Representatives of the EU Council and the EU Parliament have provisionally agreed on new rules for the export control of dual-use items which can be used for both civilian and military purposes.

The EU's current export control system for dual-use items has been in place since 2009. The new rules aim to adapt the regulation to evolving technological, economic, and political circumstances and to further strengthen EU action on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.

The new rules include, among else, provisions on stricter export controls and coordination mechanisms between EU member states concerning the export of cyber-surveillance items. It would strengthen controls and enforcement measures and provide greater transparency on the trade of dual-use items while honoring the confidentiality of trade secrets and national security interests.

The rules now need to be endorsed by the EU member states, after which the EU Parliament and Council will then be called to fully and formally adopt the proposed regulation.

CLICK HERE to read the EU Council press release on the new rules for dual-use technologies.

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