EN Official Journal of the European Union C 198/1

Ninth Annual Report on the implementation of the Council Joint Action of 12 July 2002 on the European Union's contribution to combating the destabilising accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons (2002/589/CFSP)

(2010/C 000/01)

INTRODUCTION

During 2009, the EU continued to promote the issue of Small Arms and Light Weapons in all multilateral fora and in its political dialogue within the framework of relevant international instruments, such as the 2001 UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms.

In line with the Council Conclusions on the inclusion of a SALW element in agreements between the EU and third countries adopted in December 2008, several negotiations, including a SALW clause, were conducted in 2009. In this framework, a SALW element was agreed with China, Iraq, Libya and South Korea.

Assistance to third states, international and regional organisations, in combating the destabilising accumulation of SALW continued to be provided by the EU. This included the implementation of projects in the framework of several Joint Actions and Council Decisions as well as through development and cooperation instruments, and through projects supported by EU Member States on a national basis.

In 2009, the EU continued to participate in the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) process. All EU Member States (MS) voted in favour of the 2009 UNGA resolution on ATT, convening an International Conference to negotiate an Arms Trade Treaty in 2012. The EU also continued to engage and encourage third countries to support the process, including through the implementation of Council Decision 2009/42/CFSP promoting the process leading towards an Arms Trade Treaty among third countries, with the organisation of five regional seminars in 2009.

The EU Strategy to combat illicit accumulation and trafficking of SALW and their ammunition, adopted by the European Council on 15 and 16 December 2005, continues to provide the strategic guidance for EU and its Member States’ activities in the field of SALW through the various instruments available.

This report has been compiled as part of the implementation of Council Joint Action 2002/589/CFSP. It covers activities undertaken in 2009 and it is structured in three parts, plus an annex:

— Part I covers Member States’ efforts to address the problems related to small arms and light weapons at national level,

— Part II deals with international implementation efforts,

— Part III deals with participation in the work of international organisations and regional arrangements in the field of conventional arms, especially small arms and light weapons,

— the Annex includes the list of EU Member States focal points in the field of SALW.

I. NATIONAL IMPLEMENTATION EFFORTS DURING 2009

The EU adopted on 8 December 2008 Common Position 2008/944/CFSP. The adoption of this legally binding instrument marked the formal successful conclusion of a review of the Code and set another milestone in improving the EU's export control standards. The Common Position constitutes a significantly updated and upgraded instrument which replaces the Code of Conduct. It includes several new elements, which deepen and widen the scope of application. These elements include the extension of controls to brokering, transit transactions and intangible transfers of technology, as well as the implementation of strengthened procedures in order to harmonise Member States’ export policies. Recognising the special responsibility of military technology and equipment exporting states, Member States have once again shown their determination to prevent the export of military technology and equipment which might be used for undesirable purposes such as internal repression or international aggression or contribute to regional instability.

I.A. Cooperation, coordination and exchange of information between administrative and law enforcement agencies

The following are the contributions provided by EU Member States concerning their national efforts undertaken in 2009 to enhance cooperation between national administrative and law enforcement agencies responsible for addressing the risks posed by the illicit trade and excessive accumulation of SALW:

AUSTRIA

Austria has further fostered cooperation, coordination and exchange of information between administrative and law enforcement agencies. During 2009, inter-ministerial meetings between the Ministry of European and International Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Economics and Labour and the Ministry of Defence were held.

BULGARIA

Bulgaria has further fostered interinstitutional cooperation, coordination and information exchange in order to counter the accumulation and spread of SALW as well as to prevent illicit trafficking.

CZECH REPUBLIC

According to the Act No 122/1997 Coll. on System of Ministries and Central Authorities of the State Administration of the Czech Republic, as amended, the control and surveillance of arms and ammunition, arms trade, transfer, brokering and licensing, and the observance of relevant laws, treaties, convections, decrees and regulations fall within the competence of the following institutions:

Ministry of Interior

Ministry of Industry and Trade

Ministry of Defence

Customs Administration

Ministry for Foreign Affairs is a coordinator and a national contact point for liaison with abroad and with international organisations in matters relating to SALW, and in matters resulting from the international commitments of the Czech Republic.

CYPRUS

Within the Cyprus Police Headquarters, a national arms archive has also been established and an electronic database facilitates the sharing of information on SALW with other competent authorities of the EU, regional organisations and third countries.

DENMARK

The general system in Denmark

The Danish Ministry of Justice administrates the Danish weapons and explosives legislation, which also includes the regulation of small arms and light weapons.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Danish weapons and explosives legislation, weapons and ammunition may not be imported, manufactured, acquired, possessed or carried without a licence from the Minister of Justice or from the person authorised by the Minister to issue such licences.

The legislation also stipulates that weapons or explosives of any kind, including ammunition, may not be exported without a specific licence from the Minister of Justice. This provision also includes small arms and light weapons.

The Minister of Justice has authorised the local police districts to issue certain of the abovementioned licences concerning small arms and light weapons (possession of firearms etc.)

Databases and registers

The Danish police have established a central electronic database (The Police Weapons Register) in which all persons authorised to possess firearms are registered on the basis of applications received for firearms licences and registrations of purchases of smoothbore shotguns etc. The register also contains information on lost and stolen weapons.

The Police Weapons Register includes all relevant information including category and type of weapon, manufacture, model, marking (number), calibre and special characteristics. Each weapon is registered under a specific identification number. The police may order that the weapon be marked with the identification number if the weapon is not marked from the manufacturer. The register also includes historical information which makes it possible to locate information on previous owners of a weapon.

Information on lost firearms etc. is also reported to the Schengen Information System (SIS).

All Danish rifle associations are furthermore required to establish their own weapons registers which must include information on all firearms owned by the association and its members.

In addition, business owners in possession of a permit to trade with weapons are required to keep a record and — upon specific instructions from the police — regularly report to the Police Weapons Register on their purchases and sales of weapons.

ESTONIA

During 2009, Estonia has further fostered cooperation, coordination and exchange of information between relevant government ministries and agencies. Meetings with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, the Security Police Board, Estonian Tax and Customs Board, and Estonian Law Enforcement Board were held under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to address questions related to export control, to monitor and evaluate the relevance of the current legislation and identify outdated or irrelevant provisions on transfer of arms, military equipment and dual-use items. Furthermore, a day-long awareness seminar on export controls (focusing on small arms and light weapons as well) was organised in November 2009 in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event was designed to raise awareness among the civil society, non-governmental organisations and various sectors and manufacturers.

FINLAND

The National Coordination Group of SALW experts continued to work in 2009. The group includes representatives of the ministries involved with arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation of SALW and the representatives of national non-governmental organisations dealing with the issue. The group discusses, inter alia, the Finnish policy concerning SALW, implementation of the national, regional and global provisions and regulations and bilateral assistance to SALW projects.

The Supreme Command of the Finnish Police was separated from the Ministry of the Interior and the National Police Board was grounded on January 1st 2010. The tasks concerning the licensing of the firearms for civilian use as well as the general supervision of the Firearms Act were transferred to the National Police Board.

The general supervision of the Firearms Act falls under the Ministry of the Interior's competence. The police supervise compliance with the Act. The Frontier Guard and the Customs supervise compliance with the Act in their respective areas of competence.

The SALW which are confiscated or voluntarily handed over to the state, are destroyed if they are not handed over to the collections of state authorities. These SALW are destroyed by cutting into small pieces by the police. The total number of firearms destroyed was 6 338 in 2009, which is 97 per cent of the total amount of firearms confiscated or handed over to the state.

GERMANY

The threat to peace, security and development posed by the destabilising accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons including their ammunition continues to be a matter of grave concern. Germany is committed to a comprehensive approach to combat, and to contribute to ending, the destabilising accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons as well as their ammunition. In the pursuit of this objective, Germany as a Member State of the European Union is guided by the EU Strategy to combat the illicit accumulation and trafficking of SALW and their ammunition, which was adopted by the European Council on 15-16 December 2005.

Regular meetings of the national coordination group for SALW issues were organised by the Federal Foreign Office. These meetings bring together arms and export control experts from ministries, administration, the military arms control and verification unit and non-governmental organisations in order to address questions related to small arms and light weapons including their ammunition. The group discusses, inter alia, German policy with regard to SALW in international and regional fora, multilateral and bilateral assistance as well as the implementation of national, regional and global provisions and regulations. The meetings are chaired by a representative of the Federal Foreign Office.

Various initiatives were taken with regard to the cooperation between administrative bodies and law enforcement agencies at the national level. These covered newly enacted legislation, but also reviews of the practical functioning of existing legislation. Training measures were regular part of such efforts. In 2009, these initiatives included in particular the following:

Germany has taken concrete steps in order to implement the provisions of the UN Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the provisions of the International Instrument to Enable States to Identify and Trace, in a Timely and Reliable Manner, Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons. With the resulting amendments to the Weapons Act, the marking of arms and the duty of bookkeeping are extended also to essential parts of weapons and, as a consequence, tracking the origins of weapons is facilitated at international level

GREECE

The fight against the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons constitutes a top priority for the Ministry of Citizen Protection and the Hellenic Police Headquarters. Every possible effort is being made to reduce, if not eliminate, this phenomenon and to consolidate the feeling of security among citizens.

The goal set for the year 2009, according to the anti-crime policy, was to increase the confiscations of illegally possessed and traded SALW, through the elaboration of specialised-targeted action plans by the competent police authorities. Our efforts focus on two directions:

1. Controlling the legal trade in arms throughout all its stages (import, trade, possession, use);

2. Establishing more intensive controls, in cooperation with other competent authorities, so as to track down and confiscate illegally imported, traded, possessed and used small arms and light weapons.

