Measuring up?

Transfer controls in the European Neighbourhood

Summary

As the countries of the Western Balkans move closer towards integration with the European Union and NATO, their legislative frameworks for ensuring responsible arms exports are under increasing scrutiny. This series of reports, first published in September 2006, analyses these frameworks in the light of each country's international commitments and assesses the authorities' capacity to meet their commitments.

Many of the countries surveyed have made progress over the last few years, but much remains to be done. Particularly concerning is the lack of administrative and technical capacity to fulfil legislative requirements, and the still fragile understanding of the importance of responsible transfers under a criteria-based licensing process. A culture of secrecy and suspicion of external actors within government is exacerbated by the lack of interest and capacity of civil society and parliaments to engage with governments in demanding rigorous and transparent arms transfer controls.

The EU is in a position to influence the countries of the Western Balkans, and its assistance is much needed to address these problems. However, it has yet to fully develop a coherent outreach strategy that prioritises those countries most in need of assistance. These surveys provide concrete recommendations to national governments and analysis for the EU to develop a strategy of support.

Reports for the Republic of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, United Nations Administered Province of Kosovo and Moldova and can be downloaded from this page. A Report for Ukraine will be published shortly.

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