2012/2303(INI) | [ParlTrack]

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas arms exports can have inter alia a considerable impact not only on security, but also on development, ~~and must~~ therefore ~~be at the very least embedded within a strict arms control system operating with maximum effectiveness~~it is important to strengthen the European Union's export control policy for military technology and equipment;

Amendment 100 #

Sampo TERHO, Anneli JÄÄTTEENMÄKI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Regrets the fact that there is no possibility of having compliance with the eight criteria independently verified, that there are no mechanisms for sanc~~Calls on the Member States and the HR/VP to seek for a homogenous and ambitionus ~~for viol~~application of the eight criteria by all Member State~~, and that there are no plans to that effect;~~ s; calls on the Member Staktes ~~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~~and the HR/VP to also promote much higher levels of transparency by publishing more timely complete sets of data on arms exports of all Member States;

Amendment 101 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Regrets the fact that there is no possibility of having compliance with the eight criteria independently verified, that there are no ~~mechanisms for sanction~~consequences 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~~of violations of the Common Position should be provided for;

Amendment 102 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Regret~~Notes the fact that there is no possibility of having compliance with the eight criteria independently verified, 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 103 #

Tarja CRONBERG, Indrek TARAND

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Regrets the fact that there is no possibility of having compliance with the eight criteria independently verified, 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 via parliamentary (supervisory) committees or civil society organisations/initiatives and mechanisms for sanctions for violations of the Common Position should be provided for;

Amendment 104 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Deplores the decision of the French government to export Mistral battleships to Russia despite its recent invasion of Georgia, violation of the six-point peace plan thereafter and the general Human Rights situation in Russia;

Amendment 105 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Maintains that the Common Position and compliance therewith must not be at variance with the EU’s common foreign policy and calls for arms export control to be brought up to date; considers that it is up to the Member States and the High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy to make the Common Position more coherent;

Amendment 106 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Welcomes adoption by the Council of the updated version of the Wassenaar Arrangement Munitions List, in which all the 2011 changes to the munitions list are taken into account; calls on the Council also to adopt the most recent changes made in 2011 to, inter alia, ~~the List of Dual-Use Goods~~by updating the annexes of EU Regulation 1232/2011 and agreed by an experts group in December 2012;

Amendment 107 #

Krzysztof LISEK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

Amendment 108 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

Amendment 109 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Calls on the Member States, with regard to export controls and application of the eight criteria, to pay greater attention to ~~goods which may be used for both civilian and military purposes, such as surveillance~~all military technology, and ~~similarly to spare parts and products suitable for use in cyber warfare or for non-lethal human rights abuses~~equipment as mentioned in the common position 288/944/CFSP;

Amendment 11 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas arms exports can have inter alia a considerable impact not only on security, but also on development, and must therefore be at the very least embedded within a ~~strict~~commonly accepted and defined arms control system operating with maximum effectiveness, protecting both the interests of the private and public sectors;

Amendment 110 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Calls on the Member States, with regard to export controls and application of the eight criteria, to pay greater attention to goods which may be used for both civilian and military purposes, ~~such as surveillance technology, and similarly to spare parts and products suitable for use in cyber warfare or~~while noting that in the case of sever human rights and democracy problems, virtually any technological exports could be used against the principles of the Code, therefore making the identification of a particular dangerous profile of buyer at least as important as the means of control for ~~non-~~the lethal ~~human rights abuses~~technology itself;

Amendment 111 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Calls furthermore for the eight criteria to be extended and applied also to the transfer of military, security and police personnel, to arms-exports-related services, know-how and training, and to private military and security services; calls for it to be made mandatory - where security technology and, in general, dual- use goods are to be exported - for compatibility with the eight criteria to be verified;deleted

Amendment 112 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Calls furthermore for the eight criteria to be extended and applied also to the transfer of military, security and police personnel, to arms-exports-related services, know-how and training, and to private military and security services; calls for it to be made mandatory - where security technology and, in general, dual- use goods are to be exported - for compatibility with the eight criteria to be verifiedto better apply the criteria of the common position 2008/944/CFSP before suggesting new ones;

Amendment 113 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Calls furthermore for the eight criteria to be extended and applied also to the transfer of military, security and police personnel, to arms-exports-related services, know-how and training, and to private military and securityProposes that the eight criteria be applied also to arms-exports-related services; calls for it to be made mandatory – where security technology and, in general, dual- use goods are to be exported – for compatibility with the eight criteria to be verified;

Amendment 114 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. ~~Calls furthermore for the eight criteria to be extended and applied~~Suggests to explore the possibility of applying and extending the eight criteria, within the provisions of the Common Position, also to the transfer of military, and security ~~and police~~ personnel, to arms-exports- related services~~, know-how and training,~~ and to private military ~~and security~~ services; calls for it to be made mandatory - where ~~security technology and, in general, dual-use goods~~dual-use goods and technology are to be exported - for compatibility with the eight criteria to be verified, if there are reasons for believing that the exports of such goods and technology would breach one of the eight criteria;

Amendment 115 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Calls furthermore for the eight criteria to be extended and applied also to the transfer of military, security and police personnel, to arms-exports-related services, know-how and training, and to private military and security services; ~~calls for it to be made mandatory - where security technology and, in general, dual-use goods are to be exported - for compatibility with the eight criteria to be verified;~~

Amendment 116 #

Arnaud DANJEAN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Calls furthermore for the eight criteria to be extended and applied also to the transfer of military, security and police personnel, to arms-exports-related services, know-how and training, and to private military and security services; ~~calls for it to be made mandatory -~~ where security technology and, in general, dual- use goods are to be exported -, calls for compatibility with the eight criteria to be verified;

Amendment 117 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Recalls that under the Common Position, Member States are to use their best endeavours to encourage other States which export military technology or equipment to apply the criteria of the Common Position; regrets that none of the countries of the EU's Neighbourhood, nor Turkey, have officially aligned themselves with the Common Position's criteria and principles; calls on the EEAS and Member States to encourage these countries to align themselves with the Common Position;

Amendment 118 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Regrets the fact that, in 2010, only 63% of EU Member States submitted complete sets of data relating to their arms exports; notes that the countries which repeatedly supply incomplete information on their exports are also some of both the EU’s and the world’s largest arms-exporting countries;deleted

Amendment 119 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Notes that methods for collecting data on arms exports, as well as practices for publishing data sets recorded, vary in the Member States, as a result of which the COARM annual report does not include important information and therefore is not up to date or reliable; calls accordingly for the introduction of a standardised collection and submission procedure, to be applied uniformly in all Member States,include standardized information on issued export licences and does not include some important information on real export of arms; welcomes initiatives of the Member States to improve the situation in order to submit and publish up- to-date and exhaustive information;