(a) Measures for controlling the legal trade in SALW

Our Agency runs an electronic database which constitutes the National Central Authority for information sharing and is able to directly receive and forward information regarding all legally traded and possessed arms/weapons. This database is constantly updated with all changes in possession status. All missing arms/weapons — whether they are lost, stolen, embezzled, tracked — are entered into this database in order to be confiscated or used as evidence in criminal proceedings and to be identified in case they are tracked down.

This database gives the history of each arm/weapon from its import up to its last legal holder (arms/weapons records). Furthermore, this database facilitates the sharing of information on SALW with other authorities in Greece and abroad. A minimum number of controls on a monthly basis has been established for every enterprise that is legally active in arms trading. Control data are cross-checked with the data kept in the electronic database of our Agency.

— The provisions of the applicable law 2168/1993 and the relevant Ministerial Decisions are strictly observed. These constitute the main regulatory framework in our country governing the issues of arms and weapons. This law has been harmonised with Directive 91/477/EEC and the Schengen Convention and in some cases it includes even stricter provisions (Article 15 of Law 2168/1993 and Article 272 of the Criminal Code, as amended by Law 2928/2001).

— Legal trade in small arms and light weapons (import-export-trade and transit) in our country requires a special license issued by the competent authority pursuant to the provisions of Law 2168/1993.

— Cooperation is excellent between national authorities (port and customs authorities, Agency of Special Controls) and Military Authorities which also share information with the competent authorities of the countries from which arms and weapons are imported or transported through our country.

(b) Measures for controlling the illegal trade in SALW

— Given that bilateral cooperation at regional and international level is deemed to be absolutely necessary for the prevention and suppression of illegal trade in arms and weapons from one country to another, our country has signed agreements regarding police cooperation with its neighbouring countries and participates in international, regional and bilateral organisations (Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, SECI-EUROPOL-INTERPOL).

— All vehicles and persons entering our country are checked at the established points of entry.

— Constant controls are carried out at the land and sea borders (in cooperation with port authorities) so as to prevent illegal import of arms and weapons by persons entering the Greek territory illegally.

— Disclosed cases are thoroughly investigated in order to track down and dismantle networks that may be active in the illegal trade in arms and weapons.

— Special measures are taken in areas with intense problems of trading, possession and use of arms and weapons, in cooperation with the local communities and bodies.

HUNGARY

Hungary has further fostered interinstitutional cooperation, coordination and information exchange in order to counter the accumulation and spread of SALW, as well as to prevent illicit trafficking. Regular meetings of representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Ministry of Defence (MD), Ministry of Justice and Law Enforcement (MJLE) and other agencies had taken place during 2009.

IRELAND

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, as the licensing authority for exports of military and dual use equipment, continued the implementation of the Control of Exports Act 2008.

The Department of Foreign Affairs liaised throughout the year with the Department of Transport to ensure that they were fully aware of the risk of illicit arms being transported by air.

LUXEMBOURG

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has the task of liaising with other States and organisations for the purposes of international coordination in the area of small arms and light weapons.

MALTA

The Police, Customs, the Trade Department and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs engaged in constant cooperation and exchange of information. All movements concerning importation and the export of weapons involve a coordinated mechanism between the different departments as established by the pertinent national legislation.

POLAND

Poland has further fostered interinstitutional information exchange in order to prevent illicit trafficking.

PORTUGAL

Efforts to foster cooperation, coordination and exchange of information between law enforcement agencies in combating the accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons, as well on the prevention of illicit trafficking have continued. Regular meetings with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Interior have taken place in 2009.

SPAIN

In 2009 Spain made significant progress in implementing the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in All Its Aspects, and in applying the international instrument on the marking and tracing of SALW.

Activities to promote a culture of peace and to establish additional standards to improve control have been carried out, and established links with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, Interpol, regional organisations (OSCE, NATO) and non-governmental organisations (both national and foreign) have been strengthened.

The various ministerial departments responsible for coordinating action and exchanges of information in the area of SALW and ammunition have held regular meetings on these issues, in particular in the Permanent Interministerial Commission on Arms and Explosives (CIPAE, two meetings a month), the Interministerial Regulatory Board on Foreign Trade in Defence and Dual-Use Goods (JIMDDU, one meeting a month), and the working groups responsible for detecting and combating trafficking in SALW.

I.B. Newly enacted legislation, reviews of the practical functioning of existing legislation

A number of Member States introduced newly enacted legislation in 2009 or are in the process of reviewing existing legislation. Latest developments include:

AUSTRIA

No new legislation specifically related to SALW issues was enacted in 2009.

Arms export controls have been greatly improved by the Foreign Trade Act 2005 (FTA) and the subsequent Foreign Trade Regulation of 2006. This implementing legislation harmonises the granting of licences with relevant provisions of the EU-Code of Conduct on Arms Exports and makes it obligatory for Austrian traders. Furthermore, it defines brokers and brokering activities in line with Council Common Position 2003/468/CFSP on the control of arms brokering.

The Austrian War Material Regulation and the Ministry of Economy, Family and Youth's list of military equipment other than war material correspond with the EU Common Military List. Under the FTA the items of the EU Common Military List are subject to a license requirement in export, transit and brokering. Intra community trade with goods of the EU Common Military List is — with certain exceptions — subject to a monitoring procedure. Technical assistance in connection with the development, production, handling, operation, maintenance or other servicing, stockpiling, testing or proliferation of conventional weapons systems with military capability is not granted in the following cases: if such assistance contradicts restrictive measures on the basis of EU Common Positions or EU Common Actions, OSCE Decisions or binding resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.

Furthermore, a regulation passed by the Minister of Defence enumerates war material and other weapons which are taken into consideration for destruction. The list is built upon definitions of the EU and the OSCE.

Austria has raised awareness for the problems posed by SALW during its ‘open day’ in the Ministry for European and International Affairs on 26 October 2009. Posters and a documentary movie informed the public about the horrendous impact of the illicit trade in SALW.

BELGIUM

By the Royal Decree (an executive act by the federal government) of 14 April 2009, that modifies the Royal Decree of 24 April 1997, security and safety standards placed on storage, depot and the collection of firearms and ammunition held by gun dealers, collectors and owners were improved. For each class of arms and munitions, specific storage security standards are imposed. The new royal decree includes new security rules on the possession, exhibition, home depot and transportation of firearms. These measures must be in force on April 25, 2010 at the latest..

CZECH REPUBLIC

As to the national legislation concerning SALW, ammunition and conventional arms, the national laws have been adopted during the previous years. Furthermore, implementing regulations, that control the exports, imports, transit, transfer and brokering are issued by the governmental authorities in order to enable rigorous, consistent as well as smooth application of the appropriate laws. Overall policy of the Government of the Czech Republic, including the system of laws, is compatible and fully in accordance with the relevant EU directives, international law, conventions, treaties and resulting obligations and commitments.

The Government of the Czech Republic approved the Government Decree No 10 on January 5, 2009, which tasked relevant Ministries and State Authorities to prepare amendments concerning a unified system of treatment with commodities embodying a certain liability, to which both SALW and ammunition belong.

During 2009 seven amendments to the existing laws have been adopted, four of them entered into force in 2009, three of them are still in the process of consideration with assumption of their effectiveness in 2010.

The most important laws and regulations:

Act No 38/1994 Coll.1 on Regulation of Foreign Trade in Military Material, as amended,

(so-called ‘Foreign Trade in Military Material Act’)

Act No 156/2000 Coll. on Proofs of Firearms, Ammunition and Pyrotechnic Devices, as amended, (so-called ‘Firearms Proofing Act’)

Act No 594/2004 Coll. on Implementation of a Community Regime for the Control of Exports, Transfer, Brokering and Transit of Dual-Use Goods and Technologies, as amended

Act No 156/2009 Coll. on treatment of things useable for defence and security purposes, as amended

Act No 220/2009 Coll. on Changes and Amendments to the Act No 38/1994 Coll.

Decree No 332/2009 Coll. on Implementation of the Act No 38/1994 Coll., as amended

Act No 484/2008 Coll.on Amendments to the Act No 119/2002 Coll. on Firearms and Ammunition, (so-called ‘Arms Act’)

CYPRUS

The export, transit and retransfer of SALW are regulated by the Ministerial Order 257/2005 — amended as 165/2008 — concerning the export of military equipment. The aforementioned Order is aligned with the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Export and the relevant Council Declaration of 13 June 2000 (2000/C191/01). In this regard, the Cyprus Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism is the competent authority for the issue of all export, retransfer (re-export) and transit licenses for SALW, while the Customs and Excis Department is responsible for applying export control, according to the provisions of the Customs Legislation.

Moreover, the import, acquisition, possession and transport of SALW are regulated by Law 113(1)/2004 ‘On Firearms and non-Firearms’ which is aligned with the European Union Directive 91/477/EEC (as amended) and the Declaration 2000/C191/01. This Law provides for the prohibition of manufacturing of SALW by citizens or residents of the Republic, unless they hold a valid license for this purpose, issued by the Chief of Police. This license is granted to citizens, under certain conditions such as, inter alia, the absence of any criminal record on the part of the applicant and a governmental medical examination.

Furthermore, the illegal manufacture, possession, stockpiling and trade of SALW is governed by Law 113(I)2004, which provides for sentences up to 15 years imprisonment and/or a penalty of EUR 42 715 in the case of violation of its provisions.

