2017/2029(INI) | [ParlTrack]

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas the latest figures15 show that exports from the EU28 amounted to 26 % of the global total in 2012-2016, which makes the EU28 collectively the second largest arms supplier in the world, after the USA (33 %) and before Russia (23 %); whereas, according to COARM’s most recent report, the countries of the European Union granted arms export licences to a total value of EUR 94.40 billion in 2014; _________________ 15 ibid.

Amendment 100 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point f a (new)

(fa) promoting clear, well-established cooperation procedures between law enforcement agencies and border authorities, based on the exchange of information, in order to strengthen cooperation on security and eradicate illegal arms trading, which poses a risk to the security of the EU and its citizens;

Amendment 101 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Notes that effective information exchange and cooperation also require meetings of policy, licensing and enforcement staff and encourages provisions of sufficient resources to this end; believes that a crucial factor in strengthening the implementation of the Common Position lies in expanding relevant capacities of Member States; calls on the Member States and the EEAS to increase the number of personnel working on export-related issues both at national and EU level; encourages the establishment of EU funds to be used for capacity-building among licensing and enforcement officials in Member States;

Amendment 102 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Stresses the need to develop an approach to situations where Member States make a different analysis for exports of products that are essentially alike, to similar destinations and end- users, in order to preserve the level playing field and the EU’s credibility abroad;

Amendment 103 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Stresses that the EU Global Strategy for the Foreign and Security Policy should also serve to strengthen mechanisms for exchange of information on arms export control between Member States;

Amendment 104 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)

14b. Calls upon the Member States, in this regard, to support the creation of an independent European Arms Control Authority (EACA) under the auspices of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; considering that EACA should issue an opinion to Member States that plan to grant a licence which has been denied by another Member State or States; considering that this advice should be an independent assessment of the applicability of the 8 common criteria; considering that such an advice could also be asked by states to assess the applicability of the 8 common criteria of any European export license;

Amendment 105 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)

14b. Stresses the urgent need to enhance the role of EU Delegations in assisting Member States and the EEAS with their export licensing risk assessments and the implementation of end-user controls, post-shipment controls and on-site inspections;

Amendment 106 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)

14c. Believes that it is time to consider a stronger role for EU institutions with regard to the licensing process at Member State’s level, in particular with regard to situations in which there is a lack of coherence between Member States on similar items and destinations or end- users;

Amendment 107 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)

14c. Urges Member States to create a provision in the Common Position to make sure that an EU embargo against a third country would automatically revoke licences that had already been granted for goods covered by the embargo;

Amendment 108 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 2 a (new)

Furthering exchange of information and cooperation between Member States and third countries

Amendment 109 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)

14b. Calls on all Member States to continue to promoting the criteria and principles set out in Common Position 2008/944/PESC and in the Arms Trade Treaty among non-EU countries, building on progress made in implementing Decisions 2017/915, 2013/768/PESC, 2012/711/PESC and Joint Action 2008/230/PESC;

Amendment 11 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas the latest figures15 show that exports from the EU28 amounted to 26 % of the global total in 2012-2016~~, which makes the EU28 collectively the second largest arms supplier in the world, after the USA (33 %) and before Russia (23 %)~~; _________________ 15 ibid.

Amendment 110 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)

14c. Urges all Member States to continue to lend assistance to non-EU countries in drafting, updating, and implementing, where appropriate, legislative and administrative measures so as to ensure that an export control system for weapons and military technology is established;

Amendment 111 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 d (new)

14d. Reminds the Member States that, with a view to enhancing peace and regional and international security, and in line with the European Security Strategy, the Union should encourage the development of outreach activities and the establishment of dedicated systems for the exchange of information between the EU and third countries as well as the introduction of effective national systems for controlling weapons exports;

Amendment 112 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 e (new)

14e. Urges the Member States to cooperate closely with third countries in updating tools for ensuring greater transparency and coherence in the implementation of the Common Position, using similar methods to those in the EU;

Amendment 113 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3 a (new)

Ensuring a harmonised approach and application of the Common Criteria

Amendment 114 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)

15a. Notes the lack of provisions on sanctions for Member States that fail to comply with the eight Criteria when granting licences; calls in this regard for an update of the Common Position whereby a sanctioning mechanism is introduced;

Amendment 115 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)

15b. Notes the lack of a common approach concerning sanctions on individuals or companies that have failed to fulfil the provisions of the Common Criteria (false exports);calls on Members States to provide for effective sanctions to be imposed on said individuals or companies that fail to comply with any of the provisions set out in the eight criteria;

Amendment 116 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)

15c. Considers that, in order for the sanctions to be effective, these should include both an economic dimension and a temporary suspension from being granted licenses for a certain period of time; stresses that, in the case of companies, the sanctions should be extended to any other entity that is participated by the concerned company, either through stock owners or through a parent company;

Amendment 117 #

Javier NART, Norica NICOLAI, Urmas PAET, Marietje SCHAAKE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 d (new)

15d. Strongly recommends countries in the process of attaining candidate status, or countries otherwise wishing to engage themselves on the path of EU adhesion, to apply the provisions of the Common Position and to exercise an effective control over their arms deposits;

Amendment 118 #

Javier NART, Norica NICOLAI, Urmas PAET, Marietje SCHAAKE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 e (new)

15e. Stresses the importance of effectively limiting arms exports to private security companies as an end user, and that any such licence be granted only when, after thorough diligence checks, it is determined the private security company in question has not participated in human rights violations; accountability mechanisms shall be put in place in order to ensure the responsible use or arms by private security companies;

Amendment 119 #

Javier NART, Norica NICOLAI, Urmas PAET, Marietje SCHAAKE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 f (new)

15f. Calls on the EU and its Members States to work towards fostering a European industrial and technological base that is competitive and innovative, that contributes to overcoming the current lack of efficiency in defence-spending among the EU members due to duplicities, fragmentation, lack of interoperability, technological gaps and economies of scale for both industry and production in field of key importance to Europe, thus allowing the EU to become a global security provider and enabling more and better control of arms exports, by preventing national export expansive policies;

Amendment 12 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas the latest figures16 show that arms exports to the Middle East rose by 86 % and accounted for 29 % of global imexports in 2012-16; _________________ 16 ibid. ibid.