Amendment 12 #

Arnaud DANJEAN

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas arms exports can have inter alia a considerable impact not only on security, but also on development, and must therefore be ~~at the very least~~ embedded within a ~~strict~~n arms control system operating with maximum effectiveness;

Amendment 120 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Notes that methods for collecting data on arms exports, as well as practices for publishing data sets recorded, vary in the Member States, as a result of which the COARM annual report does not include important information and therefore is not up to date or reliable; calls accordingly for the introduction of a standardised ~~collection and~~ submission procedure, for information on actual exports to be applied uniformly in all Member States, in order to submit and publish up-to-date and exhaustive information;

Amendment 121 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Notes that methods for collecting data on arms exports, as well as practices for publishing data sets recorded, vary in the Member States, as a result of which the COARM annual report does not include important information and therefore is not up to date or reliable; calls accordingly for the introduction of a standardised collection and submission procedure, to be applied uniformly in all Member States, in order to submit and publish up-to-date and exhaustive information; calls for the identification in the Annual Report of Member States responsible for individual denial notifications;

Amendment 122 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Notes that methods for collecting data on arms exports, as well as practices for publishing data sets recorded, vary in the Member States, as a result of which the COARM annual report does not include important information and therefore is not up to date or reliable; calls accordingly for the introduction of a standardised reporting, collection and submission procedure, to be applied uniformly in all Member States, in order to submit and publish accurate, up-to-date and exhaustive information;

Amendment 123 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

~~14. Suggests in this connection that additional information be col~~delected from Member States and published both at national level and in the COARM annual report, in particular a list of countries arms exports to which would violate one or more of the eight criteria, together with a comprehensive list of EU Member States which have exported arms to those countries during the data reporting period;

Amendment 124 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. ~~Suggest~~Calls ion this connection that additional information be collected from Member States and published both at national level and in the COARM annual report, in particular a list of countries arms exports to which would violate one or more of the eight criteria, together with a comprehensive list of EU Member States which have exported arms to those countries during the data reporting periode Member States to provide additional, more up-to-date information that could if necessary be used as a basis for drawing up a joint list of countries arms exports to which would violate one or more of the eight criteria;

Amendment 125 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Suggests in this connection that additional information could be collected from Member States ~~and published both at national level~~ for a better understand in the COARM annual report, in particular a list of countries arms exports to which would violate one or more of the eight criteria, together with a comprehensive list of EU Member States which have exported arms to those countries during the data reporting periodg and control by national and commonly agreed upon international supervisory bodies, as well as used for the COARM annual report;

Amendment 126 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Suggests in this connection that additional information be collected from Member States and published both at national level and in the COARM annual report, in particular a list of countries arms exports to which would violate one or more of the eight criteria, together with a comprehensive list of EU Member States which have exported arms to those countries during the data reporting period and suggests in this regard a post-export- control mechanism as for instance the "Blue Lantern Program" in the USA, in which controls are conducted following a careful selection process to identify transactions that appear most at risk for diversion or misuse;

Amendment 127 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Suggests in this connection that additional information be collected from Member States and published both at national level and in the COARM annual report, in particular a list of countries arms ~~export~~transfers to which would violate one or more of the eight criteria, together with a comprehensive list of EU Member States which have exported arms to those countries during the data reporting period;

Amendment 128 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Notes that the Directive simplifying terms and conditions of transfers of defence-related products within the Community has made arms exports within Europe considerably easier; calls in this connection for the COARM annual report also to include detailed information on arms exports within Europe which violate one or more of the eight criteria;deleted

Amendment 129 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Notes that the Directive simplifying terms and conditions of transfers of defence-related products within the Community has made arms exports within Europe considerably easier; ~~calls in this connection for the COARM annual report also to include detailed information on arms exports within Europe which violate one or more of the eight criteria;~~

Amendment 13 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas arms ~~export~~transfers can have inter alia a considerable impact not only on security, but also on human rights, democracy, good governance and development, and must therefore be at the very least embedded within a strict arms control system operating with maximum effectiveness;

Amendment 130 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Notes that ~~the~~ Directive 2009/43/EC simplifying terms and conditions of transfers of defence-related products within the Community has made arms exports within Europe considerably easier~~; calls in this connection for the COARM annual report also to include detailed information on arms exports within Europe which violate one or more of the eight criteria~~ by establishing shared responsibility between the Member States and the operators, without however making control any less stringent; reiterates the fact that COARM regularly updates a User’s Guide to help Member States implement the Common Position;

Amendment 131 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

~~16. Calls for the COARM annual report also to include information on the final destination of exports within Europe and on onward transfers to third countries which may be problematic;~~deleted

Amendment 132 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

~~16. Calls for the COARM annual report also to include information on the final destination of exports within Europe and on onward transfers to third countries which may be problematic;~~deleted

Amendment 133 #

Arnaud DANJEAN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. ~~Calls for~~Emphasises that the COARM annual report ~~also to~~could, with the prior agreement of the Member States, include information on the final destination of exports within Europe and on onward transfers to third countries which may be problematic;

Amendment 134 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Calls for the COARM annual report also to include information on the final destination of exports within Europe ~~and~~, on onward transfers to third countries which may be problematic and on licensed production outside the EU;

Amendment 135 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Calls for the COARM annual report also to include information on the final destination of exports within Europe and on onward transfers to third countries which may ~~be problematic~~violate one or more of the eight criteria;

Amendment 136 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

~~17. Suggests that an overview setting out a trend comparison with previous years, together with aggregated figures, be added to the COARM annual report;~~deleted

Amendment 137 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Suggests to include in the COARM annual report a follow-up of the issues regarding arms exports identified in the previous reports, as well as measures taken by the Member States to address those issues;

Amendment 138 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Regrets the fact that the COARM annual reports for 2010 and 2011 were not published until 30 December 2011 and 14 December 2012 respectively, i.e. after long delays; calls for COARM annual reports to be published promptly, i.e. no later than six months after the relevant reporting period; proposes that COARM’s capacity to analyse arms export control should be strengthened;

Amendment 139 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Underscores the important role of civil society, national parliaments and the European Parliament in both implementing and enforcing the Common Position's agreed standards at national and EU level and of establishing a transparent, accountable control system; calls therefore for a transparent and robust control mechanism which bolsters the role of parliaments and of civil society, including through the establishment of an independent group of experts to provide advice to COARM in the application and implementation of the eight export criteria, as well as in the drawing up of a list of third countries requiring special caution and vigilance in issuing licences as referred to under article 2.2 (b) of the Common Position; calls for an in-depth discussion of the COARM annual report in a joint session of the DROI and SEDE subcommittees of the European Parliament;

Amendment 14 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas arms exports can have inter alia a considerable impact ~~not only~~ on security, but also a negative impact on development, and must therefore be at the very least embedded within a strict arms control system operating with maximum effectiveness;