DENMARK

On 12 June 2008 the Danish Parliament adopted a new act with the purpose of enhancing the effort against possession of illicit weapons in public places. A new provision was inserted in the Danish Criminal Code after which the maximum sentence for possession, carriage or use of illicit weapons — under particular aggravating circumstances — in public places is 4 years imprisonment.

On 1 October 2004 a new act containing rules on transportation of weapons between third countries (i.e. other countries than Denmark) entered into force. The rules ban transportation of weapons etc. to countries covered by a UN, EU or OSCE arms embargo. Furthermore, transportation between third countries that have not issued the necessary export and import licenses is banned.

Furthermore, on 14 June 2005 the Danish Parliament adopted an act introducing, among other things, arms brokering. According to this act it is prohibited without a license from the Minister of Justice, or the person authorised by the Minister, as a broker to negotiate or arrange transactions that involve the transfer of weapons etc., as defined in the Danish weapons and explosives legislation, between countries outside the EU. Furthermore, it is prohibited to buy or sell such weapons etc. as part of a transfer between countries outside the EU, or, as the owner of the weapons etc., to arrange such a transfer. The ban does not apply to activities carried out in another EU Member State or outside the EU by individuals residing abroad. The act implements the European Council Common Position 2003/468/CFSP of 23 June 2003 on the control of arms brokering.

ESTONIA

In 2009, minor amendments were introduced to the Weapons Act which establishes the legal bases and procedures for the handling of weapons and ammunitions, the grant of permission for weapons and ammunition to be used for civilian purposes, the use of weapons and ammunition for civilian purposes and the removal of weapons and ammunition from civilian use, the requirements for firing ranges and field firing ranges and the bases and procedures for the exercise of state supervision in such areas in order to be fully in line with the European Union regulation on arms trade and to clarify the right of foreigners to own weapons.

The process of amending and adapting the Weapons Act is still ongoing in order to comply with the European Parliament and the Council directive on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons (2008/51/EC).

No other modifications on SALW related issues were enacted in 2009.

Estonia is in the process of reviewing the existing Strategic Goods Act; nevertheless no changes have been made in 2009.

FINLAND

Legislative measures have been taken in order to nationally implement the requirements of the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending the Council Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons (2008/51/EC). A legislative proposal (Government Bill 106/2009) has been presented to Parliament for approval.

FRANCE

France has continued its work on implementation of the provisions of the United Nations Firearms Protocol, with a view to the entry into force of Directive 2008/51/EC of 21 May 2008.

In connection with the adoption of the Wassenaar Arrangement’s military list as the national reference list for the control of arms exports, France has adapted its regulations on small arms and light weapons.

HUNGARY

There was no new legislation adopted on SALW related issues in 2009. Hungary has implemented Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP on defining common rules governing control of exports of military equipment.

LATVIA

The provisions of the EU Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment adopted on December 8, 2008 have been fully incorporated into national legislation of the Republic of Latvia

On December, 2009 the Cabinet of Ministers adopted new Regulations No 1665 ‘Procedures by Which Licenses and Other Documents of the Control of Strategic Goods Are Issued or Denied’ implementing criterions set out in the Common Position for reviewing applications for licences for items listed in EU Common Military List.

The Law on the Circulation of Goods of Strategic Significance of July 19, 2007 has been amended in March, 2009 by provisions concerning equipment for operational activities performed by law enforcement institutions.

There have been several minor amendments introduced for existing national legislation due to structural changes in different institutions involved in the strategic goods control process in 2009.

Regulations on The National List of Goods and Services of Strategic Significance that containing the list of goods to be controlled additional to those included in the EU Council Regulation (EC) No 1334/2000 and Common Military List of the EU have been amended on November 24, 2009 by provisions on surveillance cameras used in operational activities performed by law enforcement institutions.

In 2009 the Ministry of Defence adopted new ‘Arms regulations’ establishing unified requirements for the circulation of arms within the National Armed Forces. The process of accounting records and defining conditions for storage has been optimised, made more transparent, defining basic principles of the control at all levels of the National Armed Forces.

New regulations are being elaborated regarding handling of weapons in order to incorporate norms of EU Council Directive 2008/51/EC of 21 May 2008 amending the EU Council Directive 91/477/EEC.

LITHUANIA

In June 2009, Lithuania conducted the outreach seminar to industry and academic community on export control regulation and policies, including prevention of illicit tracking in small arms and light weapons.

Lithuania regularly updated the List of the States to which the Export or Transit of the Goods Listed in the Common Military List is Prohibited and for which Brokering in Negotiations and Transactions in the Goods Listed in the Common Military List is Prohibited in order to reflect changes of restrictive measures on military equipment imposed by the UN Security Council or the European Union.

LUXEMBOURG

No new legislation specifically dedicated to SALW was introduced in 2009.

The relevant legal basis is to be found in the Law of 15 March 1983 on arms and ammunition and in the Grand Ducal Regulation of 31 October 1995 on the import, export and transit of arms, ammunition and equipment intended specifically for military use and of related technology. These have been published in the Mémorial, the official gazette of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. A review of existing legislation is currently under way.

Prohibited arms

Article 4 of the Law of 15 March 1983 on arms and ammunition prohibits the import, manufacture, conversion, repair, acquisition, purchase, holding, storage, transport, carrying, transfer, sale or export of, or trade in, certain types of arms and ammunition. Notwithstanding that provision, however, the Minister for Justice may in particular authorise:

(a) the import, acquisition, purchase, transport, holding, sale, transfer or export of, or trade in, arms and ammunition constituting antiques, works of art or decorative items or intended to form part of a collection or display; authorisation may be subject to the condition that the arm has been permanently disabled;

(b) the import, acquisition, purchase, transport, holding, sale, transfer or export of arms and ammunition for scientific or educational purposes;

(c) the import, export or transit of arms from abroad which are heading for another country.

Such authorisation may be subject to the condition that the arms in question may be used for purposes other than those stated above.

Luxembourg does not have any national marking system for use in the manufacture and/or import of small arms. There is no arms factory in the country. Gunsmiths and dealers in arms and ammunition have to keep a register showing incoming and outgoing arms, with the make, calibre and serial number of each arm and the names and addresses of its supplier and purchaser. The register must also show the number and date of issue of the ministerial authorisation. It must be produced at the request of any representative of the public authorities. Gunsmiths and arms dealers may be required to supply the Minister for Justice with a copy of their register. The maximum quantities of arms and ammunition which gunsmiths and arms dealers are allowed to hold in stock are set by the Minister for Justice.

In the event of riots, suspicious gatherings or public order disturbances, the Minister for Justice may order the closure or evacuation of any arms and ammunition shops or stores and the transfer of their contents to a specified location.

Breaches of the Law of 15 March 1983 are punishable by imprisonment for from eight days up to five years.

Export controls

An application for export has to be lodged with the prohibited firearms department, attaching a photocopy of the acquirer's identity document.

Applicants must also attach either — for EU Member States — a document confirming the prior agreement of the State of residence of the acquirer, or — for countries outside the EU — a copy of the authorisation from that State, with a view to the acquisition of the firearm.

The authorisation which is issued then allows the acquirer physically to collect the firearm in question from the seller and to transport it to the Luxembourg border. Given that such authorisation is only valid within Luxembourg, the acquirer must make enquiries of his State of residence about any authorisation necessary under the law of that State.

An export licence must also be sought from the licensing office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In the framework and in application of Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons (Article 11), Luxembourg notifies the other Member States concerned of licences issued for export to their territories.

The licensing office may require applications for transit of arms, ammunition and equipment intended specifically for military use and of related technology to be accompanied by a document in which the competent authorities in the country from which the goods come certify that export to the stated country of destination is authorised.

Applications for export or transit licences have to be accompanied by an undertaking, signed by the applicant, to carry out the export or transit operation in accordance with the licence application. After each consignment of goods covered by an export licence, the exporter has to provide the licensing office, within three months, with proof that they have arrived in the authorised country of destination and that the importer has had them cleared for home use.

Such proof is provided either by a document issued by the importing country's customs authorities, showing that the exported goods have been declared for home use, or by any other document showing the goods to have been directly taken receipt of by the authority qualified to do so in the importing country or by any business acting for that authority.

Destruction of arms

The method used in Luxembourg (by its army, police and customs) is destruction by severing. This is carried out by their respective armouries. The cut-up metal is all placed in a container and then transported by armoury staff to a steelworks, where it is melted down in electronic blast furnaces, in the presence of witnesses. A record of the operation is then drawn up.

THE NETHERLANDS

With respect to legislation on small arms and light weapons, the Netherlands has made no major modifications in 2009. The Netherlands is currently in the process of preparing implementing legislation for the EU-Directive 2008/51/EC and the TOC weapons-protocol.

PORTUGAL

The following legislative initiatives took place:

— Law 17/2009, amending Law 5/2006 (which established a comprehensive regime applying to all categories of small arms and light weapons, excluding only those for military use and for armed and security forces).

— Law 49/2009, regulating brokering activities and all exports, imports, transit and transhipment of military weapons, making it mandatory for all brokers to be registered with the Ministry of Defence.

ROMANIA

In 2009 the List of military goods subject to export controls regime was updated and amended according to European Union and Wassenaar Arrangement List (Government Decision no 1607/2009).

SLOVAKIA

As regards the national implementation of the EU Joint Action on SALW and the EU Programme for Preventing and Combating Illicit Trafficking in Conventional Arms and with respect to the legislation on SALW in Slovakia, a new legal framework entered into force in 2009 covering import, export, transfer, licensing, brokering and possession of weapons and equipments for military use, small arms and light weapons, their components and the respective ammunition as well.