Amendment 120 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Recalls that according to Article 8(2) of the Common Position, all Member States are obliged to report on their arms exports, and calls on all Member States to comply with their obligations; regrets that the number of Member States making full submissions to the EU Annual Report via disaggregated data on licences and actual exports was 21 for the 17th Annual Report and only 20 for the 18th; regrets the fact that the three main arms- exporting Member States, France, Germany and the UK, have not made full submissions;deleted

Amendment 121 #

16. Recalls that according to Article 8(2) of the Common Position, all Member States are obliged to report on their arms exports, and calls on all Member States to comply with their obligations; regrets that the number of Member States making full submissions to the EU Annual Report via disaggregated data on licences and actual exports was 21 for the 17th Annual Report and only 20 for the 18th; regrets the fact that the three main arms- exporting Member States, France, Germany and the UK, have not made full submissions;deleted

Amendment 122 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Recalls that according to Article 8(2) of the Common Position, all Member States are obliged to report on their arms exports, and calls on all Member States to comply with their obligations; regrets that the number of Member States making full submissions to the EU Annual Report via disaggregated data on licences and actual exports was 21 for the 17th Annual Report and only 20 for the 18th; ~~regrets the fact that the three main arms-exporting Member States, France, Germany and the UK, have not made full submissions;~~

Amendment 123 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Recalls that according to Article 8(2) of the Common Position, all Member States are obliged to report on their arms exports, and calls on all Member States to comply with their obligations; regrets that the number of Member States making full submissions to the EU Annual Report via disaggregated data on licences and actual exports was 21 for the 17th Annual Report and only 20 for the 18th; ~~regrets the fact that~~calls on all Member States, including the three main arms-exporting Member States, France, Germany and the UK, which have not made full submissions, to fulfil their obligations and provide a full set of data regarding their exports;

Amendment 124 #

Javier COUSO PERMUY

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Recalls that according to Article 8(2) of the Common Position, all Member States are obliged to report on their arms exports, and calls on all Member States to comply with their obligations; regrets that the number of Member States making full submissions to the EU Annual Report via disaggregated data on licences and actual exports was 21 for the 17th Annual Report and only 20 for the 18th; regrets the fact that the three main arms-exporting Member States, France, Germany and the UK, have not made full submissions and calls on them to comply with their obligations and share information with a view to its inclusion in the next annual report;

Amendment 125 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Recalls that according to Article 8(2) of the Common Position, all Member States are obliged to report on their arms exports, and calls on all Member States to comply with their obligations; regrets that the number of Member States making full submissions to the EU Annual Report via disaggregated data on licences and actual exports was 21 for the 17th Annual Report and only 20 for the 18th; ~~regrets the fact that the three main arms-exporting Member States, France, Germany and the UK, have not made full submissions;~~

Amendment 126 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Stresses the need to guarantee a more standardised and timely reporting and submission procedure, for example by setting a deadline for submitting data of no later than January following the year in which the exports took place, and by setting a fixed publication date of no later than February following the year of exports;deleted

Amendment 127 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Stresses the need to guarantee a more standardised and timely reporting and submission procedure, for example by setting a deadline for submitting data of no later than January following the year in which the exports took place, and by setting a fixed publication date of no later than February following the year of exports;

Amendment 128 #

Kati PIRI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Stresses the need to guarantee a more standardised and timely reporting and submission procedure, for example by setting a deadline for submitting data of no later than January following the year in which the exports took place, and by setting a fixed publication date of no later than February following the year of exports; with a strict deadline.

Amendment 129 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. ~~Stresses the need to guarantee~~Calls for a more standardised and timely reporting and submission procedure~~, for example~~ to be guaranteed, by setting a deadline for submitting data of no later than January following the year in which the exports took place, and by setting a fixed publication date of no later than February following the year of exports;

Amendment 13 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas some arms transfers from EU Member States to unstable and crisis- prone regions and countries were used in armed conflict or for the purposes of internal repression; whereas some of these transfers were reportedly diverted into the hands of terrorist groups, for example in Syria and Iraq;deleted

Amendment 130 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Takes the view that the Common Position should be complemented by a regularly updated, publicly accessible list, with detailed reasons, providing information on the extent to which exports to particular recipient countries are, or are not, in line with the eight criteria;

Amendment 131 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)

17b. Considers that a standardised verification and reporting system should be established to provide information as to whether, and to what extent, individual EU Member States’ exports violate the eight criteria;

Amendment 132 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 c (new)

17c. Is critical of the frequent violations of the eight criteria by various Member States; regrets that there are no mechanisms for sanctions for violation of the eight criteria by a Member State and that there are no plans to that effect; takes the view that ways and means of carrying out independent verification and mechanisms for sanctions for violations of the Common Position should be provided for;

Amendment 133 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Urges all the Member States to improve the quality of arms exports reporting; stresses that high-quality data on actual deliveries is essential for understanding how the eight criteria are applied; calls on the Member States and the EEAS to explore how to use data generated by customs authorities, including by creating specific customs codes for military goods;deleted

Amendment 134 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Urges all the Member States to ~~improve the quality of arms exports reporting~~comply fully with their reporting obligations set out in the Common Position; stresses that high-quality data on actual deliveries is essential for understanding how the eight criteria are applied; calls on the Member States and the EEAS to explore how to use data generated by customs authorities, including by creating specific customs codes for military goods;

Amendment 135 #

18. Urges all the Member States to improve the quality and comprehensiveness of arms exports reporting; stresses that high-quality data on actual deliveries is essential for understanding how the eight criteria are applied; calls on the Member States and the EEAS to explore how to use data generated by customs authorities, including by creating specific customs codes for military goods;

Amendment 136 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Urges all the Member States to improve the quality of arms exports reporting; stresses that high-quality data on actual deliveries is essential for understanding how the eight criteria are applied; calls on the Member States ~~and the EEAS~~ to explore how to use data generated by customs authorities, including by creating specific customs codes for military goods;