Amendment 140 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Underscores the important role of civil society, national parliaments and the European Parliament in both implementing and enforcing the Common Position's agreed standards at national and EU level and of establishing a transparent, accountable control system; calls therefore for a transparent and robust control mechanism which bolsters the role of parliaments and of civil society, for example along the lines of the parliamentary Arms Export Control Committee set up by Sweden;

Amendment 141 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Stresses the significance and legitimacy of parliamentary oversight over data relating to arms export control, and over how that control is carried out, and therefore calls for the measures, backing and information needed to ensure that that oversight function is performed to the full, in accordance to the principles of each Member State;

Amendment 142 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. ~~Takes the view~~Notes with satisfaction fact that government officials responsible for issuing national export licences a~~nd civil society organisations addressing the issue of arms export control should b~~re regularly consulted at COARM meetings, since they can make an important contribution to implementing the Common Position and help improve the quality of the information exchanged;

Amendment 143 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Takes the view that government officials responsible for issuing national export licences ~~and civil society organisations addressing the issue of arms export control~~ should be regularly consulted at COARM meetings, since they can make an important contribution to implementing the Common Position and help improve the quality of the information exchanged; considers, furthermore, that consultations should extend to civil society organisations addressing the issue of arms export control and to defence industry representatives;

Amendment 144 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Takes the view that government officials responsible for issuing national export licences and civil society organisations addressing the issue of arms export control should be more regularly consulted at COARM meetings, in cooperation with the Council Working Group on Human Rights (COHOM), since they can make an important contribution to implementing the Common Position and help improve the quality of the information exchanged;

Amendment 145 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Takes the view that government officials responsible for issuing national export licences and civil society organisations addressing the issue of arms export control should be regularly consulted at COARM meetings, since they can make an important contribution to implementing and enforcing the Common Position and help improve the quality of the information exchanged;

Amendment 146 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 5

~~International arms control agreement on international trade in conventional arms~~Arms Trade Treaty (ATT)

Amendment 147 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Restates its full backing for the conclusion of a robust and legally binding ~~international arms control agreement~~Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), under United Nations auspices, on international trade and transfers in conventional arms; stresses therefore that that objective must be one of the priorities of EU external policy;

Amendment 148 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)

22a. Calls, therefore, for the March 2013 negotiations of a legally binding international arms trade treaty to mark a historic step forward, through greater transparency and accountability, by establishing the highest international standards and criteria for making assessments of decisions on the transfer, import and export of conventional arms;

Amendment 149 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)

22a. Urges the member states and other negotiating parties to favour robustness with regard to the content and membership of the future treaty, as opposed to favouring a weak treaty with universal consensus;

Amendment 15 #

Luis YÁÑEZ-BARNUEVO GARCÍA, María MUÑIZ DE URQUIZA

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas arms exports can have inter alia a considerable impact not only on security, but also on socio-economic development, and must therefore be at the very least embedded within a strict arms control system operating with maximum effectiveness;

Amendment 150 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Is of the opinion that an effective control agreement should cover a wide range of activities relating to the conventional-arms trade, encompassing import, export and transfer (including transit and transshipment and temporary import and export and re-export), national manufacture and manufacture under foreign license, strategic planning, stockpile management and all related services, including brokering, transport and finance;

Amendment 151 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Is of the opinion that an effective ~~control agreement~~ATT should cover a wide range of activities relating to the conventional-arms trade, encompassing import, export and transfer (including transit and transshipment and temporary import and export and re- export), manufacture under foreign license, stockpile management and all related services, including brokering, transport and finance;

Amendment 152 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23a. Calls for the most comprehensive range of items and activities to be covered in the scope of the future ATT - including i.a. Small Arms and Light Weapons, dual- use technology, parts and components and all forms of transfer and refers in this regard to the full implementation of the UN Programme of Action on combating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons (UNPoA) under the auspices of the UN; calls also for reasonable collaboration between the UNPoA regime and the forthcoming ATT-regime in order to prevent illegitimate and irresponsible transfers as well as diversion of arms;

Amendment 153 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Is of the opinion that an effective ~~international arms control agreement~~ATT should cover state-to-state transfers, state- to-private-end-user transfers and leases, as well as loans, gifts, aid or any other form of transfer;

Amendment 154 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)

24a. Believes that an effective ATT should also cover the widest spectrum of conventional weapons, including small arms and light weapons and munitions, intangible transfers, dual-use goods, the components and technologies associated with their use, manufacture or maintenance, whether for use in military or other security and law-enforcement purposes; believes that proper attention should be given to the marking and traceability of conventional weapons and ammunition in order to strengthen accountability and prevent diversion of arms transfers to illicit recipients;

Amendment 155 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)

24b. Takes the view that States Parties should not transfer arms to countries where Human Rights are violated according to competent bodies of the United Nations, the European Union or the Council of Europe and there is a substantial risk that they would be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including genocide, ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity and war crimes;

Amendment 156 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Calls on the EUN Member States to ~~adopt~~work for the adoption of additional binding criteria, as international standards at the UN and the EU level, for guiding arms export decision-makers and, in the process, to take account of, in particular, the destination country's situation as regards human rights, the impact on the country's socio-economic development and the preservation of regional peace and security;

Amendment 157 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Calls on the UN Member States to adopt ~~additional~~ binding criteria, as international standards, for guiding arms export decision-makers and, in the process, to take account of, in particular, the destination country’s situation as regards human rights, the impact on the country’s socio- economic development and the preservation of regional peace and security;

Amendment 158 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Calls on the UN Member States to adopt additional binding criteria, as international standards, for guiding arms export decision-makers and, in the process, to take account of, in particular, the destination country's situation as regards human rights, the impact on the country's socio-economic development and the preservation of regional peace and security as well as the risk of diversion of weapons from the licit to illicit market;

Amendment 159 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25a. Calls for the ATT, therefore, to include strong and clear provisions for regular reporting by the States Parties on an annual basis on all arms transfer decisions, including information on types, amounts and recipients of equipment authorised for transfer, and on the implementation of the full scope and provisions of the treaty; calls for the ATT also to require State Parties to establish a system of detailed record-keeping, for at least 20 years, for all international trade and transactions processed through their national control systems;

Amendment 16 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)

Aa. Notes that, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the EU Member States, taken as a whole, outrank the US and Russia as the world's largest arms exporter16 and that an ever increasing proportion of arms exports - 61% in 201117 - is being delivered to countries outside the EU; 16 . The top 20 Arms Exporters, 2007-2011, http://www.sipri.org/googlemaps/2012_of _at_top_20_exp_map.html 17 . 'EU arms exports figures remain level', Jane's Defence Weekly, 4 January 2013.