Slovak National Council adopted two Acts. The Act No 179/1998 Coll. has been fully amended by the new Act No 403/2009 Coll. enabling transfer of licensing responsibility from the Ministry of Economy to the Ministry of Defence.

The Act No 292/2009 Coll. establishes a comprehensive regime for trade control, which applies to all categories of small arms and light weapons, excluding small arms and light weapons for military use.

SLOVENIA

The Act Amending the Weapons Act was adopted in 2004 (Official Journal of the Republic of Slovenia (OJ RS), No 61/2000, 73/2004). In the last amendment to the Weapons Act of July 2004, the Act again provided for a one-year transitional period for the amnesty and legalisation of weapons, and brokering in weapons was also classified in the segment of arms trade. Last Act Amending the Weapons Act was adopted in 2009. Act is providing also legalisation in period of 3 months (till 14.2.2010). Act is totally harmonised with EU Directive 2008/51/EC of 21 May 2008.

In 2004, the Criminal Code (OJ RS, No 63-2167/1994 and 95-4208/2004) was amended by a definition and incrimination of brokering in transactions involving weapons, offering weapons and extending the prescribed prison sentence for the basic form of this criminal offence from three to five years of prison. The Act Amending the Criminal Code from 2009 (OJ RS, No 39/2009) brought some news regarding criminal act Illegal Manufacture of and Trade in Weapons or Explosive Materials.

There are two new paragraphs 3. If the offence under the preceding paragraph involves individual firearms or a minor quantity of ammunition for such firearms, the perpetrator shall be sentenced to imprisonment of not more than one year and 4. Whoever forges or unlawfully destroys, removes or modifies the markings on firearms shall be subject to the same penalty as referred to in the preceding paragraph).

Wearing, keeping and maintaining of weapons by authorised official persons at the Prison Administration of the Republic of Slovenia are regulated by the Regulations on Wearing, Storage and Maintenance of Weapons at the Prison Administration (Official Gazette RS 85/2009, page 11418-11424). Chapter 2, from Article 2 to Article 17, of the Regulations lays down the ways of handling, storing and protecting weapons. Article 17 provides for the Director-General to appoint persons in charge for taking over and providing weapons, their storage and maintenance when not in use and for keeping special registers. Articles 4 and 5 provide that weapons shall be stored on suitable premises secured against unauthorised access, theft, fire and other dangers or misuse. The records of service weapons held by the prison authorised persons (prison guards) are regulated by the Regulations on Wearing, Storage and Maintenance of Weapons in the Prison Administration. Commanders of Prison Guard and heads (Wardens) of internal organisation units (Prisons) are responsible for supervision. The number of weapons in stock is reviewed at least once a year at the yearly inventory. The Prison Administration also keeps central record of service weapons, which is updated instantly, and every three years, the authorised person of the Head Office carries out supervision over the keeping and maintaining of the service weapons

SPAIN

No new regulations specifically dedicated to SALW were introduced in 2009.

The relevant legal basis is to be found in Law 53/2007 of 28 December 2007 on control of foreign trade in defence materials and dual-used goods which entered into force on 29 January 2008, and in royal decree (Real Decreto) 2061/2008 of 12 December 2008, which develops the implementing rules referred to in Law 53/2007.

The Law explicitly takes into account Common Position 2008/944/CFSP of 8 December 2008 defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment, as well as the criterion adopted by the OSCE for export transactions relating to SALW.

Other rules applicable to the control of firearms, their ammunition and explosives are royal decree 137/1993 of 29 January 1993 adopting the Firearms Regulation and royal decree 230/1998 of 16 February 1998 adopting the Explosives Regulation.

This legislation refers to and complies with all the rules adopted by the European Union and the provisions of the Programme of Action and resolutions adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), including the application of the international instrument on the marking and tracing of SALW, as well as the additional protocol to the Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (adopted by the UNGA on 31 May 2001) on the illicit trafficking in firearms, their parts and ammunition, known as the ‘United Nations Firearms Protocol’.

Spain is also party to the Convention for the reciprocal recognition of proof marks on small arms and to the rules of the Permanent International Commission (CIP), and adopts the decisions taken in the context of that Convention in its national rules.

UNITED KINGDOM

In 2009 the Government completed the legislative changes resulting from the 2007 Review of secondary legislation introduced under the Export Control Act 2002. The Export Control Order 2008, which came into force on 6 April 2009, consolidated the three previous export and trade Orders: the Export of Goods, Transfer of Technology and Provision of Technical Assistance (Control) Order 2003, as amended; the Trade in Goods (Categories of Controlled Goods) Order 2008 (which itself replaced the Trade in Goods (Control) Order 2003, and introduced the three-tier structure to the trade controls); and the Trade in Controlled Goods (Embargoed Destinations) Order 2004. The new Order thus brought together the UK's controls on the export of military and para-military items, the national dual-use controls, and the controls on trade i.e. controls on the UK involvement in the movement, or in arranging or facilitating the movement, of military and certain other goods between two overseas countries.

I.C. Training of administration, law enforcement agencies, judicial organs

The following section includes national efforts and initiatives undertaken by EU Member States in the area of training of national administrations.

MALTA

Training of administration and law enforcement agencies feature annually in the curriculum of the respective agency.

POLAND

Moreover, in March 2009 an awareness-raising seminar on export controls (including small arms and light weapons issue) was organised in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event was designed to raise awareness among the producers and exporters of arms and military equipment.

SPAIN

In 2009, as in previous years, the various Spanish law enforcement agencies continued to organise courses and workshops on the criminal law framework for firearms and explosives and the application of information technology to their control. Regular seminars were also organised to raise awareness of the legal framework applicable to preventing and combating illicit trafficking in SALW, with the goal of maintaining and enhancing the knowledge of police officers responsible for these issues.

UNITED KINGDOM

As part of the Governments extensive awareness campaign on export controls for industry around the UK, 42 seminars and training courses were held nationwide during 2009, attended by over 820 people from 340 organisations. Whilst not SALW specific, they do highlight the consequences of exporting controlled goods without an appropriate licence.

These seminars and courses included: Beginners’ Workshops for those new to export controls; Intermediate-level seminars, covering a number of issues including; exporting technology, the different sorts of licences available, company compliance with export control legislation and the UK control lists; an Open Licences and Compliance seminar; a new seminar on the revised Trade controls and a series of workshops on Control List Classifications and seminars on ‘Making Better Licence Applications’ using the online licence application system SPIRE.

On-site training was delivered to 16 companies. Export Control Organisation (ECO) staff also gave a number of presentations over the past year to other government departments such as HM Revenue and Customs and UKTI, Trade Associations and conferences

I.D. Other initiatives or activities

DENMARK

At regular intervals so-called safe-conducts are granted by means of which illicit weapons may be handed over to the police without the person being charged with a violation of the Weapons and Explosives Act.

The latest safe-conduct action for the handing in of illicit weapons was made in May-June 2009 where a total of 8 085 arms were handed over to the police.

In 2009 the Danish National Police continued to carry out an intensive and targeted investigation in relation to rockers and gang members, among other things in order to uncover and indict illicit possession of weapons. During these confrontations between different gang members — or persons associated hereto — weapons were used on several occasions.

In 2009 the National Centre of Forensic Services received a total of 2 831 weapons for examination. The Danish National Police is not in possession of information on the amount of weapons that have been confiscated from gang members.

ESTONIA

In 2009, illegal weapons and ammunition disposal campaigns designed to collect illegally owned civilian arms were launched all over the country by Police prefectures. The aim of these campaigns were to reinforce civilians’ awareness about their legal obligations related to the possession of firearms, to reduce the amount of illegal weapons and ammunitions and to raise the security of society. A total of 92 firearms have been collected from citizen by these campaigns. All collected and seized weapons are destructed.

FRANCE

France pursued its policy of transparency on arms exports, in particular as regards SALW, with the publication of its annual report to Parliament on French arms exports.

France started consideration at national level of the French approach to ‘disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration’ and of the concept of ‘armed violence’.

GREECE

Table of arms/weapons and explosives confiscated in 2009:

Automatic rifles: 110 Pistols: 538 Handguns: 124 Shotguns and flober guns: 689 Total: 1 461

ITALY

In December 2009 a computerised system, named SPACE, was introduced. When fully operational it will make it possible to trace electronically every firearm bound for the civil market, manufactured, imported, exported or held by Italian companies or nationals.

In 2009, Italian Armed Forces destroyed more than 15 000 small arms and light weapons, identified as surplus, on the Italian territory.

MALTA

A total of 97 weapons/firearms were destroyed in 2009.

POLAND

During 2009, a total of 3 932 weapons were apprehended and 1 103 were destroyed.

ROMANIA

Since December 2009 National Agency for Export Controls is reorganised as General Division ANCEX within Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During 2009 the national authority for arms and dual use export controls regime was integrated within Ministry of Foreign Affairs (the Government Decision no 1423/2009).

Ministry of Foreign Affairs / DG ANCEX is responsible for Romanian export controls system (legal framework, licensing, enforcement, outreach to industry, transparency).

SLOVAKIA

The Slovak Republic has in place appropriate legislation and necessary administrative measures to control production, possession, marking, and trade in small arms and light weapons. Effective export control system enables respective authorities to identify and monitor movement of weapons at any time and throughout the territory of the Slovak Republic.

This system effectively supports combating illicit trafficking in conventional arms in the Slovak Republic.