Amendment 137 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4

Modernising related tools and updating arrangements for preventing and controlling arms exports

Amendment 138 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)

18a. Commends the outreach efforts regarding the ATT and supports the further universalization and effective implementation of the ATT;

Amendment 139 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Urges revision of the Common Military List and the lists annexed to the Dual-Use Regulation so as to ensure full coverage of all relevant unmanned systems; recalls the European Parliament resolution of 27 February 2014 on armed drones, which called in its paragraph 2(c) for armed drones to be included in relevant arms control regimes;deleted

Amendment 14 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas some arms transfers from EU Member States to unstable and crisis- prone regions and countries were used in armed conflict or for the purposes of internal repression; whereas some of these transfers were reportedly diverted into the hands of terrorist groups, for example in Syria and Iraq; whereas, in some cases, the arms exported to certain countries, for example Saudi Arabia, have apparently been used for bloody conflicts such as that in Yemen;

Amendment 140 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Urges revision of the Common Military List and the lists annexed to the Dual-Use Regulation so as to ensure full coverage of all relevant unmanned systems; recalls the European Parliament resolution of 27 February 2014 on armed drones, which called in its paragraph 2(c) for armed drones to be included in relevant arms control regimes;deleted

Amendment 141 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. ~~Urges~~Calls on considering the revision of the Common Military List and the lists annexed to the Dual-Use Regulation so as to ensure full coverage of all relevant armed unmanned systems; recalls the European Parliament resolution of 27 February 2014 on armed drones, which called in its paragraph 2(c) for armed drones to be included in relevant arms control regimes;

Amendment 142 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Supports a more detailed examination of licensed production by third countries and stronger safeguards on the possible undesired uses of weapons produced in such circumstances; encourages the Member States to consider the third country’s attitude and status with regard to the ATT when deciding on transfers that would enhance the manufacturing and/or export capacity of that country as regards military equipment;deleted

Amendment 143 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. ~~Supports~~Encourages the Member States to undertake a more detailed examination of licensced production by third countries and ~~stronger safeguards on the possible undesired uses of weapons produced in such circumstances; encourages the Member States~~ to consider the third country’s attitude and status with regard to the ATT when deciding on transfers that would enhance the manufacturing and/or export capacity of that country as regards military equipment;

Amendment 144 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Calls on the Member States to cooperate closely with third countries that have made a formal commitment to upholding the criteria and principles of the Common Position in raising awareness of and promoting the modernisation of tools, such as the use of online tools and information sources such as web portals and newsletters, with a view to improving exchange of information and ensuring greater transparency in the granting of licences;

Amendment 145 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. States that Directive 2009/43/EC on the transfers of defence-related products within the EU should not be used in such a way as to circumvent the Common Position, in particular where spare parts and components are involved;deleted

Amendment 146 #

21. ~~States that~~Finds that the implementation of the Directive 2009/43/EC on the transfers of defence-related products within the EU should ~~not be used in such a way as to circumvent~~be in coherence with the implementation of the Common Position, in particular where spare parts and components are involved;

Amendment 147 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)

21a. Urges the Member States and the Commission to invest sufficient funds in both human resources and training programmes on sophisticated systems and alternative methods for combating and predicting all possible ways of gaining telematic access to weapons;

Amendment 148 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4 a (new)

Arms exports and Brexit

Amendment 149 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)

21b. Emphasises that once the United Kingdom has formally left the EU, the same level of control and monitoring of arms exports must be required; stresses how important it is for the United Kingdom not to water down its obligations and responsibilities to monitor arms exports so as to continue to ensure regional and international security;

Amendment 15 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas some arms transfers from EU Member States to unstable and crisis- prone regions and countries were used in armed conflict or for the purposes of internal repression; whereas some of these transfers were reportedly diverted into the hands of terrorist groups, for example in Syria and Iraq; whereas such exports are clearly violating the Common Position on Arms Exports and thus highlighting the necessity for better scrutiny and transparency;

Amendment 150 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 c (new)

21c. Recalls that the United Kingdom is free to make an official commitment to upholding the criteria and principles of the Common Position, just as neighbouring third countries have done. Stresses that in any event a dedicated system for exchanges of information between the EU27 and the United Kingdom must be negotiated;

Amendment 151 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Notes that not all EU national parliaments scrutinise governmental licensing decisions by, inter alia, producing annual arms exports reports, and that in general there is a lack of parliamentary and public oversight; points to the European Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, which encourage regular responses to the EU Annual Arms Exports Reports;deleted

Amendment 152 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Notes that not all EU national parliaments scrutinise governmental licensing decisions by, inter alia, producing annual arms exports reports, and that in general there is a lack of parliamentary and public oversight; points to the European Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, which ~~encourag~~foresee the possibility to provide regular responses to the EU Annual Arms Exports Reports;

Amendment 153 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Notes that not all EU national parliaments scrutinise governmental licensing decisions by, inter alia, producing annual arms exports reports, and ~~that in general there is a lack of~~encourages in this regard to generally increase the parliamentary and public oversight; points to the European Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, which encourage regular responses to the EU Annual Arms Exports Reports;

Amendment 154 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Welcomes regular consultations with civil society as central to meaningful transparency; calls on COARM, all the Member States and the EEAS to enhance dialogue with civil society; encourages civil society and academia to exercise independent scrutiny of the arms trade, and calls on the Member States and the EEAS to support such activities, including by financial means;deleted

Amendment 155 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Welcomes regular consultations with civil society as central to meaningful transparency; calls on COARM, all the Member States and the EEAS to enhance dialogue with civil society; encourages civil society and academia to exercise independent scrutiny of the arms trade, and calls on the Member States and the EEAS to support such activities, including by financial means; stresses, however, the need for civil society controls to be free of political considerations that are not related to the protection of human rights and may hamper the process of arms exports;

