BETA


Events

2014/03/25
   Final act published in Official Journal
Details

PURPOSE: to authorise Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Union, the Arms Trade Treaty.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision 2014/165/EU authorising Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Union, the Arms Trade Treaty.

BACKGROUND: on 11 March 2013 the Council authorised the Commission to negotiate the Arms Trade Treaty (‘ATT’) in the framework of the United Nations on those matters coming under the exclusive competence of the Union.

On 2 April 2013 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the text of the ATT. The General Assembly also requested the Secretary-General, as depositary of the ATT, to open it for signature on 3 June 2013 and called upon all States to consider signing and, thereafter, according to their respective constitutional processes, becoming parties to the ATT at the earliest possible date .

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. However, some of the provisions of the ATT concern matters that fall under the exclusive competence of the Union because they are within the scope of the common commercial policy or affect the internal market rules for the transfer of conventional arms and explosives.

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

On the 27 May 2013, the 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.

CONTENT: with this Decision, the Council authorises Member States to ratify the 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.

It 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 and 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 . It 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).

Ratification: 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.

2014/03/03
   EP/CSL - Act adopted by Council after consultation of Parliament
2014/03/03
   EP - End of procedure in Parliament
2014/03/03
   CSL - Council Meeting
2014/02/05
   EP - Results of vote in Parliament
2014/02/05
   EP - Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
Details

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.

Documents
2014/02/04
   EP - Debate in Parliament
2014/01/23
   EP - Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading
Details

The {INTA} Committee on International Trade unanimously adopted the report by 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.

Documents
2014/01/21
   EP - Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
2014/01/16
   EP - Committee opinion
Documents
2013/12/04
   EP - Committee draft report
Documents
2013/11/14
   EP - Committee Opinion
2013/09/09
   EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
2013/07/17
   EC - Legislative proposal published
Details

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.

Documents
2013/07/10
   EP - Responsible Committee
2013/06/28
   EC - Initial legislative proposal published
Details

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.