Amendment 160 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25a. Highlights the importance of transparency and accountability mechanisms in the effective implementation of any international agreement on arms control; calls, therefore, for the inclusion of mechanisms for exchange of information and best practices between States Parties on arms exports, imports and transfer decisions in addition to strong and clear provisions for public annual reporting by the States Parties on all arms transfer decisions, including information on types, amounts and recipients of equipment authorised for transfer and on the implementation of the full scope and provisions of the treaty;

Amendment 161 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)

25b. Calls for the establishment of a dedicated ATT Implementation and Support Unit, the responsibilities of which would include compilation and analysis of States Parties' reports, and for the UN Secretary-General to publish an annual report with further proposals for the strengthening of the operational provisions of the treaty; calls for the ATT Implementation and Support Unit to be granted the right also to analyse data on arms transfers and to identify discrepancies and potential breaches of the treaty and report back to the assembly of State Parties;

Amendment 162 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 6

~~Disarmament~~deleted

Amendment 163 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Takes the view that the European Union should meet its increased responsibility for peace and security in Europe and in the world by means of further arms limitation and disarmament initiatives and that, as a responsible global player, it should lead the way, i.e. that it should play an active role in the areas of non-proliferation of arms, global disarmament and arms transfer controls;deleted

Amendment 164 #

Krzysztof LISEK, Arnaud DANJEAN, Michael GAHLER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. TStresses that disarmament is not the object of the Common Position, but takes the view that the European Union ~~should~~must meet its ~~increased~~growing responsibility for peace and security ~~in Europe and in the world by means of further arms limitation and disarmament initiatives and that,~~and act as a responsible global player, i~~t should lead the way, i.e. that it should play an active role in the areas of non-~~n the areas of preventing the illegal proliferation of arms, and promoting global disarmament and arms transfer controls;

Amendment 165 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Takes the view that the EU should formulate a comprehensive conversion strategy; recommends, in connection with that strategy, that a plan be developed as to how conversion from arms production to civilian goods production can proceed as quickly as possible;deleted

Amendment 166 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Takes the view that the EU should formulate a comprehensive conversion strategy; recommends, in connection with that strategy, that a plan be developed as to how conversion from arms production to civilian goods production can proceed as quickly as possible;deleted

Amendment 167 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Takes the view that the EU should formulate a comprehensive conversion strategy; recommends, in connection with that strategy, that a plan be developed as to how conversion from arms production to civilian goods production can proceed as quickly as possible;deleted

Amendment 168 #

Sampo TERHO

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Takes the view that the EU should formulate a comprehensive conversion strategy; recommends, in connection with that strategy, that a plan be developed as to how conversion from arms production to civilian goods production can proceed as quickly as possible;deleted

Amendment 169 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Takes the view that the EU should formulate a comprehensive conversion strategy; recommends, in connection with that strategy, that a plan be developed as to how conversion from arms production to civilian goods production can proceed as quickly as possible;deleted

Amendment 17 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)

Aa. whereas the EU countries have recognised that the trade in military technology and equipment is no ordinary trade and that, indeed, particular caution invariably has to be exercised as regards exports of items falling into that category;

Amendment 170 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)

27a. Welcomes the ratification by Finland and Poland of the Ottawa Treaty on anti- personnel mines, and thus the full ratification by Member States of this important international instrument; calls on the Commission to put forward a proposal for banning investment in companies, which produce, trade in or have any other form of commercial dealing in relation to landmines;

Amendment 171 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)

27b. Recalls the most severe humanitarian consequences and unacceptable harm to civilians caused by cluster munitions; calls on Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Romania and Slovakia to ratify the Convention on Cluster Munitions as a matter of priority;

Amendment 172 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 c (new)

27c. Urges the Commission and the Member States to support a global ban on the use of white phosphorus and depleted uranium ammunition, notably through the conclusion of a new protocol to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons banning the use of such weapons;

Amendment 173 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 d (new)

27d. Welcomes the work of the ICRC on the use of incapacitation chemical agents in law enforcement and calls on the Commission to carry out a study into the issues raised by the use of these agents, including with regards international law;

Amendment 174 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 e (new)

27e. Calls on the HR/VP, the Commission and the Member States to implement EU commitments regarding the combat illicit accumulation and trafficking of small and light weapons (SALW) and its ammunition; recalls that these commitments are to assist non-EU member states in stockpile management, marking and similar endeavours to control SALW and are complementary to EU arrangements that regulate transfer of military goods so as to avoid EU member states supply countries where arms are prone to misuse;

Amendment 175 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the High Representative / Vice-President of the Commission, the EU Special Representative on Human Rights, the Council, the Commission, the parliaments and governments of the Member States, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Amendment 18 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas Common Position 2008/944/CFSP is a legally binding framework laying down eight criteria, and whereas, if they are not met, an export licence should be denied ~~(criteria 1-4) or consideration should at least be given to doing so (criteria 5-8)~~;

Amendment 19 #

Amendment 2 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)

- having regard to Action 11 (e) of the Action Plan of the EU Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy, which commits the EEAS and the Member States to ensure that the review of the Council Common Position takes account of human rights and international humanitarian law,

Amendment 20 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas Common Position 2008/944/CFSP is a legally binding framework laying down eight criteria~~, and whereas~~ that, if they are not met, an export licence should be denied (criteria 1-4) or consideration should at least be given to doing so (criteria 5-8); whereas, however, the member states maintain the final control on all aspects of arms export licensing and the implementation of the Common Position is not subject to the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice of the EU;

Amendment 21 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas the criteria are intended inter alia to prevent arms exports as a result of which conflicts would be aggravated (criteria 3 and 4) or human rights ~~violated (criterion 2)~~and international humanitarian law violated (criterion 2) or to minimise the risk the transferred goods are diverted to third countries and ineligible end-users or a recipient country's development prospects would be adversely affected (criterion 8); whereas 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 22 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas the criteria are intended inter alia to prevent arms exports as a result of which conflicts would be aggravated (criteria 3 and 4) or human rights violated (criterion 2) or international humanitarian law violated (criterion 3) or a recipient country's development prospects would be adversely affected (criterion 8); whereas 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 23 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas the criteria are intended inter alia to prevent arms exports as a result of which conflicts would be aggravated (criteria 3 and 4) or human rights violated (criterion 2) or a recipient country’s development prospects would be adversely affected (criterion 8); whereas the Common Position applies to arms exports from EU Member States to non-EU countries, but whereas it 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~~have been invoked by Member States in connection with such exports;

Amendment 24 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas the third countries Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Iceland, Canada, Croatia, Montenegro and Norway have officially aligned themselves with the Common Position's criteria and principles; whereas none of the countries of the European Neighbourhood nor Turkey have officially done so;

Amendment 25 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas Article 10 of the Common Position ~~clearly~~ states that ~~compliance with the eight criteria takes precedence over any~~while Member States may take into account the interest of proposed exports from the economic, social, commercial or, and industrial point~~erests of Member States~~ of view, such considerations must not affect the application of the criteria underlying the Common Position;

Amendment 26 #

Luis YÁÑEZ-BARNUEVO GARCÍA, María MUÑIZ DE URQUIZA

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas Article 10 of the Common Position clearly states that ~~compliance with the eight c~~the Member States, where appropriate~~ria takes precedence over any~~, may also take into account the effect of proposed exports on their economic, social, commercial orand industrial interests ~~of Member States;~~, these factors shall not affect the application of the above criteria.