Amendment 156 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Welcomes regular consultations with national parliaments, legitimate national control bodies and civil society as central to meaningful transparency; calls on COARM, all the Member States and the EEAS to enhance ~~dialogue with civil society; encourag~~these consultations; encourages national parliaments, legitimate national control bodies, civil society and academia to exercise independent scrutiny of the arms trade, and calls on the Member States and the EEAS to support such activities~~, including by financial means~~;

Amendment 157 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Welcomes regular consultations with ~~civil society as central to meaningful~~national parliaments, industry associations and civil society in order to increase the level of transparency; calls on COARM, all the Member States and the EEAS to enhance dialogue with civil society; encourages civil society and academia to exercise independent scrutiny of the arms trade, and calls on the Member States and the EEAS to support such activities, including by financial means;

Amendment 16 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas some arms transfers from EU Member States to unstable and crisis- prone regions and countries ~~wer~~could be used in armed conflict or for the purposes of internal repression; ~~whereas some of these transfers were reportedly diverted into the hands of terrorist groups, for example in Syria and Iraq;~~

Amendment 17 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas some arms transfers from EU Member States to unstable and crisis- prone regions and countries were used in armed conflict or for ~~the purposes of~~ internal repression; whereas some of these transfers were reportedly diverted into the hands of terrorist groups, for example in Syria and Iraq;

Amendment 18 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)

Ea. whereas there is no standardised verification and reporting system providing information as to whether, and to what extent, individual Member States’ exports violate the eight criteria, and whereas there are no sanctions mechanisms, either, should a Member State engage in exports which are clearly not compatible with the eight criteria;

Amendment 19 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)

Ea. whereas the victims of violence come from a diverse background, an extremely wide majority of the perpetrators are men;

Amendment 2 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 5

— having regard to the updated Common Military List of the European Union adopted by the Council on ~~9 February~~6 March 20155 75a, _________________ 5a OJ C 1097, ~~9.4~~28.03.20147, p. 1.

Amendment 20 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)

Eb. whereas investigations by the Bonn International Conversion Centre (BICC) have revealed that in Germany alone in 2015, for example, 4 256 arms export licences were issued for exports to 83 countries, that were rated problematic with a view to the Common Position on Arms Exports1a; _________________ 1a2016 report on arms exports, Gemeinsame Konferenz Kirche und Entwicklung (GKKE) (Joint Conference on Church and Development), p. 54.

Amendment 21 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas both the global and regional security environment has dramatically changed, especially with regard to the Union’s southern and eastern neighbourhood, and this highlights the urgent need to improve methodologies with regard to producing information for export licensing risk assessments and to make them more secure;

Amendment 22 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)

Fa. whereas the security policies of Member States often are focused on national and military issues, the gender sensitive aspects of security, that of the personal integrity and personal freedom, are the most important and in acute need to be addressed and resolved;

Amendment 23 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)

Fa. whereas risk prevention in conflict situations is more effective than risk control, and whereas action to combat social exclusion, eradicate poverty and promote intercultural dialogue helps maintain stability and security;

Amendment 24 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)

Fa. whereas some Member States have recently signed strategic agreements on military cooperation including transfers of large quantities and high quality military technology with non-democratic countries in the MENA region;

Amendment 25 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)

Fb. whereas, as enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty, eradicating poverty is the primary objective of EU development policy, and whereas this is also one of the priorities of the EU's external action in seeking to build a more stable and prosperous world; whereas supplying weapons to countries in conflict, as well as enabling the spread of violence, curtails those countries' development potential;

Amendment 26 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G

~~G. whereas the industrial landscape of defence in Europe is characterised by overcapacities, duplications and fragmentation, which consequently encourages expansive export policies;~~deleted

Amendment 27 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G

G. whereas the industrial landscape of defence in Europe is characterised by overcapacities, duplications and fragmentation, which consequently encourages expansive export policies; whereas this problem can only successfully be addressed by developing a comprehensive strategy for the conversion of military companies into firms manufacturing civilian products;

Amendment 28 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G

G. whereas the industrial landscape of defence in Europe is ~~characterised by overcapacities, duplications and f~~a sector of key importance and is, at the same time, characterised by fragmentation and by the duplication of certain progragmme~~ntation, which consequently encourage~~s and research activities in this field, which can act as an incentive towards expansive export policies;

Amendment 29 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G

G. whereas the industrial landscape of defence in Europe is characterised by overcapacities, duplications and fragmentation, which ~~consequently encourages~~has led to expan~~sive~~ding export policies;

Amendment 3 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)

- having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/2309 of 10 December 2015 on the promotion of effective arms export controls,1 a _________________ 1a O JL 326, 11.12.2015, p. 56

Amendment 30 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G

G. whereas the industrial landscape of defence in Europe is characterised by ~~overcapacities,~~ duplications and fragmentation, which ~~consequently encourages expansive export policies~~acts as a brake on the competitiveness of the defence industry;

Amendment 31 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)

Ga. whereas the defence industry is of considerable economic importance in Europe, with an overall turnover of EUR 100 billion per annum, and provides employment, directly and indirectly, for 1.4 million workers in Europe;

Amendment 32 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital H

H. whereas the European Parliament resolution of 25 February 2016 on the humanitarian situation in Yemen called on the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission to launch an initiative to impose an EU arms embargo on Saudi Arabia;deleted

Amendment 33 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital H

H. whereas the European Parliament resolution of 25 February 2016 on the humanitarian situation in Yemen called on the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission to launch an initiative to impose an EU arms embargo on Saudi Arabia;deleted

Amendment 34 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)

Ha. whereas the situation in Yemen has since further deteriorated also due to military action carried out by the Saudi- led coalition; whereas some Member States have stopped providing arms to Saudi-Arabia because of its actions in Yemen while others have continued supplying military technology contrary to criteria 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8;

Amendment 35 #

I. whereas the European Parliament resolution of 14 December 2016 on the Annual Report on human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter 2015 stressed that human rights as a criteria for export licences are a priority, and called on the Member States to agree to move towards a more modern, flexible and human rights-based export policy, especially in relation to countries with proven track records of violent internal repression and human rights violations;deleted

