ATT creates standards for transfers of conventional weapons and requires State Parties to review all arms exports to ensure conventional arms and munitions will not be used inter alia in Human Rights abuses, terrorism and violations of humanitarian law.

    The ATT provides for the assessment of arms transfers and measures to prevent the diversion of conventional arms from the importing and exporting States. In addition, it enhances transparency in arms trading by requiring record keeping and reporting to the Secretariat and other State Parties.

    The provisions of the ATT cover conventional arms of the following categories:

    • battle tanks,
    • armoured combat vehicles,
    • large-calibre artillery systems,
    • combat aircraft,
    • attack helicopters,
    • warships,
    • missiles and missile launchers and
    • small arms and light weapons.

    The Treaty also covers the related ammunition/ munitions and parts and components.

    Competences: in accordance with the rules on external competence as laid down in Article 3 of the TFEU, the ATT includes matters that fall under exclusive competence of the Union.

    The ATT provides, inter alia, for measures (such as import and export controls), which fall within the scope of the Union's Common Commercial Policy. In this domain, ATT addresses areas of Union law where the degree of regulation has already reached an advanced stage.

    Moreover, the following EU-secondary legislation related to the internal market is also of relevance:

    • Directive 2009/43/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council simplifying terms and conditions of transfers of defence-related products within the Community;
    • Council Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons;
    • Regulation (EU) No 258/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council implementing Article 10 of the United Nations’ Protocol against the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, their parts and components and ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UN Firearms Protocol).

    As the ATT includes matters of exclusive EU competence, Member States are not in a position to decide autonomously on the signature and ratification of the Treaty. They can only do it, in the interest of the Union, after authorisation by the Council upon a proposal by the Commission.

    BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the EU budget.

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activities/0/docs/0/text
  • PURPOSE: to authorise Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Union, the Arms Trade Treaty.

    PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

    ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act. 

    BACKGROUND: UN Resolution 61/89, adopted in 2006, initiated the process for developing a Treaty to regulate the international trade in conventional weapons, the so-called Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The objective was to achieve a legally binding Treaty making the legal trade in conventional arms more responsible, by setting high common international standards on imports, exports and transfers.

    Intensive preparatory work was carried out, followed by a First United Nations Conference on the ATT held in New York from 2 to 27 July 2012 which delivered a first draft Treaty adopted by qualified majority on 2 April 2013 and which is open for signature.

    Due to reasons of competence, the European Union cannot sign and ratify the Treaty, as only States can be parties thereto. Therefore, in accordance with Article 2(1) TFEU, with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union, the Council should also authorise Member States to ratify the Treaty in the interests of the Union.

    It is vital to fill the gap of the unregulated trade of conventional arms at an international level and to assist the development of peace-building and humanitarian efforts. The ATT’s objectives are shared by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission as this Treaty has the potential to reinforce international peace and security at global level.

    IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

    LEGAL BASIS: Article 114 and 207(3) in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a)(v) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

    CONTENT: under this proposed Decision, the Council authorises the Member States to ratify the current Arms Trade Treaty with respect to those matters falling under the exclusive competence of the Union.

    Details and Scope of the ATT: the ATT creates standards for transfers of conventional weapons and requires State Parties to review all arms exports to ensure conventional arms and munitions will not be used inter alia in Human Rights abuses, terrorism and violations of humanitarian law.

    The ATT provides for the assessment of arms transfers and measures to prevent the diversion of conventional arms from the importing and exporting States. In addition, it enhances transparency in arms trading by requiring record keeping and reporting to the Secretariat and other State Parties.

    The provisions of the ATT cover conventional arms of the following categories:

    • battle tanks,
    • armoured combat vehicles,
    • large-calibre artillery systems,
    • combat aircraft,
    • attack helicopters,
    • warships,
    • missiles and missile launchers and
    • small arms and light weapons.

    The Treaty also covers the related ammunition/ munitions and parts and components.

    Competences: in accordance with the rules on external competence as laid down in Article 3 of the TFEU, the ATT includes matters that fall under exclusive competence of the Union.

    The ATT provides, inter alia, for measures (such as import and export controls), which fall within the scope of the Union's Common Commercial Policy. In this domain, ATT addresses areas of Union law where the degree of regulation has already reached an advanced stage.

    Moreover, the following EU-secondary legislation related to the internal market is also of relevance:

    • Directive 2009/43/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council simplifying terms and conditions of transfers of defence-related products within the Community;
    • Council Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons;
    • Regulation (EU) No 258/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council implementing Article 10 of the United Nations’ Protocol against the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, their parts and components and ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UN Firearms Protocol).

    As the ATT includes matters of exclusive EU competence, Member States are not in a position to decide autonomously on the signature and ratification of the Treaty. They can only do it, in the interest of the Union, after authorisation by the Council upon a proposal by the Commission.

    BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implication for the EU budget.

activities
  • date: 2013-06-28T00:00:00 docs: url: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!DocNumber&lg=EN&type_doc=COMfinal&an_doc=2013&nu_doc=482 type: Legislative proposal published title: COM(2013)0482 body: EC type: Legislative proposal commission: DG: url: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/ title: Enterprise and Industry Commissioner: TAJANI Antonio
committees
  • body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Foreign Affairs committee: AFET
  • body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Internal Market and Consumer Protection committee: IMCO
  • body: EP responsible: True committee_full: International Trade committee: INTA
  • body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs committee: LIBE
links
National parliaments
European Commission
other
  • body: EC dg: url: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/ title: Enterprise and Industry commissioner: TAJANI Antonio
procedure
reference
2013/0225(NLE)
title
Arms Trade Treaty: ratification by Member States
legal_basis
stage_reached
Preparatory phase in Parliament
subtype
Consent by Parliament
type
NLE - Non-legislative enactments
subject