The European Commission has taken a significant step in promoting transparency in dual-use export controls by publishing new Guidelines on data gathering and processing for export controls. This development follows the recent release of the Commission's White Paper on export controls, which emphasizes the importance of fully implementing the EU's dual-use regulation.
On January 17, 2024, the Commission issued these Guidelines, aligning with its efforts to prepare the annual report on dual-use export controls. The primary objective is to enhance transparency by facilitating greater information sharing regarding Member States' licensing decisions in the realm of export controls.
These Guidelines have been collaboratively developed with input from Member State experts and provide a detailed framework for the collection of licensing data by the European Commission and the competent authorities of Member States. As a result, the EU Annual Export Control Report will include comprehensive licensing information, encompassing authorizations for dual-use exports and instances of denied transactions.
The move toward enhanced public reporting and increased transparency in EU export controls aligns with the implementation of the 2021 Regulation on dual-use export controls. These Guidelines aim to offer exporters, civil society organizations, and the general public a more comprehensive set of insights into the supervision of dual-use exports and an in-depth understanding of the EU's export control implementation. This approach will be adopted in the forthcoming annual report later this year.
Furthermore, these Guidelines will facilitate dialogues and information exchanges with international partners in third countries, promoting best reporting practices globally. This will contribute to fostering an informed discourse on the evolution of EU export control policy.
The release of these Guidelines signifies a commitment to transparency and responsible export control practices, reinforcing the European Commission's dedication to effective dual-use export control management.