Amendment 36 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital I

I. whereas the European Parliament resolution of 14 December 2016 on the Annual Report on human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter 2015 stressed that human rights ~~as a criteria for export licences ar~~should be a priority, and called on the Member States to agree to move towards a more modern, flexible and human rights- based export policy, especially in relation to countries with proven track records of violent internal repression and human rights violations;

Amendment 37 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)

Ia. whereas militarism and military technology do not create long-term, sustainable and real peace, and that military investments take resources from social investments, as increased military budgets will reduce welfare investments;

Amendment 38 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)

Ib. Encourages Member States to implement policies that aim to build societies free from violence of any kind;

Amendment 39 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that states have the legitimate right to acquire military technology for the purposes of self-defence; recalls that one of the motivations behind the establishment of the Common Position was to prevent European weaponry from being used against Member States’ armed forces; ~~reiterates~~stresses the right of the Member States to proceed in accordance with their own national policies in compliance with international law; notes, however, that the eight criteria are often interpreted and implemented unevenly across the EU Member States in terms of rigour and effectiveness; reiterates, therefore, that the Common Position is a legally binding framework that sets minimum requirements which Member States have to apply in the field of arms export controls, and that it includes the obligation to assess a request for an export licence against all eight criteria listed in it;

Amendment 4 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 b (new)

- having regard to Council Decision 2013/768/CFSP of 16 December 2013 on EU activities in support of the implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty, in the framework of the European Security Strategy,1 a _________________ 1a OJ L 341, 18.12.2013, p.56

Amendment 40 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that states have the legitimate right to acquire military technology for the purposes of self-defence; underlines that maintaining and strengthening a defence industry serves as part of the self-defence of the Member States and collectively as of the EU; recalls that one of the motivations behind the establishment of the Common Position was to prevent European weaponry from being used against Member States’ armed forces; reiterates that the Common Position is a legally binding framework that sets minimum requirements which Member States have to apply in the field of arms export controls, and that it includes the obligation to assess a request for an export licence against all eight criteria listed in it;

Amendment 41 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that states have the legitimate right to acquire military technology for the purposes of self-defence; recalls that one of the motivations behind the establishment of the Common Position was to prevent European weaponry from being used against Member States’ armed forces, as well as to prevent human rights abuses or the prolongation of (internal) armed conflict; reiterates that the Common Position is a legally binding framework that sets minimum requirements which Member States have to apply in the field of arms export controls, and that it includes the obligation to assess a request for an export licence against all eight criteria listed in it;

Amendment 42 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Notes that states have the legitimate right to acquire military technology for the purposes of self- defence; r~~Recalls that one of the motivations behind the establishment of the Common Position was to prevent European weaponry from being used against Member States’ armed forces; reiterates that the Common Position is a legally binding framework that sets minimum requirements which Member States have to apply in the field of arms export controls, and that it includes the obligation to assess a request for an export licence against all eight criteria listed in it;

Amendment 43 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that states have the legitimate right to acquire military technology for the purposes of self-defence; recalls that one of the motivations behind the establishment of the Common Position was to prevent European weaponry from being used against Member States’ armed forces; reiterates that the Common Position is a legally binding framework that ~~sets~~is able to set only minimum requirements which Member States have to apply in the field of arms export controls, and ~~that it~~ includes the obligation to assess a request for an export licence against all eight criteria listed in it;

Amendment 44 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that states have the legitimate right to acquire military technology for the purposes of self-defence; recalls that one of the motivations behind the establishment of the Common Position was to prevent European weaponry from being used against Member States’ armed forces; reiterates that the Common Position is a ~~legally~~ binding framework that sets minimum requirements which Member States have to apply in the field of arms export controls, and that it includes the obligation to assess a request for an export licence against all eight criteria listed in it;

Amendment 45 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Notes that the defence industry and the yet to be developed European Defence Technological and Industrial Base should serve as one instrument for guaranteeing the security and defence of Member States, Union citizens and a reinforced CFSP/CSDP; reiterates that Article 10 of the Common Position states that considerations of economic, commercial and industrial interests by Member States shall not affect the application of the eight criteria regulating arms exports;

Amendment 46 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Underlines that European defence technological and industrial base contributes to the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy, in particular the Common Security and Defence Policy;

Amendment 47 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Acknowledges that most of the arms in the hands of insurgents and terrorist groups have come from non- European sources, primarily Russia and China;

Amendment 48 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. ~~Stress~~Observes, however, that military technology ihas be~~ing exported to non- eligible destinations and end users~~en transferred to destinations and end users that do not meet the criteria of the Common Position; believes that it is time to launch a process leading to a mechanism which sanctions those Member States which do not comply with the Common Position; is alarmed at arms races and at the fact that military approaches to solve political conflict and turmoil are increasingly prioritised over diplomatic and other non- violent approaches, such as conflict prevention;

Amendment 49 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. ~~Stress~~Notes, however, that military technology is sometimes being exported to non- eligible destinations and end users; is alarmed at arms races and at the fact that military approaches to solve political conflict and turmoil are increasingly prioritised over diplomatic and other non- violent approaches, such as conflict prevention;

Amendment 5 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 c (new)

- having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/915 of 29 May 2017 on Union outreach activities in support of the implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty,1 a _________________ 1a OJ L 139, 30.5.2017, p. 38

Amendment 50 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. ~~Stresses, however, that military technology is being exported to non- eligible destinations and end users; is~~ is alarmed at arms races and at the fact that military approaches to solve political conflict and turmoil are increasingly prioritised over diplomatic and other non- violent approaches, such as conflict prevention;

Amendment 51 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. ~~Stress~~Notes, however, that military technology ~~is being exported to~~has reached non- eligible destinations and end users; is alarmed at arms races and at the fact that military approaches to solve political conflict and turmoil are increasingly prioritised over diplomatic and other non- violent approaches, such as conflict preventionunderlines that conflicts should be solved by diplomatic means as a priority;