In 2009 a campaign for Firearm Amnesty was launched for the second time. General Pardon for all persons illegally keeping small arms and light weapons entered into force in November 2009. Persons under the terms of the pardon can register any small arms and light weapons at the Police Authorities with no penalty at all, or prosecution and without explanation of the origins of weapon and manner of acquisition. The goal of the Government’s efforts is to give a chance to persons keeping unregistered and hidden weapons to surrender them without any sanctions. The General Pardon is valid for 6 months.

SPAIN

Coordinated by the Central Inspectorate for Arms and Explosives of the Guardia Civil, the competent Spanish authorities seized 227 illegal firearms (159 from Schengen countries and 68 from non-Schengen countries) in 2009. At present, the Spanish authorities are holding a total of 286 247 firearms of all kinds, of which 19 452 have already been selected for auctioning and 32 933 for destruction.

In 2009, the authorities carried out 24 589 inspections, leading to the launch of proceedings in 742 cases against manufacturers, gunsmiths, individuals or security companies; of those cases, 151 related to firearms and 591 to explosives. Customs staff also carry out regular activities at airports and ports in the context of detecting offences in these areas.

II. INTERNATIONAL IMPLEMENTATION EFFORTS DURING 2009

II.A. Measures to combat the accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons, and to prevent illicit trafficking in conventional arms

II.A.1. Financial, technical and other assistance given to relevant programmes and projects conducted by the UN, other international or regional organisations and NGOs

II.A.1.1.1. Actions and projects supported by the European Union: support to international and regional instruments

Support to the UN Programme of Action on SALW

The EU continued its support for the implementation of the UN Programme of Action on SALW. In preparation for the next meeting in 2010 of the Biennial Meeting of States and of the Review Conference of 2012, the EU started to explore specific actions and projects to be developed in synergy with UN ODA and other donors to reinforce and improve the implementation of the most relevant international instrument in the field of SALW. A Council Decision in support of UNODA is to be adopted during the first half of 2010 and will include actions in support of the full implementation of:

— the Un PoA at regional and global level,

— the International Marking and Tracing Instrument,

— technical guidelines for the management of Conventional Arms Ammunition Stockpiles.

Support to the Arms Trade Treaty Process

As part of its commitment to promoting a future ATT vis-à-vis third states, the EU adopted and implemented in 2009 Council Decision 2009/42/CFSP promoting the process leading towards an Arms Trade Treaty among third countries, adopted by the Council in January 2009. The objective of the Council Decision is to increase the awareness by national and regional actors, United Nations Member States, civil society and industry, of the current international discussions around an ATT, and to foster debate among United Nations Member States, particularly among those who were not part of the GGE.

During 2009, five regional seminars covering respectively Western and Northern Africa, the America and Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, and Southern and Eastern Africa were held in Dakar on 28-29 April 2009, Mexico City on 18-19 June 2009, Amman on 28-29 July 2009, Kuala Lumpur on 13-14 October 2009 and Addis Ababa on 10-11 December 2009. The level of participation in the seminars was very good both in qualitative and quantitative terms. These events provided participants with the opportunity of acquiring a deeper knowledge of the issues addressed by a future ATT, and to discuss specific regional questions in preparation of the UN debate on ATT.

Side-events were also held in the margins of the July session of the Open-Ended Working Group on ATT and at UNGA First Committee on 20 October 2009, to present to UN MS the preliminary results achieved during the first four seminars foreseen by the Council Decision.

Support to the African Union

In 2009, the EU supported the Africa Union in elaborating an AU SALW Strategy through the financing of an expert. The ad-hoc Steering Committee of the African Union started to examine the draft SALW strategy in view of a possible adoption in 2010. The adoption of an AU SALW Strategy would enhance the efforts of the AU in establishing a peace and security architecture and reinforce its commitment to fight against the illicit accumulation and trafficking of SALW.

The EU and the African Union, with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in collaboration with the Italian Institute for International Affairs, the EU Institute for Security Studies and Chatham House, organised a three-day Conference in Rome on the ‘Implementation of the Africa-EU Peace and Security Partnership’ with a dedicated focus on SALW issues and challenges specific to Africa. The results of this conference have informed the elaboration of the draft AU SALW Strategy.

Promotion of the EU Common Position on Arms Exports (ex Code of Conduct)

The EU and Member States continue to support, through the dedicated Council Joint Action 2008/230/CFSP, the strengthening of export controls and the promotion of the principles and criteria of the Code of Conduct on Arms Exports (now Common Position) among third countries through technical and practical assistance, inter alia, in drafting national legislation and in interpreting and applying the criteria of the code, as well as by promoting measures to improve coherence and transparency. In this framework, three outreach seminars for Ukraine, Western Balkans and Southern Caucasus countries took place in Kiev, on 23-24 April 2008, Tirana on 3-5 June 2009, and Tbilisi on 27 and 28 October 2009, organised by the Czech and Swedish Presidencies.

In 2009 the EU also agreed to continue outreach activities towards the beneficiaries of the above Joint Action, and finalised and adopted in December 2009 Council Decision 2009/1012/CFSP. In addition to outreach seminars in the beneficiary countries or regions, the new Council Decision provides for staff exchanges of up to one month of officials from beneficiary EU candidate countries to the relevant authorities of EU countries, and visits of officials from EU countries to the relevant authorities of beneficiary countries.

II.A.1.1.2. Actions and projects supported by the European Union: support to SALW-related activities in third countries/regions:

Ukraine

Under Council Decision 2005/852/CFSP, the EU committed to providing EUR 1 million to the NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency (NAMSA) for equipment acquisition and SALW destruction in Ukraine, as a contribution during the first phase of a 12-year NATO Partnership for Peace (PfP) project. While first phase of the project aimed at for the destruction of 400 000 SALW, 1 000 MANPADs and 15 000 tons of ammunition in Ukraine, SALW and ammunition destruction has been slowed down since the totality of 400 000 SALW previously earmarked for destruction were not made available by the relevant Ukrainian authorities. To date 130 000 SALW have been destroyed.

Following a series of demarches, the Ukrainian authorities adopted in July 2009 the necessary decision to resume SALW and ammunition destruction in Ukraine, within the framework of the NATO Trust Fund PfP project. This is expected to result in the additional destruction of 54 500 SALW and 6 000 tons ammunition. Within the framework of the Council Decision mentioned above, the EU contributes to the resumed destruction of the additional 54 500 SALW, thus ensuring effective use of funds allocated.

Western Balkans

The EU continued to support demilitarisation efforts in the field of SALW, in particular through the preparation of a new Council Decision in support of Southern Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the control of SALW (SEESAC). The activities foreseen by the Council Decision aim at:

— improving the management and security of unsafe and unstable stockpiles of weapons and ammunition,

— reducing the available stockpiles of weapons and ammunition through destruction activities, and

— implementing international and national instruments on marking and tracing in the Western Balkan countries.

The Western Balkans countries, in particular Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro are the identified beneficiaries of the Council Decision. Implementation of the activities by SEESAC will start in 2010.

Kosovo (1): the EU provided assistance through the financing of an expert for the establishment of a Division on Small Arms within the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kosovo as well as for the implementation of the law on weapons. The overall objective is to strengthen the rule of law in Kosovo by establishing a modern system, conform to EU standards, required for use (licensing, trade, import, export) of weapons for non-military purposes. This project is financed through the TAEIX programme.

Africa

Regional economic communities (RECs): in 2009, the EU pursued the implementation of its ongoing projects in the field of SALW in support to RECs in Africa, including the Economic Community of West African States, the Economic Community of Central African States or the East African Community. The different projects aim, inter alia, at enhancing the capacity of states to effectively manage illegal SALW, to tackle cross-border proliferation of SALW based on a regional approach and to ensure overall political oversight and efficient management of legal arms transfers in the sub-region. These projects are financed through the European Development Fund.

Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA): in 2009, the EU prepared the launching for early 2010 of a project to support the Africa-EU strategic partnership in the fight against the illicit accumulation and trafficking of firearms in Africa, via the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA) located in Nairobi. The project aims at raising the awareness and knowledge of relevant institutional and civil society actors on the legislative and institutional aspects of the fight against the illicit accumulation and trafficking of firearms with the view to foster the role or establish National Focal Points and to develop and/or implement National Action Plans (NAPs). It also aims at strengthening the African Regional Police Chiefs Organisations (RPCOs) and the capacity of and cooperation between national, regional and continental law enforcement agencies to fight cross-border illicit trafficking in firearms and explosive materials. This project is financed through the Instrument for Stability (EUR 3,3 million).

Nigeria: on 19 November 2009, the European Commission and the Federal Government of Nigeria signed the Nigeria-EC Country Strategy Paper and National Indicative Programme for the period 2008-2013 of which one of the objectives is to assist authorities in their efforts to support stability and establish a secure environment both inside and outside the country under the rule of law. In this context, the EU could support measures to upgrade the technical competence of the specialised agencies dealing with organised crime and small arms issues and strengthening the investigative and forensic capacity of the ordinary police in order, inter alia, to reduce the illicit flow and trafficking of small arms. This assistance may be implemented through concrete projects to support national capacity building in areas such as the licensing of gun ownership and manufacture, the development of an arms stockpile management system and awareness raising among customs and other border control agencies. These projects could initially be launched in 2011.