Amendment 27 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)

Fa. Takes the view that the Common Position’s criteria must also be taken into account in the process of restructuring Europe’s defence industry, which is vital to the small and medium-sized enterprises that create jobs;

Amendment 28 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G

G. whereas the decision-taking process for granting or denying arms export licences lies solely within the remit of Member States; ~~whereas the eight criteria are interpreted very differently within the EU, meaning that, to some extent, arms export practice varies widely;~~

Amendment 29 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital H

~~H. whereas the Common Position contains no democratically produced and binding list, together with reasons, identifying countries arms exports to which would violate one or more of the eight criteria;~~deleted

Amendment 3 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4

– having regard to the list of dual-use goods and technology in ~~Annex I to~~the annexes of Regulation (EU) No 1232/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 428/2009 ~~of 5 May 2009~~ setting up a Community regime for the control of exports, transfer, brokering and transit of dual-use items3 ,

Amendment 30 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital H

~~H. whereas the Common Position contains no democratically produced and binding list, together with reasons, identifying countries arms exports to which would violate one or more of the eight criteria;~~deleted

Amendment 31 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital H

H. whereas the Common Position ~~conta~~defines ~~no democratically produced and binding list, together with reasons, identifying~~the broadest common understanding for the countr~~ies arms~~ol of exports ~~to which would violate one or more of the eight criteria~~of military technology and equipment serving the coordination of national export control systems;

Amendment 32 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital H

H. whereas the ~~Common Position contain~~annual reports nto ~~democratically~~be produced aund ~~binding list, together with reasons,~~er the Common Position contain no list identifying countries arms exports to which would violate one or more of the eight criteria;

Amendment 33 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital I

I. 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; whereas there is no possibility of having compliance with the eight criteria independently verified;

Amendment 34 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital I

I. whereas ~~there is no standardised~~a development towards a stronger 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; whereas there is no possibility of havinghas been observed since the presentation of the annual Council reports according to article 8(2) of Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment; whereas the Member Countries shall overcome legislative and organizational obstacles in order to achieve better possible compliance with the eight criteria independently verified;

Amendment 35 #

Luis YÁÑEZ-BARNUEVO GARCÍA, María MUÑIZ DE URQUIZA

Motion for a resolution
Recital I

I. 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; whereas there is no possibility of having compliance with the eight criteria independently verified; whereas compliance with the Common Position has been the subject of academic research and published contributions from civil society;

Amendment 36 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)

Ia. Takes the view that the system for assessing and monitoring compliance with the Common Position’s eight criteria must also be extended to cover the manufacturing stage;

Amendment 37 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital J

~~J. whereas little progress has been made on reaching agreement between the Member States with regard to applying and interpreting the Common Position’s eight criteria;~~deleted

Amendment 38 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital J

J. whereas ~~little progress has been made on reach~~, despite the existence of the Users Guide, Member States apply and interpret the Common Position's eight criteria ing a~~greement between the Member States with regard to applying and interpreting the Common Position's eight criteria~~ different way when authorizing or denying the same categories of military goods to the same destinations; whereas there is therefore the need to seek a homogenous and ambitious application of the criteria by all Member States;

Amendment 39 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital J

J. whereas ~~little~~significant progress has been made on reaching agreement between the Member States with regard to applying and interpreting the Common Position’s eight criteria, principally thanks to the Common Position User’s Guide, drawn up by COARM, giving detailed definitions of best practices with regard to the application of the criteria;

Amendment 4 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 – footnote 3

3. OJ L ~~134, 29.5~~326, 8.12.200911, p. 1.26

Amendment 40 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital L

L. whereas the COARM annual reports have helped to make Member States' arms exports more transparent and the number of guidelines and clarifications in the User's Guide has multiplied; ~~whereas, because of the Common Position, the volume of information on the issuing of arms export licences has increased;~~

Amendment 41 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital M

M. whereas by no means all EU Member States make a full submission to COARM; whereas, because of individual Member States’ differing data collection and submission procedures, data sets are incomplete and vary, which considerably reduces transparency in this area;deleted

Amendment 42 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital M

M. whereas, despite the progress made with regard to transparency thanks to the COARM information exchange mechanism, by no means all EU Member States make a full submission ~~to COARM~~; whereas, because of individual Member States’ differing data collection and submission procedures, data sets are incomplete and vary, which considerably reduces transparency in this area;

Amendment 43 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital M

M. whereas by no means all EU Member States make a full submission to COARM; whereas, because of individual Member States' differing data collection and submission procedures, data sets are incomplete and vary, which considerably reduces transparency in this area, notably as regards the identification of the individual Member State responsible for a denial notification;

Amendment 44 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital N

N. whereas measures on trafficking of small arms and light weapons have been adopted in recent years~~, with an updated List of Dual-Use Goods and Technologies under the Wassenaar Arrangement being adopted in February 2012, and~~ such as the UN firearms protocol; whereas areas such as control of arms brokering, licensed production outside the EU and end-user control have been put on the agenda and, to some extent, incorporated into the Common Position itself~~, but many products, in particular in the field of dual- use goods, are still not covered by a legally binding arms exports control system~~;

Amendment 45 #

Krzysztof LISEK

Motion for a resolution
Recital N

N. whereas measures on trafficking of small arms and light weapons have been adopted in recent years, with an updated List of Dual-Use Goods and Technologies under the Wassenaar Arrangement being adopted in February 2012, and areas such as control of arms brokering, licensed production outside the EU and end-user control have been put on the ~~agenda and, to some extent, incorporated into the Common Position itself, but many products, in particular in the field~~Wassenaar Arrangement agenda; whereas the EU control regime of export of dual~~- use~~ goods, a~~re still not c~~nd technologies is governed by ~~a legally binding arms exports control system~~Regulation 428/2009;

Amendment 46 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital N

N. whereas measures on trafficking of small arms and light weapons have been adopted in recent years, with an updated List of Dual-Use Goods and Technologies under the Wassenaar Arrangement being adopted in February 2012, and areas such as control of arms brokering, and licensed production outside the EU ~~and end-user control~~ have been put on the agenda and, to some extent, incorporated into the Common Position itself, but many products, in particular in the field of dual- use goods, are still not covered by a legally binding arms exports control system;