Amendment 52 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Stresses~~, however, that military technology is being exported to non- eligible destina~~ that some Member States have strategic capacities in the field of arms productions and end users; is alarmed at arms races and at the fact that military approaches to solve political conflict and turmoil are increasingly prioritised over diplomatic and other non- violent approaches, such as conflict preventionxports that are a matter of sovereignty; emphasises that by extenuating these arms exports, the EU would be undermining the security and defence capabilities of Europe as a whole;

Amendment 53 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Stresses, however, that military technology is being exported to non- eligible destinations and end users, unfortunately, without the EU being able to prevent this development; is alarmed at arms races and at the fact that military approaches to solve political conflict and turmoil are increasingly prioritised over diplomatic and other non- violent approaches, such as conflict prevention;

Amendment 54 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Stresses, however, that military technology is being exported to non- eligible destinations and end users; is alarmed at arms races and at the fact that military approaches to solve political conflict and turmoil are increasingly prioritised over diplomatic and other non- violent approaches, such as conflict preventionRecognises that the EU has a very strong arms export control regime that all EU Member States are signatories to the UN Arms Trade Treaty; calls for universalisation of the Treaty and for more focus on those countries that are not signatories, including Russia and China;

Amendment 55 #

Kati PIRI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Stresses, however, that military technology is being exported to non- eligible destinations and end users; is ~~alarmed at arms races and at the fact that military approaches to solv~~concerned that the proli~~tical conflict and turmoil are increasingly prioritised over diplomatic and other non- violent approaches, such as conflict prevention;~~feration of weapon systems in wartime and in situations with significant political tension, may disproportionately affect civilians.

Amendment 56 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Demands the strict application of the Common Position 2008/944/CFSP regarding EU arms production permits for non-EU producers, producing outside EU territory;

Amendment 57 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Urges the Member States and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to significantly improve the consistency of the implementation of the Common Position in order to enhance the security of civilians who are suffering because of conflict and human rights abuses in third countries, ~~as well as~~ the security of the Union and its citizens and a level playing field for EU companies; stresses in this regard, that a consistent implementation of the Common Position is essential for the EU’s credibility as a values-based global actor;

Amendment 58 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Urges the Member States and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to significantly improve the consistency of the implementation of the Common Position in order to enhance the security of civilians who are suffering because of conflict and human rights abuses in third countries, as well as the security of the Union and its citizens; and to significantly reduce or eliminate the likelihood that similar situations will recur in the future;

Amendment 59 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Urges the Member States ~~and the European External Action Service (EEAS)~~ to significantly improve the consistency of the implementation of the Common Position in order to enhance the security of civilians who are suffering because of conflict and human rights abuses in third countries, as well as the security of the ~~Union and its~~ir citizens;

Amendment 6 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)

- having regard to its resolution on private security companies of XXX 2017,

Amendment 60 #

Kati PIRI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Urges the Member States and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to significantly improve the consistency of the implementation of the Common Position in order to enhance the security of civilians who are suffering because of conflict and human rights abuses in third countries~~, as well as the security of the Union and its citizens;~~.

Amendment 61 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Welcomes that Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Georgia, Iceland, Macedonia, Montenegro and Norway have aligned themselves with the criteria and principles of the Common Position and by that pursue also further alignment with CFSP and CSDP; calls on EEAS to encourage especially European countries to align with the Common Position to ensure a securer wider European area;

Amendment 62 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Calls on the Member States and the EEAS to cooperate closely to prevent risks arising from the diverting and stockpiling of weapons, such as illegal arms trafficking and smuggling; stresses the risk of weapons exported to third countries re-entering the EU via arms smuggling and trafficking;

Amendment 63 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Believes that the export licensing risk assessment methodology should incorporate a precautionary principle and that Member States which focus on whether specific military technology might be used for internal repression or other undesired ends (functional approach) should also consider assessing risks based on the overall situation in the country of destination (principled approach);deleted

Amendment 64 #

Eugen FREUND

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Believes that the export licensing risk assessment methodology should incorporate a precautionary principle and that Member States which focus on whether specific military technology might be used for internal repression or other undesired ends (functional approach) should also consider assessing risks based on the overall situation in the country of destination (principled approach); demands that, in the case of arms exports from countries of the European Union, care should also be taken to ensure that the ultimate purpose for which the arms will be used is consistent with the strategic objectives of the European Union and that the principles of the neutrality of European Member States will not thereby be infringed;

Amendment 65 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Believes that the export licensing risk assessment methodology should incorporate a precautionary principle and that Member States ~~which focus on~~, in addition to assessing whether specific military technology might be used for internal repression or other undesired ends (functional approach), should also ~~consider~~ assess~~ing~~ risks based on the overall situation in the country of destination (principled approach);

Amendment 66 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Believes that the export licensing risk assessment methodology should incorporate a precautionary principle and that Member States which focus on whether specific military technology might be used for internal repression irresponsible diplomacy pursued by certain Western States and the EU (support for Islamists in Syria, Libya and Turkey, etc.) works in favour of diversions of arms shipments; calls therefore for othe~~r undesire~~ direct and eind~~s (functional approach) should also consider assessing risks based on the overall situ~~irect costs of that diplomacy to be assessed, as these are doubtless greater than the lack of harmonisation sin ~~the country of destination (principled approach)~~ce, in line with the principle of subsidiarity, arms exporting companies are solely the concern of their states;

Amendment 67 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Asks the Member States and the EEAS to develop a dedicated strategy to provide formal protection to whistleblowers reporting practices by organisations and companies in the weapons industry that breach the criteria and principles set out in the Common Position; stresses that procedures concerning the granting of export licences place particular pressure on whistleblowers; emphasises that whistleblowers should receive a specific status and protection given the risks they run in reporting wrongdoing, within the general legal framework for their protection;

Amendment 68 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Takes the view that the real problem is the approximate implementation and inconsistent interpretation of the Common Position by the Member States and considers it crucial, therefore, that a uniform and ambitious implementation of the eight criteria be promoted; notes, in this regard, that there are no sanctions mechanisms in case of infringement of the criteria, and considers it advisable to make provision for arrangements to conduct independent checks, in addition to sanctions mechanisms where the Common Position is infringed;

