Vol. 529 No. 1
103 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he favours a strengthening of the EU Code of Conduct on arms transfer; if such a matter was discussed at the Nice Summit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2231/01]
As I stated in the House on 28 November last, the implementation of the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports reflects progress towards strengthened co-operation and harmonisation between member states in the field of conventional arms exports.
The code is a significant instrument in the area of conventional arms exports. It signals a strong political commitment to harmonisation of arms exports policies to ensure that the agreed criteria in respect of arms exports are applied consistently throughout the Union.
The code has now been in force for three years. Its implementation is being strengthened through an ongoing and regular consultation process between Union partners. This process has already borne fruit. Last June, a common list of military equipment to be subjected to export controls was agreed by the partners. This was incorporated into Irish law by the Control of Exports Order, 2000. Most recently, a common list of non-military equipment to be controlled for human rights reasons has been completed in line with criterion two of the code. Two annual reports on the implementation of the code have been prepared and made public. The second report underscored the continuing evolution towards harmonisation and eventual convergence of member states arms export policies.
While the code itself was not on the agenda at Nice, all questions relating to its implementation and further development are considered by the General Affairs Council as required.
