斯德哥尔摩国际和平研究所-The-2018-EU-SALW-Strategy_-Towards-an-integrated-and-comprehensive-approach_20页_897kb

2018 EU SALW Strategy: Towards an Integrated and Comprehensive Approach

I. Introduction

The European Union (EU) adopted the 2018 Strategy on Illicit Firearms, Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and their ammunition on 19 November 2018. This strategy replaces the 2005 Strategy to Combat Illicit Accumulation and Trafficking of SALW and their ammunition. The strategy aims to coordinate European actions to prevent and curb the illicit acquisition of SALW by terrorists, criminals, and unauthorized actors, while promoting accountability in the legal arms trade.

The 2018 SALW Strategy addresses the changing security environment and covers the full life cycle of these weapons. It is considered a positive development but highlights the need for improved export control policies among EU member states.

II. EU Policy on Firearms and SALW

EU Arms Exports Control Initiatives

• EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports (1998): Established common criteria for evaluating arms export licenses, focusing on human rights, conflict prevention, and regional stability.
• Common Position 2008/944/CFSP: Replaced the Code of Conduct in 2008, making arms export control legally binding. It retains the same eight assessment criteria used since 1998.
• Directive 2009/43/EC: Simplified intra-EU transfers of military equipment, increasing the EU's control over such transfers.
• Regulation 258/2012: Regulates the international trade in civilian firearms to third countries, supporting the UN Firearms Protocol.

EU CFSP Actions to Combat Illicit SALW Proliferation

• The EU has been active in addressing the illicit proliferation of SALW since the 1990s, driven by the need to control weapons in conflict zones.
• The 2001 Firearms Protocol and UN Programme of Action (UN PoA) on SALW were key international responses to this issue.
• The EU responded with its own strategy, recognizing that SALW proliferation is a critical security challenge, especially in its neighborhood and Africa.

III. EU Initiatives to Combat Illicit Firearms Proliferation within the EU

The Firearms Directive

• Adopted in 1991, the Firearms Directive (91/477/EEC) sets minimum standards for the transfer, acquisition, and possession of firearms and ammunition within the EU.
• Amended in 2008 and 2017, the directive has evolved to address emerging threats.
• The directive was instrumental in shaping the EU's internal firearms control policies, especially after the Schengen Agreement and the creation of the single market.

The 2015 Agenda on Security

• The 2015 Agenda on Security (EAS) highlighted the need for closer cooperation to address new and complex threats.
• It recognized the external dimension of illicit firearms trafficking, as many weapons in the EU are imported from neighboring countries.
• The EAS emphasized the importance of implementing an action plan on firearms trafficking between the EU and Southeast Europe.

The 2015 Action Plan

• The 2015 Action Plan was a response to the 2015 Paris terrorist attacks.
• It included measures to restrict access to illegal firearms and explosives, enhance cooperation, improve information sharing, and strengthen international collaboration.
• The plan was part of a broader 'Firearms Package' aimed at improving internal security and disrupting illegal trafficking.

IV. Development of the 2018 EU SALW Strategy

Background and Motivation

• The 2018 Strategy was developed in response to the evolving security landscape and the need for a more integrated and comprehensive approach.
• It was influenced by in-depth research, including projects like Project SAFTE and Project DIVERT, and reports from Europol.
• The strategy was developed collaboratively by the European Commission and the EEAS, involving input from various stakeholders.

Key Features of the 2018 Strategy

• The strategy is a single consolidated document, different from previous EU strategies that typically included a Joint Communication and separate Council decisions.
• It focuses on both civilian and military-grade firearms, addressing the full life cycle of SALW.
• It emphasizes coordination, synergy, and prevention of duplication in efforts to combat illicit proliferation.

Four Pillars of the Strategy

1. Strengthening the normative framework

   • Promoting international norms and frameworks, such as the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), the UN Firearms Protocol, and the UN PoA on SALW.
   • Encouraging the universalization of these instruments.

2. Implementation of norms in different life cycle phases

   • Covering production, transfer, possession, and use of SALW and their ammunition.

3. Compliance through monitoring and enforcement

   • Ensuring adherence to legal and policy frameworks through oversight and enforcement mechanisms.

4. International cooperation and assistance

   • Strengthening collaboration with third countries to combat illicit trafficking and proliferation.

V. Summary of Key Points

• Objective: Combat illicit proliferation of firearms and SALW, focusing on both internal and external dimensions.
• Scope: Includes both civilian and military firearms, addressing the full life cycle.
• Policy Evolution: The 2018 Strategy builds on previous initiatives, including the 2005 Strategy, the Code of Conduct, and the 2015 Action Plan.
• Integrated Approach: The strategy is a unified document, reflecting a more coordinated and comprehensive effort.
• Challenges: The strategy acknowledges the need for improved export control policies among EU member states and better implementation of existing frameworks.

VI. Conclusion

The 2018 EU SALW Strategy represents a significant step forward in the EU's approach to countering the illicit proliferation of firearms and SALW. It reflects a more integrated, comprehensive, and proactive stance, especially in light of the growing threat posed by illicit weapons to internal security and regional stability. However, the strategy also highlights the need for continued improvements in national export control policies and stronger international cooperation to ensure its effectiveness.