Amendment 69 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Stresses the importance of coherence between all the Unions export control regimes, especially as regards the interpretation of the control criteria; reiterates also the importance of coherence between export control and other foreign policy instruments, as well as trade instruments, such as the Generalised System of Preferences and the Conflict Minerals Regulation;

Amendment 7 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital –A (new)

-A. whereas once violence, by weapons or by other means, has occurred, the state has failed its first and foremost human rights duty of protecting its citizens;

Amendment 70 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Notes the extreme security liability for the Union arising from the absence of a stronger support and commitment from the European Union on the decommissioning of the many arms stockpiles still existing in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania or Ukraine;

Amendment 71 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Recalls that the development of defence equipment is an important tool for strengthening the industrial and technological base of European defence and believes that the defence industry should serve as an instrument for implementing a strengthened CSDP;

Amendment 72 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Notes the Common Position is unrestricted in scope and, accordingly, the eight criteria apply also to exports within the EU and to arms transfers to countries closely associated with the EU;

Amendment 73 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)

4b. Reiterates the detrimental effect that the uncontrolled export of cyber- surveillance technologies by EU companies can have on the security of the EU’s digital infrastructure and on human rights; stresses in this regard, the importance of a rapid, effective and comprehensive update of the EU’s dual- use regulation and calls upon the Council to keep an ambitious timeline on this issue;

Amendment 74 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Reiterates its call to the VP/HR to launch an initiative aimed at imposing an EU arms embargo against countries that are accused of serious allegations of breaches of international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure; stresses once again that the continued licensing of weapons sales to such countries constitutes a breach of the Common Position;

Amendment 75 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)

5b. Deplores that arms are being supplied to Egypt in contravention of both the criteria of the Common Position and the 2013 Council conclusions;

Amendment 76 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Notes that according to the Annual Reports, criterion 2 was invoked 72 times for denials in 2014 and 89 times in 2015; deplores the fact that the data reveal the lack of a common approach to the situation in Syria, Iraq and Yemen in particular; ~~encourages~~calls on the Member States and the EEAS to embark on a discussion on the extension of criterion 2 to include democratic governance indicators, as such assessment criteria could help establish further safeguards against the unintended negative consequences of exportsnsure consistent and strict application of criterion 2; believes, furthermore, that a more principled approach to risk assessment would focus on overall respect of international humanitarian and human rights law by the recipient;

Amendment 77 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Notes that according to the Annual Reports, criterion 2 was invoked 72 times for denials in 2014 and 89 times in 2015; deplores the fact that the data reveal the lack of a common approach to the situation in Syria, Iraq and Yemen in particular; encourages the Member States ~~and the EEAS~~ to embark on a discussion on the extension of criterion 2 to include democratic governance indicators, as such assessment criteria could help establish further safeguards against the unintended negative consequences of exports; believes, furthermore, that a more principled approach to risk assessment would focus on overall respect of international humanitarian and human rights law by the recipient;

Amendment 78 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Believes that exports to Saudi- Arabia are non-compliant with at least criterion two regarding the country's involvement in grave breaches of humanitarian law as established by competent UN authorities; re-iterates its call from 26 February 2016 on the urgent need to impose an arms embargo against Saudi-Arabia;

Amendment 79 #

Vincent PEILLON

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Notes that according to the Annual Reports, criterion 3 was invoked 99 times for denials in 2014 and 139 times in 2015; stresses the need, within the context of criterion 3, to assess recent arms transfers by Member States to non-state actors, including the provision of technical assistance and training, in light of the 2002 Joint Action 2002/589/CFSP on the European Union’s contribution to combating the destabilising accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons (SALW); ~~recalls that the Joint Action states that no SALW should be transferred by Member States to non-state actors;~~

Amendment 8 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital –A (new)

-A. whereas there is the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence according to the Art. 51 of the Charter of the UN;

Amendment 80 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Notes that according to the Annual Reports, criterion 3 was invoked 99 times for denials in 2014 and 139 times in 2015; stresses the need, within the context of criterion 3, to assess recent arms transfers by Member States to non-state actors of other countries, including the provision of technical assistance and training, in light of the 2002 Joint Action 2002/589/CFSP on the European Union’s contribution to combating the destabilising accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons (SALW); recalls that the Joint Action states that no SALW should be transferred by Member States to non-state actors;

Amendment 81 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Notes that according to the Annual Reports, criterion 4 was invoked 57 times for denials in 2014 and 85 times in 2015; deplores the fact that military technology exported by the Member States is being used in the conflict in Yemen; urges the Member States to comply with the Common Position in a consistent manner on the basis of a thorough long-term risk assessment;deleted

Amendment 82 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Notes that according to the Annual Reports, criterion 4 was invoked 57 times for denials in 2014 and 85 times in 2015; ~~deplores the fact that military technology exported by the Member States is being used in the conflict in Yemen;~~ urges the Member States to comply with the Common Position in a consistent manner on the basis of a thorough long- term risk assessment;

Amendment 83 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Notes that according to the Annual Reports, criterion 4 was invoked 57 times for denials in 2014 and 85 times in 2015; ~~deplores the fact that military technology exported by the Member States is being used in the conflict in Yemen;~~ urges the Member States to comply with the Common Position in a consistent manner on the basis of a thorough long- term risk assessment;

Amendment 84 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Notes that according to the Annual Reports, criterion 4 was invoked 57 times for denials in 2014 and 85 times in 2015; deplores the fact that military technology exported by the Member States is being used in the conflict in Yemen; urges the Member States to comply with the ~~Common Position in a consistent manner on the basis of a thorough long-term risk assessment~~criterion concerning respect for the preservation of peace and security, as one of the cornerstones of the Common Position 2008/944/CFSP;

Amendment 85 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Notes that according to the Annual Reports, criterion 5 was invoked 7 times for denials in 2014 and 16 times in 2015; recalls that this criterion refers to the security interests of Member States and allied nations, while recognising that these interests cannot affect considerations of the criteria on respect for human rights and on regional peace, security and stability;

