European Union and Arms BrokeringIn June 2003 the Council adopted a Common Position on the control of arms brokering. The joint commitment is a formal confirmation of some of the agreed practices listed in the appendix of the fourth annual report. It also includes some criteria and definitions of which the member states are to include in their national brokering legislation. For brokering activities, a licence or written authorisation should be obtained from the authorities where activities take place, and, where required by national legislation, where the broker is resident or established. Member States will assess applications for a licence or written authorisation for specific brokering transactions against the provisions of the European Union Code of Conduct on Arms Exports. Member States may also require brokers to obtain a written authorisation to act as brokers, as well as establish a register of arms brokers. Registration or authorisation to act as a broker would in any case not replace the requirement to obtain the necessary licence or written authorisation for each transaction. Download: Council Common Position on Brokering |
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