Central America

Central American Small and Light Weapons Control Programme: in 2009, the European Union started to support the Central American Small and Light Weapons Control Programme (CASAC) to enhance the fight against the illicit trafficking of firearms and explosive material in Central America and neighbouring countries, including in the Caribbean region. The project is structured into two levels: on the one hand, it concentrates on Central America, including the participation of Mexico and Colombia, to build capacities and strengthen national and regional institutions and state agencies responsible for the control of SALW, and to strengthen and increase the capacities of civil society organisations to promote arms control; on the other hand, it creates a trans-regional space for the exchange of regional experiences with emphasis on generating information and improving and creating capacities within the border and customs zones. This project is financed through the Instrument for Stability (EUR 1 million).

In addition, the European Union supported development and cooperation projects related to the reduction and prevention of violence, including risk education and victim assistance, in a large number of countries (San-Salvador, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda …) with a view to contribute to break the cycle of violence and promote a culture of peace within society. Furthermore, the EU continued to support broader DDR projects (Central African Republic, Ivory Coast …) to promote a safe and secure environment by mitigating the social effects of restructuring of the armed forces, facilitating the retirement of army personnel or providing socio-economic opportunities for ex-combatants.

II.A.1.2. EU political cooperation with third States

SALW was included in the agenda of a number of the EU's regular political dialogues with third countries and sub-regional organisations, including from Africa, America, Middle East, Gulf, Easter and South-Eastern Europe.

The EU also continued to work towards the establishment of a dedicated EU-China dialogue on SALW that could foresee specific joint initiatives to tackle the illicit trade of SALW and their ammunition. The issue was most recently discussed during an expert Troika meeting in New York on 12 October 2009. A dedicated SALW experts meeting between the EU and China should be convened in 2010.

In line with the Council Conclusions on the inclusion of a SALW element in agreements between the EU and third countries adopted in December 2008, CODUN delegates have been informed about and discussed ongoing negotiations of relevant agreements with Brunei Darussalam, China, Libya, Mongolia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, where a SALW element is to be foreseen. During the second half of 2009, agreement was reached with China, Iraq, Libya and South Korea on the inclusion of a SALW clause in the respective treaties being negotiated with the EU.

II.A.2. Financial, technical and other assistance by the EU Member States given to SALW projects

In addition to projects funded by the EU through the different instruments at its disposal, Member States have financed a wide range of SALW related projects bilaterally. Member States have provided so far the following contributions to this report:

AUSTRIA

In 2009, Austria has continued to contribute to various assistance projects conducted by UNODA in support of the UN process against SALW, placing a major focus on projects in Africa.

In particular, Austria has supported the following projects:

— Implementation of Practical Disarmament Measures in West Africa, Technical Support to ECOWAS Small Arms Unit and ECOSAP,

— Regulating Small Arms Brokering in Africa,

— Elaboration of a Legal Instrument for the Control of SALW in Central Africa.

In the framework of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council Austria gave financial support to a NAMSA-led project for the destruction of SALW in Albania. Ongoing NAMSA projects in 2009 which had been supported by Austria in previous years include the destruction of SALW and ammunition in Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

Furthermore Austria continued to build up special expertise in the field of Physical Security and Stockpile Management SALW/CA. Austria supported the two multinational SALW Training Courses conducted at the NATO School in Oberammergau with instructors and participants, including a practical exercise in an Austrian ammunition depot. Austria also participated with instructors in three multinational Physical Security and Stockpile Management Training Courses in Africa and Central Asia.

BELGIUM

In 2009 Belgium continued to fund several projects and organisations that worked on the issue of the destabilising proliferation of SALW.

In November 2009 a report called ‘Arms Tracing, perspectives on Control, traffic and use of illegal weapons in Colombia’ was published by the University of Ghent, financed by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This publication contains an analysis of SALW seized from non-governmental armed actors in Colombia, traces them back to their countries of origin and provides suggestions to evaluate and improve European SALW Export Controls.

In Africa, Belgium continued its support for SALW-control-projects in 2009. In DRC several DDR-related projects were supported. In Burundi the development and construction of the Rubira Assembly Area was supported via the disarmament and demobilisation of Pal-FNL Combatants. In Mali collection and destruction of small arms via local commissions was supported in the region of Tombouctou. In Mozambique Belgium supported the operation ‘Rachel’, a process aimed at destroying arms caches left over after the end of the civil war. The destruction process takes on the form of combined police operations between the Mozambican Police service and the South African Police Service comprising of multi-disciplinary teams reacting on information on the location of the hidden and abandoned arms caches, and once identified their contents is destroyed.

In the Balkans Belgium co-funded in 2009 a project by UNDP in Bosnia-Herzegovina (SACBiH), a coordinated international effort to establish proper SALW controls and a safe and effective logistic ammunition disposal system to mitigate the hazard and associated risks. Belgium also contributed to the NATO Trustfund in support of the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC) stand-down including disarmament and SALW-destruction.

Belgium is also a supporter of the yearly publication of the Small Arms Survey.

FINLAND

In 2009 Finland has given financial assistance to relevant programmes and projects, inter alia, in Kazakhstan, Belarus and Moldova.

FRANCE

France provided financial support to the Transitional Demobilisation and Reintegration Programme (TDRP) established for 2009/2012. This programme focuses on five priority countries (Burundi, Uganda, the Central African Republic, the DRC and Rwanda) and supports demobilisation and reintegration efforts in long-term development programmes in countries in transition in the Great Lakes region.

France also continued to provide financial support for the activities of RACVIAC-CSC in the Balkans.

France took part in a training workshop on the management of stocks of arms and ammunition for the Portuguese and French-speaking states of ECOWAS, which was held in the peacekeeping school in Bamako from 11 to 15 May 2009. The workshop provided an opportunity to finalise the details of a five-year plan which will be submitted to the EDF (European Development Fund) for funding.

From 23 to 25 November 2009 France took part in a working group in Kaduna in Nigeria, to finalise a framework document providing guidance to ECOWAS on support for its member states in managing and securing stocks of arms and ammunition.

Finally France accompanied two missions carried out by the ‘Multinational small arms and ammunition group’ (MSAG) led by Switzerland, with a view to identifying measures to improve the security and safety of stocks of arms and ammunition in Mali (missions from 9 to 21 February 2009 and from 20 June to 5 July 2009).

GERMANY

Germany contributes to projects and activities in the field of SALW including their ammunition in the frame of and in cooperation with a variety of institutions and organisations. Most of these activities are undertaken within a wider time frame than the calendar year. Key initiatives in 2009 are listed below:

Afghanistan (duration 2004-, overall budget: 3 000 000 EUR)

Since 2004, Germany has been supporting the DD&R and DIAG processes in Afghanistan by co-financing the disposal and destruction of surplus weapons and ammunition.

Angola (duration 2003-2009, overall budget: 11 990 332 EUR)

Germany supports the social and economic reintegration of ex-combatants and their families in Angola. Through the Instituto de Reintegração Sócio-Profissional para Ex-militares (IRSEM) Germany contributes to the World Bank-led Angola Demobilization and Reintegration Programme (ADRP). The reintegration of ex-combatants is supported on the local level through socio-economic development projects and the strengthening of local government administration.

Cambodia (duration 2007-2009, overall budget: 1 615 000 EUR)

Germany continued to support the Royal Government of Cambodia in its work with regard to SALW control issues with a focus on stockpile management and the destruction of conventional ammunition stockpiles in surplus and the safe storage of police weapons.

Congo, Democratic Republic (duration: 2005-2011, overall budget: 12 000 000 EUR)

Germany supports the social and economic reintegration of children and youth formerly associated with fighting forces in the province Maniema in DRC with EUR 3,5 million (technical assistance) as well as with funds for the reintegration of ex-combatants amounting to EUR 8,5 million (until October 2008, financial assistance) for work-intensive infrastructure projects.

Kosovo, (duration 2006-, 500 000 EUR)

Germany continued to support activities of Saferworld which aim to increase public participation in reducing unlawful civilian possession of SALW and promote a more responsive security environment in Kosovo.

Nepal (duration 2007-2010, overall budget: 5 000 000 EUR)

Since 2007 Germany is implementing the project ‘Support for measures for the peace process’ in the south of the country. The project provides basic services like water supply, sanitation and health care to interned Maoist fighters and the inhabitants of the surrounding communities.

Nepal (duration 2007-2010, overall budget: 2 300 000 EUR)

In the middlewest of Nepal, Germany supports the socio-economic rehabilitation and reintegration programme of ex-combattants/IDPs/refugees and the receiving communities in Rukum and Rolpa districts. The project’s main approaches are to create basic social and economic infrastructure and to improve household incomes in the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. The programme contributes to the implementation of the 2006 peace-agreement.

Greater Great Lakes Region (duration 2003-2009, overall budget: 12 900 000 EUR)

Germany contributes to the Trust Fund of the World Bank led Multi-Country Demobilization and Reintegration Programme (MDRP) for the Greater Great Lakes Region amounting to EUR 12,9 million. Germany also commits funds to the project ‘Combating the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons’ which is implemented in the frame of the support of the Conference process of the Great Lakes Region (2004-2011)/EUR 7,5 million.

‘Sector Programme on Peace and Security’ (duration 2008-2014, overall budget: 5 000 000 EUR)

In 2001 the German Government established the sectoral project ‘Development Cooperation and Small Arms Control (DECOSAC)’. One objective of the project was to develop and test instruments for small arms control in development cooperation. In July 2008, the sector project ‘Development Cooperation and Small Arms Control’ has been merged with the sector project on ‘Crisis Prevention’ and ‘Security Sector Reform’ into the sector programme on ‘Peace and Security’ (duration 2008-2014, budget 2008-2011: EUR 5 000 000). The ‘Peace and Security’ programme deals with SALW related issues within the scope of Armed Violence Reduction and Prevention.