Amendment 47 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital N

N. whereas measures on trafficking of small arms and light weapons have been adopted in recent years, with an updated List of Dual-Use Goods and Technologies under the Wassenaar Arrangement being adopted in February 2012, and areas such as control of arms brokering, licensed production outside the EU and end-user control have been put on the agenda and, to some extent, incorporated into the Common Position itself, but many products, in particular in the field of dual- use goods, are still not covered by a legally binding arms exports control system; whereas the EU legislation on dual-use goods regulates the export, transfer, brokering, and transit of such goods;

Amendment 48 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital N a (new)

Na. Whereas an updated List of Dual-Use Goods and Technologies under the Wassenaar Arrangement has been adopted in February 2012, but the large majority of dual-use goods products, in particular in the field of surveillance technology, are still not covered by a legally binding exports control system;

Amendment 49 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital O

O. whereas ~~many surveillance~~the use of military technolog~~ies~~y and ~~surveillance software products and many other goods used in a host of recipient countries for repressive measures against~~equipment, produced in the EU, vary in their ~~populations are not included either in the Common Military List of the European Union or in the EU list of dual-use good~~d countries;

Amendment 5 #

Amendment 50 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital O

O. whereas many surveillance technologies and surveillance software products and many other goods used in a host of recipient countries for repressive measures against their populations are not included either in the Common Military List of the European Union or in the EU list of dual- use goods, but the European Parliament has adopted a resolution on stricter control of digital arms in October 2012;

Amendment 51 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital O

O. whereas many surveillance technologies and surveillance software products and many other goods used in a host of recipient countries for repressive measures against their populations are not included either in the Common Military List of the European Union or in the ~~EU list of dual- use goods~~annexes of EU Regulation 1232/2011;

Amendment 52 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital O a (new)

Oa. Whereas developing nations continue to be the primary focus of foreign arms sales activity by weapons suppliers; whereas, during the period 2004-2011, the value of arms transfer agreements with developing nations comprised two-thirds of all such agreements worldwide; whereas irresponsible arms transfers and arms-related debt are undermining the chance for many developing countries to achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets;

Amendment 53 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital P

P. whereas it has been argued that the events of the Arab Spring in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) could not be foreseen; whereas nonetheless the human rights situation in those countries, which, in connection with issuing arms exports licences, should have been (and must be) taken into account, was (and is) known; whereas the events of the Arab Spring have revealed the weaknesses of the Common Position and, to some extent, a number of countries’ disregard for it and the criteria it contains;deleted

Amendment 54 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital P

P. whereas ~~it has been argued that~~ the events of the Arab Spring in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) could not be foreseen; whereas nonetheless the human rights situation in those countries, which, in connection with issuing arms exports licences, should have been (and must be) taken into account, was (and is) known; whehave shown that the Common Position has been implemented effectively; whereas those events have indeed been discussed at almost every COARM meeting held since the beginning of 2011, and whereas those meetings made it possible to harmonise the required review of Member States’ national policies with regard to exports to the countries concerned; whereas this consultation process between Member States has been accompanied by enhanced due diligence measures, suspension measureas ~~the events of the Arab Spring have reveale~~and measures to postpone authorisation, and twhe ~~weaknesses of the Common Position and, to some extent, a number of countries’ disregard for it and the criteria it contains~~reas, as a result of the existing information exchange mechanisms both within and outside COARM, it was possible for the various Member States to take these decisions swiftly;

Amendment 55 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital P

P. whereas it has been argued that the events of the Arab Spring in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) could not be foreseen; whereas nonetheless the human rights situation in those countries, which, in connection with issuing arms exports licences, should have been (and must be) taken into account, waevents such as the Arab Spring have once again revealed the problematic link between democratisation and human rights issues as a liability when it comes to arms trade with such countries; and whereas foresight should enable future initiatives (and ~~is) known; whereas the events of the Arab Spring have revealed the weakness~~reports to make use of such lessons, especially when it comes tof the ~~Common Position and, to some extent, a number of countries' disregard for it and the criteria it contains~~propagation of traded arms to non-state actors such in the case of Libya;

Amendment 56 #

Michael GAHLER, Arnaud DANJEAN

Motion for a resolution
Recital P

P. whereas it has been argued that the events of the Arab Spring in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) could not be foreseen; whereas nonetheless the human rights situation in those countries and a poor record in democracy and good governance, which, in connection with issuing arms exports licences, should have been (and must be) taken into account, was (and is) known; whereas the events of the Arab Spring have revealed the weaknesses of the Common Position and, to some extent, a number of countries' disregard for it and the criteria it contains;

Amendment 57 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital Q

Q. whereas in recent years the MENA countries have ranked, and still do, among the key buyers of European arms; whereas, in 2010, EU Member States exported arms to the MENA countries with a total value of EUR 8 324.3 m - in 2011 the total was still as much as EUR 7 975.2 m - on the ground of fostering political stability13 ; whereas between 2006 and 2010, in respect of Libya alone, EU Member States issued export licences with a total value of EUR 1 056 m, while, during the same period, 54 applications for arms exports to Libya were denied in the light of criteria 2, 7 and 5 (most frequently criterion 2)14 Member States have exported military technology and equipment of different extent to various world regions;

Amendment 58 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital Q

Q. whereas in recent years thsome MENA countries have ranked, and still do, among the key buyers of European arms; whereas, in 2010, EU Member States exported arms to the MENA countries with a total value of EUR 8 324.3 m - in 2011 the total was still as much as EUR 7 975.2 m - on the ground of fostering political stability13 ; whereas between 2006 and 2010, in respect of Libya alone, EU Member States issued export licences with a total value of EUR 1 056 m, while, during the same period, 54 applications for arms exports to Libya were denied in the light of criteria 2, 7 and 5 (most frequently criterion 2)14 ;

Amendment 59 #

Michael GAHLER

Motion for a resolution
Recital R

R. whereas investigations by the Bonn International Conversion Centre (BICC) have revealed that in Germany in 2011, for example, 5 149 of the 17 568 arms export licences issued, or just under 30%, for exports to 76 countries, allegedly violated one or more of the eight criteria15 ;

Amendment 6 #

~~Citation 10 Does not affect English version.~~

Amendment 60 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital R a (new)

Ra. whereas the international arms trade is considered by Transparency International to be one of the three most corrupt businesses in the world;

Amendment 61 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital S

S. whereas the industry is calling for an expansion in arms exports in order to offset the forecast slackening in demand within the EU, and whereas that call is being backed by many politicians and political parties as a contribution towards strengthening the Europe~~’s arms industry base~~an defence industry, technological know-how, security of supply, and preparedness;