Amendment 86 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Notes that according to the Annual Reports, criterion 6 was invoked 6 times for denials in 2014, while no denial was notified for 2015; expresses its concern over reports of the diversion of arms exports by Member States to non-state actors, including terrorist groups, and warns that these weapons could be used against civilians, within and outside of EU territory; reiterates the importance of tighter controls over such arms exports in order to honour international commitments concerning the fight against terrorism and organised crime;

Amendment 87 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Is concerned about possible diversions of exports to Saudi-Arabia and Qatar to armed non-states actors in both Syria and Iraq who commit serious violations of human rights law and humanitarian law and calls on COARM to address the matter with urgency;

Amendment 88 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Notes that according to the Annual Reports, criterion 7 was invoked 117 times for denials in 2014 and 149 times in 2015; ~~expresses its concern, inter alia, over the alleged diversions of exports of SALW from European countries to Syria, Iraq, Yemen and elsewhere;~~ points to the urgent need to base assessments of the risk of diversion on more than just an acceptance of commitments made by a recipient state in an end-user certificate; highlights the need for effective mechanisms of post- shipment controls to ensure that arms are not being re-exported to unauthorised end users; highlights the potential role that the EEAS could play in supporting Member States’ efforts in this area;

Amendment 89 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Notes that according to the Annual Reports, criterion 7 was invoked 117 times for denials in 2014 and 149 times in 2015; expresses its concern, inter alia, over the alleged diversions of exports of SALW from European countries to certain destinations from which these exports were diverted in order to supply non-state actors and other end-uses non-compliant with the Common Position in countries such as Syria, Iraq, Yemen and ~~elsewhere~~South Sudan; points to the urgent need to base assessments of the risk of diversion on more than just an acceptance of commitments made by a recipient state in an end-user certificate; highlights the need for effective mechanisms of post- shipment controls to ensure that arms are not being re-exported to unauthorised end users; highlights the potential role that the EEAS could play in supporting Member States’ efforts in this area;

Amendment 9 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)

Aa. whereas arms exports and transfers have an impact on human security, human rights, democracy, good governance and socio-economic development; whereas arms exports also contribute to circumstances, forcing people to flee from their countries; whereas this necessitates a strict, transparent, effective and commonly accepted and defined arms control system;

Amendment 90 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Notes that according to the Annual Reports, criterion 7 was invoked 117 times for denials in 2014 and 149 times in 2015; expresses its concern, inter alia, over the alleged diversions of exports of SALW from European countries to Syria, Iraq, Yemen and elsewhere; points to the urgent need to base assessments of the risk of diversion on more than just an acceptance of commitments made by a recipient state in an end-user certificate; highlights the need for effective mechanisms of post- shipment controls to ensure that arms are not being re-exported to unauthorised end users; ~~highlights the potential role that the EEAS could play in supporting Member States’ efforts in this area;~~

Amendment 91 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Notes that according to the Annual Reports, criterion 7 was invoked 117 times for denials in 2014 and 149 times in 2015; expresses its concern, inter alia, over the alleged diversions of exports of SALW from European countries to Syria, Iraq, Yemen and elsewhere; points to the urgent need to base assessments of the risk of diversion on more than just an acceptance of commitments made by a recipient state in an end-user certificate; highlights the need for effective mechanisms of post- shipment controls to ensure that arms are not being re-exported to unauthorised end users; ~~highlights the potential role that the EEAS could play in supporting Member States’ efforts in this area;~~

Amendment 92 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Calls on the Member States and the EEAS to add a new criterion to the Common Position in order to ensure that, when granting authorisations, due account is taken of the risk of corruption concerning the relevant exports;

Amendment 93 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Calls on the Member States and the EEAS to improve consistency in the implementation of the Common Position by making available qualitatively and quantitatively better information for export licensing risk assessments based on a secured and extensive digitalisation of the current system, as follows: a) providing more information on export licences and actual exports shared systematically and in a timely manner, including on end users of concern, cases of diversion, end-user certificates that are forged or otherwise of concern, and suspect brokers or transport companies; b) maintaining a list of entities and individuals convicted of violating arms export-related legislation, of cases of identified diversion, and of persons who are known or suspected to be involved in illegal arms trading or in activities that pose a threat to international security; c) sharing the best practices adopted for implementing the eight criteria; d) developing a secure IT system for sharing information on export license denials in real time; e) turning the User’s Guide into an online resource, including by adding links to publicly available information; f) turning the EU Annual Report into a searchable online database by the end of 2018, with the new format to be applied to the 2016 data;deleted

Amendment 94 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – introductory part

13. Calls on the ~~Member States and the EEAS to improve consistency in the implement~~EU to recognise that the field of arms exports should be viewed as a sovereign matter for states and one which raises issues of state security; notes that this highly sensitive information of, the ~~Common Position by making available qua~~disclosure of which constitutes high treason, can serve as a means of destabilitsati~~vely and quantitatively better information for export licensing risk assessments based on a secured and ext~~on - especially when in the hands of EU representatives who do not share the same strategic interests and answer to external powers; recognises that the Member States have the right and obligation to keep that sensitive d~~igitalisation~~ata to themselves, in the interests of the secur~~rent system, as follows:~~ ity of their citizens and enterprises;

Amendment 95 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point a

a) providing more information on export licences and actual exports shared systematically and in a timely manner, including on end users of concern, cases of diversion, end-user certificates that are forged or otherwise of concern, and suspect brokers or transport companies, in accordance with domestic laws and administrative procedure;

Amendment 96 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point β

(b) maintaining a list of entities and individuals convicted of violating arms export-related legislation, of cases of identified diversion, and of persons who are known or suspected to be involved in illegal arms trading or in activities that pose a threat to international security; in order to prevent their participation in similar activities in future;

Amendment 97 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point b

(b) maintaining a list of entities and individuals convicted of violating arms export-related legislation, of cases of identified diversion, and of persons who are known or suspected to be involved in illegal arms trading or in activities that pose a threat to international and national security;

Amendment 98 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point b a (new)

(ba) drawing up a, regularly updated, 'whitelist' of third countries complying with the necessary criteria in the Common Position;

Amendment 99 #