Senegal (2004-2015, budget for the second phase (2007-2010): 11 800 000 EUR)

Germany supports the peace building and socio-economic development programme in the Casamance region. The programme promotes local peace initiatives and measures to reintegrate returnees. It also provides support in reconstructing the social and economic infrastructure, as well as for agricultural production and other sources of income.

Germany continued to support research activities of Small Arms Survey on certain aspects of the illicit trade in SALW, especially the trade of ammunition.

HUNGARY

Hungary participates in the Regional Approach to Stockpile Reduction (RASR) project of the US Defence and Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) in the Western-Balkans, the aim of which is to keep stability and prevent the illicit trade of SALW by assisting the destruction projects in the region.

IRELAND

In 2009, Ireland provided EUR 180 000 in funding support to the United Nations Coordinating Action on Small Arms (CASA) project which aims to create a set of internationally accepted standards on small arms and light weapons (ISACS).

We also provided funding of EUR 46 100 to the Geneva Forum, a Geneva-based organisation that works to build partnerships among and between governments, international organisations and NGOs on disarmament and arms control issues. It continues to work to support existing processes to combat the proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons.

Ireland believes that civil society participation is vital in the small arms process and that the expertise held by NGOs is particularly invaluable in highlighting key issues. For this reason we continued to support the work of the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) through a grant of EUR 8 820 in 2009.

LATVIA

Latvia actively participates in the work of international forums with regard to small arms and light weapons and conventional arms issues, in particular UN, OSCE, NATO. Latvia provides annual national reports on its efforts in combating illicit trafficking of SALW to organisations abovementioned.

LITHUANIA

In the framework of province reconstruction activities in the Province of Ghor, Afghanistan, Lithuanian military personnel has been carrying out destruction of stockpiles of old, excessive and collected SALW, explosive ordinance and ammunition since 2005. The Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) also has been assisting local authorities with the Disbandment of Illegal Armed Groups in Afghanistan (DIAG) programme, weapons storage, marking and accounting. The PRT has also assisted the local authorities with the collection of SALW and ammunition.

LUXEMBOURG

— Measures against the proliferation and stockpiling of SALW

From 2008 to 2010, Luxembourg has financed a project issued by GRIP (Groupe de Recherche et d’Information sur la Paix et la Sécurité) related to the ‘reinforcement of an African NGO network aiming at conflict prevention and building of peace’. Among other things, this project foresees the creation of a Central African NGO network acting in the field of peace culture, establishment of peace and the fight against the proliferation of small arms. The total contribution to the project comes to EUR 285 000.

THE NETHERLANDS

In 2009, the Netherlands has (among other things) contributed to the following institutions, projects and activities in the field of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and ammunition.

— Saferworld: support for governments in implementing legislation and regulations.

— ISS: support for the Arms Management Programme since 2002, including support for governments and regional organisations with the implementation of legislation and regulations and research on several SALW topics (ways of destruction, illegal trade in SALW etc.).

— HALO Trust: collection and destruction of small arms, light weapons and ammunition in Afghanistan.

— Small Arms Survey: Annual yearbook with research results on the problem of SALW worldwide, core funding.

— Support for the National Focal Point on SALW, implementation of NAP Uganda.

— Mine Action Group (MAG): SALW destruction in the DRC.

POLAND

Poland participates in the EU Long-Term Project in the export of Dual-Use Goods for the representatives of export control authorities of Georgia. The project is aimed at presenting international and national legal framework in the field of export control in trade in dual-use goods and arms (including SALW). Main discussed issues are: Georgian export control system in practice, its coherence and transparency and possible areas for improvement. The project is conducted in cooperation with Austria, Germany, Slovenia and Sweden.

PORTUGAL

Whenever necessary, Portuguese armed forces participating in peacekeeping or peace enforcement operations have apprehended and destroyed small arms and light weapons.

SPAIN

Organisation of American States (OAS)

In 2009 Spain made a voluntary contribution of EUR 320 000 to the OAS to support legislative assistance projects and projects to strengthen parliamentary networks.

Parliamentary Forum on SALW

Two Spanish parliamentarians have habitually taken part in the Parliamentary Forum on SALW ever since its inception in Spain in October 2002. Spain has made the following voluntary contributions to the Forum: EUR 30 000 in 2007; EUR 80 000 in 2008 and EUR 100 000 in 2009.

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Spain signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Executive Secretariat of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) pledging to contribute a sum of EUR 500 000 to the organisation's activities and programmes, of which EUR 200 000 was to be a general contribution and EUR 300 000 was to be devoted to support for the programme of SALW control in West Africa.

SWEDEN

Sweden, notably through the Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the Swedish Armed Forces and Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA) has provided support for a number of projects aiming to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in SALW in all its aspects as contained in the UN Programme of Action.

In 2009, the MFA has contributed to the following projects and activities:

— SIPRI (in addition to core funding) project/s on weapon transfers to Africa, ATT practical challenges and possibilities: SEK 2,13 million

— Small Arms Survey, Geneva: SEK 1 million

— UNODA Regional Workshops Promoting Transparency in Armaments: Reporting on Conventional Arms Transfers and Military Expenditure: SEK 600 000

— Overhaul of the UN Register for Conventional Arms: SEK 900 000

In 2009, Sida has contributed to the following projects and organisations:

— Arias Foundations: SEK 11 million for 2009-2011

— UNLiREC: SEK 12 million for 2008-2012

— Parliamentary forum on SALW: SEK 4,6 million for 2008-2010

— UNICEF SALW programme: SEK 15,5 million 2006-2009

— Saferworld: SEK 12,6 million 2006-2009

— Demobilisation and reintegration programmes via UNDP and UNICEF in Sudan: SEK 60 million for 2009-2010, and via UNICEF in Colombia: SEK 5 million for 2009

— Demobilisation and reintegration verification and monitoring via OAS/MAPP in Colombia: SEK 6,5 million for 2009

— Demobilisation and reintegration of children in Uganda via WB: SEK 6 million for 2008-2010

In 2009, the Swedish Armed Forces has contributed to the following projects and activities:

— Participation in a trilateral (Sweden, Ukraine, Latvia) ammunition destruction project in Ukraine

— Financial support in 2008 to a UNDP project, the Small Arms Control and Reduction Project, in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNDP SACHIB). The support was effected during 2008 and 2009.

— The Swedish National Defence College (SNDC) is engaged in maintaining and expanding an international network of DDR experts. The programme includes training, network building and international activities.

— The SNDC is a member and presently co-chair of the Integrated DDR Training Group (IDDRTG).

— DDR courses are now planned and conducted in cooperation with the Folke Bernadotte Academy.

In addition, the FBA has been contributing to the following projects and activities during 2009:

— Member of Integrated DDR Training Group (IDDRTG) since 2008 (previously, the National Defense College represented Sweden)

— Support to Integrated Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Standards (IDDRS)

— Responsibility for two DDR courses in Sandö, Sweden, and in Barcelona respectively

— The FBA also took part in a number of DDR events in Sweden and abroad.

UNITED KINGDOM

Saferworld were provided with funding to help undertake a two-year project (starting April 2009) to engage with Chinese government institutions and civil society actors on better understanding the importance of responsible approaches to conventional arms transfers, including the concept of an international Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).

The three main strands of this project are policy dialogue, awareness raising and research.

Providing core funding to RECSA (Regional Centre on Small Arms) to enhance the coordination of action against the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in the Great Lakes Region, Horn of Africa and bordering States based on the principles, aims and objectives of the Nairobi Declaration, Nairobi Protocol and the Agreement on the Establishment of RECSA.

Funding was also provided for the 2009 UNODA Regional Workshop on Transparency in Conventional Arms that was held in Dakar for West African states. The workshop focussed on transparency in conventional arms transfers, confidence building measures and practical exercise sessions.

The UK Parliamentary Committee on Arms Export Controls visited Kyiv in May 2009, reciprocating a 2007 visit by Ukrainian parliamentarians to London. The main aims being to promote greater transparency and more effective parliamentary scrutiny of the Ukrainian arms exports processes.

In June 2009, experts from the OSCE, the UK and the US helped to arrange for the safe destruction and disposal of 324 surplus MANPADS in Cyprus.

II.A.3. Participation in, or organisation of international seminars and conferences

ROMANIA

In March 2009, a regional seminar on ‘Mitigating the risk of diversion of international transfers of small arms and light weapons’ was organised by Saferworld (British NGO) in Bucharest, co hosted by the National Agency for Export Controls (ANCEX) in cooperation with EURISC Foundation (Romanian NGO).

The aims of the seminar were to identify good practice and enhance international dialogue on the broad approaches used by States to identify and minimise the specific risks of SALW diversion to unauthorised end-users or for unauthorised end-use, including strategies to mitigate such risks.

II.A.4. Other initiatives

Common Position on Arms Exports

The EU continued to give strong encouragement to progress in strengthening controls on the licit transfer of conventional weapons, including SALW and their ammunition. In the context of the Working Party on Conventional Arms Exports, Member States report on how the Common Position 2008/944/CFSP is implemented in their national legislative frameworks; Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Croatia Iceland, Montenegro and Norway have officially aligned with the Common Position.

In line with the EU policy of transparency on arms exports, and in implementation of Article 8 of Common Position 2008/944/CFSP; on 8 October Council noted the 11th EU annual report on arms exports (OJ C 265, 6.11.2009).