Amendment 62 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital S

S. whereas the industry is calling for an expansion in arms exports in order to offset the forecast slackening in demand within the EU, and whereas that call is being backed by many politicians and political parties as a contribution towards strengthening Europe's arms industry base and reducing unemployment in some Member States;

Amendment 63 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital T

T. whereas there has been a process of ~~actively~~ involving ~~committed~~ Member States, ~~NGOs,~~ national parliaments and the European Parliament, too, to varying degrees, in assessing, harmonising, carrying through and monitoring compliance with the Common Position ~~is slow and is not being vigorously pursued~~; whereas civil society, researchers, and NGOs have been working to bring shortcomings to light;

Amendment 64 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital T

T. whereas the process of actively involving committed Member States, NGOs, national parliaments and the European Parliament, too, in assessing, harmonising, carrying through and monitoring compliance with the Common Position ~~is slow and is not being vigorously pursued~~could be further strengthened; whereas COARM regularly exchanges and consults a consortium of NGOs and Think Tanks;

Amendment 65 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the EU Member States, taken as a whole, outrank the US and Russia as the world's largest arms exporter16 and that an ever increasing proportion of arms exports - 61% in 201117 - is being delivered to countries outside the EU; __________________ 16 The top 20 Arms Exporters, 2007-2011, http://www.sipri.org/googlemaps/2012_of _at_top_20_exp_map.html 17 ‘EU arms exports figures remain level’, Jane's Defence Weekly, 4 January 2013.deleted

Amendment 66 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Acknowledges that the EU is the only union of states to have a legally binding framework, unique in the world, through which arms export control is being improved, including in crisis regions and countries with a questionable human rights record, and welcomes the fact, in this connection, that European and non- European third countries have joined the arms exports control system on the basis of the Common Position; notes ~~with concern~~, however, that the eight criteria are applied and interpreted with varying degrees of rigour in the EU Member States; calls therefore for ~~a standard, uniformly strict~~more uniform interpretation and ~~full~~ implementation of the Common Position with all its obligations;

Amendment 67 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Acknowledges that the EU is the only union of states to have a legally binding framework, unique in the world, through which arms export control is being improved, including in crisis regions and countries with a questionable human rights record, and welcomes the fact, in this connection, that European and non- European third countries have joined the arms exports control system on the basis of the Common Position; notes with concern, however, that the eight criteria are applied and interpreted with varying degrees of rigour in the EU Member States; calls therefore for a standard, uniform~~ly strict~~ and revised interpretation and full implementation of the Common Position with all its obligations;

Amendment 68 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Acknowledges that the EU is the only union of states to have a legally binding framework, unique in the world, through which arms export control is being improved, including in crisis regions and countries with a questionable human rights record, and welcomes the fact, in this connection, that European and non- European third countries have joined the arms exports control system on the basis of the Common Position and the international efforts to establish common international standards for the transfer of conventional weapons (Arms Trade Treaty- ATT); notes with concern, however, that the eight criteria are applied and interpreted with varying degrees of rigour in the EU Member States; calls therefore for a standard, uniformly strict interpretation and full implementation of the Common Position with all its obligations;

Amendment 69 #

Krišjānis KARIŅŠ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Acknowledges that the EU is the only union of states to have a legally binding framework, unique in the world, through which arms export control is being improved, including in crisis regions and countries with a questionable human rights record, and welcomes the fact, in this connection, that European and non- European third countries have joined the arms exports control system on the basis of the Common Position; notes with concern, however, that the eight criteria are applied and interpreted with varying degrees of rigour in the EU Member States; calls therefore for a standard, uniformly strict interpretation and full implementation of the Common Position with all its obligations, while providing a mechanism where a Member State's security concerns regarding arms exports could be addressed;

Amendment 7 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)

- having regard to Regulation 1236/2005 on trade in goods which can be used for capital punishment or torture, and its review foreseen in 2013 under the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy,

Amendment 70 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Acknowledges that the EU is the only union of states to have a legally binding framework, unique in the world, through which arms export control is being improved, including in relation to crisis regions and countries with a questionable human rights record and in relations to countries which present a proven risk of diverting the transferred goods in an unauthorised way to other end-users, and welcomes the fact, in this connection, that European and non- European third countries have joined the arms exports control system on the basis of the Common Position; notes with concern, however, that the eight criteria are applied and interpreted with varying degrees of rigour in the EU Member States; calls therefore for a standard, uniformly strict interpretation and full implementation of the Common Position with all its obligations;

Amendment 71 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Acknowledges that the EU is the only union of states to have a legally binding framework, unique in the world, through which arms export control is being improved, including in crisis regions and countries with a questionable human rights record, and welcomes the fact, in this connection, that European and non- European third countries have joined the arms exports control system on the basis of the Common Position; notes ~~with concern, however,~~ that the eight criteria are applied and interpreted with varying degrees of rigour in the EU Member States; calls therefore for a standard, uniformly strict interpretation and full implementation of the Common Position with all its obligations;

Amendment 72 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. ~~Acknowledg~~Notes that the EU is the only union of states to have a legally binding framework, unique in the world, through which arms export control is being improved, including in crisis regions and countries with a questionable human rights record, and welcomes the fact, in this connection, that European and non- European third countries have joined the arms exports control system on the basis of the Common Position; notes with concern, however, that the eight criteria are not being applied and interpreted ~~with varying degrees of rigour~~consistently in the EU Member States; calls therefore for a standard~~, uniformly strict~~ interpretation and full implementation of the Common Position ~~with all its obligation~~by the Member States;

Amendment 73 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Takes note of the commitment of the EEAS and Member States under Action 11 (e) of the Action Plan of the EU Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy, to ensure that the review of the Council Common Position takes account of human rights and international humanitarian law; requests the EEAS to report on steps taken to meet this commitment;

Amendment 74 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Takes the view that, because of the negative impact of arms spending on the development prospects of poorer recipient countries, criterion 8 should be upgraded by making denial of export licences automatic if they are incompatible with development;deleted

Amendment 75 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Takes the view that, because of the negative impact of arms spending on the development prospects of poorer recipient countries, criterion 8 should be upgraded by making denial of export licences automatic if they are incompatible with development;deleted

Amendment 76 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Takes the view that, because of the negative impact of arms spending on the development prospects of poorer recipient countries, criterion 8 should be upgraded by making denial of export licences automatic if they are incompatible with development; takes the view, in that connection, that as part of the revision of the ICT Directive the eight criteria should be incorporated into that directive and made binding;

Amendment 77 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Takes the view that~~, because of the negative impact of arms spending on~~ arms spending may be incompatible with the development ~~prospect~~aims of poorer recipient countries~~, criterion 8 should be upgraded by making denial of export licences automatic if they are incompatible with development~~;

