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Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Arms Export Control
EU policy in this field focuses on 3 broad areas: weapons of mass destruction (WMD), conventional weapons and Security and sustainability in outer space
The use of force must always abide by international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law, and this fully applies to autonomous weapons systems. States – and human beings – remain responsible and accountable for their behaviour in an armed conflict, even if it involves the use of autonomous weapons.
How governments should manage the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure we harness the opportunities while also addressing the threats of the digital era is one of the major strands of open debate the EU has initiated together with tech leaders.
Illicit weapons are a threat to us all. They contribute to terrorism and organised crime within the EU. They also undermine the EU’s development and humanitarian efforts in parts of our neighbourhood and Africa. EU High Representative Federica Mogherini and the European Commission today adopted a joint proposal for a comprehensive EU Strategy against illicit firearms, small arms and light weapons (SALW).
Today, a side event addressing the implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), organised by the Small Arms Survey, took place in Geneva. It was co-hosted by the EU Delegation to the UN in Geneva and the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations Conference on Disarmament.
The EU will strengthen cooperation on security in Asia and with Asian partners, in view of the importance of the region to global stability and security and thus to European interests. Priority areas are maritime security, cyber security, counter terrorism, CSDP and peacekeeping operations, hybrid threats, conflict prevention and the proliferation of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons. Pilot cooperation projects will be developed with key partners to concretely advance shared interests in these areas.
The EU and Japan have concluded negotiations on a Strategic Partnership Agreement. Complementing the new economic deal agreed in December liberalising trade, the political deal aims to facilitate common solutions to common challenges, such as climate change, energy supply and threats to security. It will help the EU and Japan to jointly promote peace, stability and prosperity globally, as well as an open international system.