EU initiative to hinder SALW air trafficking

During the first semester of 2009, the EU continued to implement its initiative to hinder illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons by air transport, launched in 2007. CODUN and SITCEN delegates discussed in several meetings possibilities to enhance the impact of the initiative and the network of Member States’ focal points. The state of implementation of the initiative was also thoroughly analyzed during the expert meeting on 13 May 2009, jointly organised by SIPRI, the Czech Presidency and Sweden. In 2009, a new study on SALW proliferation by air in sub-Saharan Africa was produced by SITCEN on the basis of the contributions received by Member States. The study represents a confidential document and is to be used by relevant authorities in Member States as a tool to prevent the illicit trade of SALW by air

The following activities were also undertaken on a national basis by EU MS:

SPAIN

Spain organised the ‘6th regional seminar on small arms and light weapons’ which focused on the future of the United Nations Programme of Action and on the draft Arms Trade Treaty, which took place from 16 to 20 February 2009, as well as the ‘Second seminar on the Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development’, which was held from 20 to 23 April 2009, both in the Cartagena de Indias training centre (Colombia), in the framework of the training and assistance projects run by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) for Latin American countries.

Spain financed and participated in a workshop on the application of the international instrument on marking and tracing SALW, held on 24 and 25 February in Lima and organised by Peru.

SLOVENIA

With EU Member States we have exchanged data on natural and legal persons licensed for brokering transactions involving weapons.

We have a number of bilateral agreements and organised activities with the Western Balkans countries. Slovenian Police has liaisons officers in Zagreb, Beograd and Podgorica.

Slovenia is a member of SECI Centre. We are actively participating in these projects by our Customs and Police.

In 2008 and 2009 the Criminal Investigation Police compiled a report on the status of illicit trade in weapons in the Republic of Slovenia. The systematic report includes all data on criminal offences involving illegal or legal weapons in Slovenia in the reported periods and on concluded criminal cases in Slovenian courts. It also incorporates data and an evaluation of the situation regarding incidents involving weapons (suicides, wounds) and the use of legal weapons in criminal offences.

II.B. Participation in the work of international organisations and regional arrangements in the field of conventional arms, especially small arms and light weapons

The EU continued its support for the implementation of the UN Programme of Action on SALW which remains the basis for efforts undertaken at the global level. In preparation for the next meeting in 2010 of the Biennial Meeting of States and of the Review Conference of 2012, the EU continued to promote the full implementation of the UN Programme of Action on SALW in its relations with third countries. During this inter-sessional period, the EU also started to explore specific actions and projects to be developed in synergy with UN ODA and other donors to reinforce and improve the implementation of the most relevant international instrument in the field of SALW. A Council Decision to this end is to be adopted during the first half of 2010 (see section II.A.1.1 for a detailed description of the Council Decision).

The open-ended working group (OEWG) established in order to facilitate further consideration on the implementation of the recommendations of the 2008 UN Secretary General’s report on ATT, met twice in 2009 in March and July.

The EU has also been in the front line of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) process in 2009. EU Member States unanimously supported the new UNGA draft resolution on ATT, adopted during the 64th session of the UNGA First Committee in October 2009. The resolution supported by an overwhelming majority of UN States contains the decision of convening an International Conference on ATT in 2012 which will be prepared by five Preparatory Committees to be held between 2010 and 2012.

The EU also continued to engage and encourage third countries to support the process. EU Member States actively participated in the work of the two March and July sessions of the open-ended working group (OEWG), established in 2009 in order to facilitate further consideration on the implementation of the recommendations of the 2008 UN Secretary General’s report on ATT.

Opening and closing EU statements were delivered, while several EU MS substantially contributed to the thematic discussions on the scope, principles and parameters of an ATT. The EU fully supported the adoption of the procedural report of the OEWG first two sessions, recognising the need to take international action to address the problems relating to the unregulated trade of conventional weapons and their diversion to the illicit market.

The commitment of the European Union to promoting a future ATT vis-à-vis third states was also testified by the adoption and implementation of the Council Decision 2009/42/CFSP promoting the process leading towards an Arms Trade Treaty among third countries, adopted by the Council in January 2009 (see section II.A.1.1 for a detailed description of the Council Decision).

In 2009 the EU also strengthened its cooperation with the OSCE, including through participation in SALW and conventional arms thematic discussions in relevant OSCE bodies. The Council Secretariat participated already on 22 September 2009 in the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation meeting on SALW, when a presentation of the EU SALW Strategy was offered to OSCE Participating States. Contacts with the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre have also been established by the Council Secretariat and the Commission to explore possible future EU-OSCE initiatives in the field of SALW.

The following activities were also undertaken on a national basis by EU MS:

CZECH REPUBLIC

The Czech Republic regularly takes part in activities and work of the international organisations and bodies, which are dealing, inter alia, with small arms and light weapons, ammunition and conventional arms problems, namely the UN, the OSCE, as well as of the NATO activities and schemes, concerning the SALW and conventional arms.

ESTONIA

In 2009, Estonia has continued to improve the implementation of existing small arms and light weapons instruments.

Estonian Defence Forces members participating in peace keeping or peace enforcement operations have destroyed small arms and light weapons.

Estonia has joined the main international organisations that are engaged, inter alia, in activities related to combating the problem of SALW. Within this framework, Estonia actively participates in the thematic discussions. Representatives of Estonia are actively taken part in a number of international conferences, courses and seminars devoted to SALW problems, organised by the UN, OSCE, EU and other international organisations, as well as NGOs. Estonia also supports negotiations on international Arms Trade Treaty.

FINLAND

During 2009 Finland continued to actively participate in the work of international organisations and regional arrangements on SALW related issues (EU, UN, OSCE, NATO/EAPC and Wassenaar).

FRANCE

Noting the almost complete absence of any mention of SALW in the European Union's agreements with third countries with a CFSP dimension, France had an article on SALW adopted as one of the ‘political clauses’ during its Presidency of the Council of the EU. Therefore in 2009 France supported the taking into account of SALW in negotiations on agreements between the European Union and third countries, so as to improve the implementation of the EU's 2005 strategy to combat illicit accumulation and trafficking of SALW and their ammunition.

In the Working Party on Global Disarmament and Arms Control (CODUN), France encouraged implementation of the initiative to combat the illicit trafficking of SALW by air. It contributed to the drawing up by SITCEN of a list of airlines which may be involved in such trafficking. It supported the project presented by SIPRI in this area, following the May 2009 seminar organised by Sweden in association with the Czech Presidency of the European Union on ‘Arms trafficking, illicit flows and destabilising networks’.

GERMANY

Germany participates actively in the work of international and regional organisations as well as arrangements with regard to small arms and light weapons including their ammunition. These multilateral mechanisms include in particular the UN, OSCE, NATO and the Wassenaar Arrangement. Germany regularly seconds experts to assessment and evaluation visits as well as workshops and seminars organised within the frame of these organisations. Germany regularly supports the SALW/CA policy and implementation courses at the NATO School.

HUNGARY

Besides the active cooperation in the EU framework, Hungary has participated actively in the SALW related work of international and regional organisations such as the United Nations, the OSCE, the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council and the Vienna-based export control regime, the Wassenaar Arrangement.

LITHUANIA

Lithuania has submitted the following SALW related national reports and questionnaires for the reporting period of 2009:

— Voluntary Report under the UN SALW Programme of Action,

— Information to the UN Register for Conventional Arms,

— Annual report under the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports,

— OSCE Annual Information on SALW imports, exports and SALW identified as Surplus and/or Seized and Destroyed under OSCE document of SALW,

— OSCE Questionnaire on Policy and/or National Practices and Procedures for the Export of Conventional Arms and Related Technology,

— Regular reports on exports of arms and dual-use goods under the Wassenaar arrangement.

POLAND

Poland participated actively in the SALW related processes within the framework of several international and regional organisations such as the UN, OSCE, EU and NATO.

SLOVAKIA

Slovakia implements all international obligations adopted by the United Nations and the OSCE. Slovakia participated actively in the work of these international and regional organisations and export control regimes as well. Slovakia is also a member State of the Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-use Items.

III.1. United Nations

AUSTRIA

Austria took part in the Third Biennial Meeting of States Parties to the UN Programme of Action against the illicit trafficking of SALW and co-funded African developing states’ participation in this meeting.

Austria continued to support the process to implement the UN Programme of Action on SALW and has submitted its national reports for 2007 and 2008 including information on marking and tracing to the UN Secretariat.

BELGIUM

Via 2 experts Belgium is contributing to the UN supported working group of ISACS (International Standard for Small Arms Control). This project will develop a set of internationally accepted and validated standards that will provide comprehensive guidance to practitioners and policy makers on small arms and light weapons (SALW) control. These standards will enable more effective policymaking and programming on SALW by the United Nations, its Member States, international and regional organisations and civil society. Building on the UN's experience of developing international standards in the areas of mine action and disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, CASA members will work closely with policy and technical experts from a range of backgrounds (UN; international, regional and civil society organisations; government agencies; research institutes and industry) to deliver a set of International Small Arms Control Standards (ISACS) in time for the 4th Biennial Meeting of States to consider implementation of the UN Programme of Action in 2010.

CYPRUS

Specifically, Cyprus provides national reports for the implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons. In this respect, a national report on the implementation of the UN Programme of Action will be submitted before the 4th bi-annual meeting of the Conference of the States-Parties on the Illicit Trade of Small Arms and Light Weapons in All its Aspects, which will be held in June later this year.

Furthermore, Cyprus has provided information to the UNHCHR (based on decision 124/2004) concerning ‘the prevention of human rights violations caused by the availability and misuse of SALW’.

CZECH REPUBLIC

The Czech Republic devotes great attention to the eradication of an illicit trade in sm