Division 1 Objectives

The objectives of this Decision are to promote improved controls on arms transfers by third countries and to support third countries' efforts, at national and regional levels, to render international trade in conventional weapons more responsible and transparent, and to mitigate the risk of the diversion of arms to unauthorised users. Where relevant, those objectives should include the promotion of the principles and criteria set out in Common Position 2008/944/CFSP and in the ATT. Those objectives should be pursued in seeking, where appropriate, complementarity and synergies with the Union's assistance projects in the field of export controls on dual-use goods.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the Union should continue to promote the standards of Common Position 2008/944/CFSP, building on the achievements reached through the implementation of Decision (CFSP) 2015/2309, Decisions 2012/711/CFSP and 2009/1012/CFSP, and Joint Action 2008/230/CFSP. For that purpose, assistance should be provided to beneficiary third countries for the drafting, updating and implementation, as appropriate, of relevant legislative and administrative measures that support an effective system of conventional arms transfer controls. Support should also be provided regarding the assessment and mitigation of the risk of arms diversion.

Support should also be given to the training of licensing and enforcement officers responsible for the implementation and enforcement of arms transfer controls, and to national and regional measures promoting transparency and appropriate scrutiny over exports of conventional weapons. Furthermore, contacts with the private sector and compliance with relevant national legal and administrative provisions that regulate the transfer of arms should be promoted.