Documents

Activities

History

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

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type
Preparatory document
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docs
summary
events/0
date
2013-06-28T00:00:00
type
Initial legislative proposal published
body
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docs
summary
events/4/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A7-2014-0041&language=EN
New
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events/7/docs/0/url
Old
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New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-7-2014-0080_EN.html
procedure/Modified legal basis
Old
Rules of Procedure EP 150
New
Rules of Procedure EP 159
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 title: COM(2013)0482 type: Initial legislative proposal published celexid: CELEX:52013PC0482:EN body: EC commission: DG: url: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/ title: Enterprise and Industry Commissioner: TAJANI Antonio type: Initial legislative proposal published
  • date: 2013-07-17T00:00:00 docs: url: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=SET&i=ADV&RESULTSET=1&DOC_ID=12178%2F13&DOC_LANCD=EN&ROWSPP=25&NRROWS=500&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC type: Legislative proposal published title: 12178/2013 body: EC commission: DG: url: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/ title: Enterprise and Industry Commissioner: TAJANI Antonio type: Legislative proposal published
  • date: 2013-09-09T00:00:00 body: EP type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP responsible: False committee: AFET date: 2013-11-14T00:00:00 committee_full: Foreign Affairs rapporteur: group: PPE name: LISEK Krzysztof body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Internal Market and Consumer Protection committee: IMCO body: EP shadows: group: PPE name: QUISTHOUDT-ROWOHL Godelieve group: ALDE name: RINALDI Niccolò group: Verts/ALE name: KELLER Ska 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
  • date: 2014-01-21T00:00:00 body: EP type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP responsible: False committee: AFET date: 2013-11-14T00:00:00 committee_full: Foreign Affairs rapporteur: group: PPE name: LISEK Krzysztof body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Internal Market and Consumer Protection committee: IMCO body: EP shadows: group: PPE name: QUISTHOUDT-ROWOHL Godelieve group: ALDE name: RINALDI Niccolò group: Verts/ALE name: KELLER Ska 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
  • body: EP 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 type: Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP responsible: False committee: AFET date: 2013-11-14T00:00:00 committee_full: Foreign Affairs rapporteur: group: PPE name: LISEK Krzysztof body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Internal Market and Consumer Protection committee: IMCO body: EP shadows: group: PPE name: QUISTHOUDT-ROWOHL Godelieve group: ALDE name: RINALDI Niccolò group: Verts/ALE name: KELLER Ska 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 date: 2014-01-23T00:00:00
  • date: 2014-02-04T00:00:00 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 body: EP type: Debate in Parliament
  • date: 2014-02-05T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=24053&l=en type: Results of vote in Parliament title: Results of vote in Parliament url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P7-TA-2014-0080 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading title: T7-0080/2014 body: EP type: Results of vote in Parliament
  • date: 2014-03-03T00:00:00 body: CSL type: Council Meeting council: Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) meeting_id: 3298
  • date: 2014-03-03T00:00:00 body: EP type: End of procedure in Parliament
  • date: 2014-03-03T00:00:00 body: EP/CSL type: Act adopted by Council after consultation of Parliament
  • date: 2014-03-25T00:00:00 type: Final act published in Official Journal docs: url: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg=EN&numdoc=32014D0165 title: Decision 2014/165 url: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/FR/TXT/?uri=OJ:L:2014:089:TOC title: OJ L 089 25.03.2014, p. 0044
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  • body: CSL type: Council Meeting council: Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) meeting_id: 3298 url: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=SET&i=SMPL&ROWSPP=25&RESULTSET=1&NRROWS=500&DOC_LANCD=EN&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC&CONTENTS=3298*&MEET_DATE=03/03/2014 date: 2014-03-03T00:00:00
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  • date: 2013-12-04T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE524.685 title: PE524.685 type: Committee draft report body: EP
  • date: 2014-01-16T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE523.065&secondRef=02 title: PE523.065 committee: AFET type: Committee opinion body: EP
events
  • date: 2013-06-28T00:00:00 type: Initial legislative proposal published body: EC docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2013/0482/COM_COM(2013)0482_EN.doc title: COM(2013)0482 url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!DocNumber&lg=EN&type_doc=COMfinal&an_doc=2013&nu_doc=482 title: EUR-Lex summary: 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.
  • date: 2013-07-17T00:00:00 type: Legislative proposal published body: EC docs: url: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=SET&i=ADV&RESULTSET=1&DOC_ID=12178%2F13&DOC_LANCD=EN&ROWSPP=25&NRROWS=500&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC title: 12178/2013 summary: 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.
  • date: 2013-09-09T00:00:00 type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2014-01-21T00:00:00 type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2014-01-23T00:00:00 type: Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A7-2014-0041&language=EN title: A7-0041/2014 summary: The {INTA} Committee on International Trade unanimously adopted the report by 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.
  • date: 2014-02-04T00:00:00 type: Debate in Parliament body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20140204&type=CRE title: Debate in Parliament
  • date: 2014-02-05T00:00:00 type: Results of vote in Parliament body: EP docs: url: https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=24053&l=en title: Results of vote in Parliament
  • date: 2014-02-05T00:00:00 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P7-TA-2014-0080 title: T7-0080/2014 summary: 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.
  • date: 2014-03-03T00:00:00 type: Act adopted by Council after consultation of Parliament body: EP/CSL
  • date: 2014-03-03T00:00:00 type: End of procedure in Parliament body: EP
  • date: 2014-03-25T00:00:00 type: Final act published in Official Journal summary: PURPOSE: to authorise Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Union, the Arms Trade Treaty. NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision 2014/165/EU authorising Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Union, the Arms Trade Treaty. BACKGROUND: on 11 March 2013 the Council authorised the Commission to negotiate the Arms Trade Treaty (‘ATT’) in the framework of the United Nations on those matters coming under the exclusive competence of the Union. On 2 April 2013 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the text of the ATT. The General Assembly also requested the Secretary-General, as depositary of the ATT, to open it for signature on 3 June 2013 and called upon all States to consider signing and, thereafter, according to their respective constitutional processes, becoming parties to the ATT at the earliest possible date . 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. However, some of the provisions of the ATT concern matters that fall under the exclusive competence of the Union because they are within the scope of the common commercial policy or affect the internal market rules for the transfer of conventional arms and explosives. The European Union cannot sign and ratify the ATT, as only States can be parties thereto. On the 27 May 2013, the 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. CONTENT: with this Decision, the Council authorises Member States to ratify the 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. It 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 and 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 . It 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). Ratification: 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. docs: title: Decision 2014/165 url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg=EN&numdoc=32014D0165 title: OJ L 089 25.03.2014, p. 0044 url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/FR/TXT/?uri=OJ:L:2014:089:TOC
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  • PURPOSE: to authorise Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Union, the Arms Trade Treaty.

    NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision 2014/165/EU authorising Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Union, the Arms Trade Treaty.

    BACKGROUND: on 11 March 2013 the Council authorised the Commission to negotiate the Arms Trade Treaty (‘ATT’) in the framework of the United Nations on those matters coming under the exclusive competence of the Union.

    On 2 April 2013 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the text of the ATT. The General Assembly also requested the Secretary-General, as depositary of the ATT, to open it for signature on 3 June 2013 and called upon all States to consider signing and, thereafter, according to their respective constitutional processes, becoming parties to the ATT at the earliest possible date.

    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. However, some of the provisions of the ATT concern matters that fall under the exclusive competence of the Union because they are within the scope of the common commercial policy or affect the internal market rules for the transfer of conventional arms and explosives.

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

    On the 27 May 2013, the 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.

    CONTENT: with this Decision, the Council authorises Member States to ratify the 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.

    It 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 and 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. It 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).

    Ratification: 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.

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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.

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  • type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading title: T7-0080/2014
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  • 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.

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  • body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs committee: LIBE
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  • 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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COM(2013)0482
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  • 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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  • 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.

activities/0/docs/0/celexid
CELEX:52013PC0482:EN
activities/3
date
2013-09-09T00:00:00
body
EP
type
Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
committees
procedure/dossier_of_the_committee
INTA/7/13240
procedure/stage_reached
Old
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.

activities/0/docs/0/type
Old
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New
Initial legislative proposal published
activities/0/type
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activities/1
date
2013-07-17T00:00:00
docs
url: 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 type: Legislative proposal title: 12178/2013
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url: 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 type: Legislative proposal published title: 12178/2013
type
Legislative proposal published
body
EC
commission
DG: url: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/ title: Enterprise and Industry Commissioner: TAJANI Antonio
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