Amendment 78 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Takes the view that, because of the negative impact of arms spending on the development prospects of poorer recipient countries, criterion 8 should be ~~upgraded by making denial of export licences automatic if they are incompatible with development~~improved in order to better define what constitutes a case for denial of exports in accordance to the stable condition of a state actor;

Amendment 79 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Recalls that, operating through non- transparent processes, arms purchases have contributed significantly to the over- indebtedness of some countries, including a number of Member States; insists, therefore, that there should be greater transparency with respect to the purchase and sale of arms and that information on the intra-Community arms trade should continue to be included in the EU annual report;

Amendment 8 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas arms exports can have inter alia a considerable impact not only on security, but also on development, and must therefore be at the very least embedded within a strict arms control system operating with maximum effectiveness;deleted

Amendment 80 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. 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 keeping with the eight criteria;deleted

Amendment 81 #

Sampo TERHO, Anneli JÄÄTTEENMÄKI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Takes the view that the Common Position ~~should be~~would benefit – with account being taken of the degree of confidentiality required by the Member States in their decision-making – from being complemented by a regularly updated, publicly accessible list, with ~~detailed reasons, providing information on~~reasons indicating the extent to which exports to particular recipient countries are, or are not, in keeping with the eight criteria;

Amendment 82 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Takes the view that, in the interests of transparency, 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 keeping with the eight criteria; considers that the above list should be managed by an independent body, for example the European External Action Service;

Amendment 83 #

Krišjānis KARIŅŠ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Takes the view that the Common Position should regard the risk that a purchasing nation will re-export arms;

Amendment 84 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Considers ~~that~~as appropriate to prepare an advisability and feasibility study on whether a standardised verification and reporting system sh~~ould~~all be established to provide information as to whether, and to what extent, individual EU Member States' exports violate the eight criteria;

Amendment 85 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Considers ~~that~~it desirable to carry out a study into the appropriateness and feasibility of establishing 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 86 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Considers that a standardised verification and reporting system should be established ~~to provide information~~in order to allow for public assessment as to whether, and to what extent, individual EU Member States' exports ~~violate the eight criteria~~risk assessments and decisions have been guided by the eight criteria of the Common Position in order to allow conclusions about the extent to which the criteria have been applied by national authorities;

Amendment 87 #

Krišjānis KARIŅŠ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. 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 and when they lead to security concerns among individual Member States;

Amendment 88 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. 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, without duplication of the existing COARM efforts in this area;

Amendment 89 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. 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; considers it important that such a system should be based on the principle of transparency;

Amendment 9 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas arms exports ~~can~~ have ~~inter alia a considerable impact not only on security, but also on development,~~an impact on human security and must therefore be ~~at the very least~~ embedded within a str~~ict arms control system operating with maximum effectiveness~~ansparent and effective arms control system;

Amendment 90 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Insists, in the light of the Common Position review process, that support should be voiced for powerful, clear and unambiguous wording in the Common Position in order to prevent the criteria from being interpreted and applied differently; insists in particular that Article 10 of the Common Position be acted on and that, accordingly, application of the criteria not be neutralised or stopped because of political, economic or geostrategic interests;deleted

Amendment 91 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Insists, in the light of the Common Position review process, that support should be voiced for powerful, clear and unambiguous wording in the Common Position in order to ~~prevent~~ensure the criteria ~~from being~~are interpreted and applied differently; insists in particular that Article 10 of the Common Position be acted on and that, accordingly, application of the criteria not be neutralised or stopped because of political, economic or geostrategic interestsin a more uniform way;

Amendment 92 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Insists, in the light of the Common Position review process, that support should be voiced for powerful, clear and unambiguous wording in the Common Position in order to prevent the criteria from being interpreted and applied differently; insists in particular that Article 10 of the Common Position be acted on ~~and that, accordingly, application of the criteria not be neutralised or stopped because of political, economic or geostrategic interests~~;

Amendment 93 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Insists, in the light of the ~~Common Position~~ review process, that ~~support should be voiced for powerful,~~the Common Position be made clearer and more unambiguous ~~wording in the Common Position~~ in order to pre~~vent~~duce the cri~~teria from being interpreted and applied differently; insists in particular that Article 10 of the Common Position be acted on and that, accordingly, application of the crit~~sk of divergent interpretations; insists that Article 10 of the Common Position be acted on and that, accordingly, Member States be allowed to consider proposed exports from the point of view of their economic, social, commercia ~~not be neu~~l, and industrial~~ised or stopped because of political, economic or geostrategic interests~~ interests, with the explicit proviso, however, that application of the criteria laid down in the Common Position must not be neutralised on that account;

Amendment 94 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Insists, in the light of the Common Position review process, that support should be voiced for powerful, clear and unambiguous wording in the Common Position in order to prevent the criteria from being interpreted and applied differently; insists in particular that Article 10 of the Common Position be acted on and that, accordingly, application of the criteria not be ~~neutralised or stopp~~undermined because of political, economic or geostrategic interests; calls for more detailed guidance be provided in the User's Guide under Criterion 2, and Criterion 7, as well as an update of Annexes I to IV, including a reference to the EU human rights country strategies;

Amendment 95 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Insists, in the light of the Common Position review process, that support should be voiced for powerful, clear and unambiguous wording in the Common Position in order to prevent the criteria from being interpreted and applied differently; insists in particular that Article 10 of the Common Position be acted on and that, accordingly, application of the criteria not be neutralised or stopped because of political, economic or geostrategic interests, and points out, in that connection, that arms exports must on no account be used to achieve foreign policy or geopolitical objectives, such as the supposed strengthening of ‘strategic partner countries’;

Amendment 96 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Calls for the inclusion into the Common Position of the post-embargo toolbox which shall integrate or initiate the following aspects: (a) regular assessments, involving also other relevant EU units and working groups than COARM and national governments and authorities with the aim of clarifying whether the EU should reimpose an embargo, continue to keep it under special measures, or further normalise controls, (b) operate a policy of presumption of denial to the ex-embargo state, (c) apply the equivalent of the existing denial notification/consultation mechanism with regard to all potential transfers to the formerly-embargoed state, (d) states report on individual transfers for inclusion in the Consolidated Report, (e) Member States must reserve the right to undertake post-transfer inspections for end-use verification purposes, and (f) the end-use control on dual-use items to states under embargo should be extended to include these states;

Amendment 97 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)

6b. Calls for the insertion of an additional Criterion into the EU Common Position on arms exports obliging Member States to assess the risk of bribery and corruption before approving an arms export licence to any country;

Amendment 98 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Regrets the fact that there is no possibility of having compliance with the eight criteria independently verified, 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;deleted

Amendment 99 #