 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
EU eases transfer of defence-related products
Strasbourg (AFP) Dec 16, 2008 The European Parliament voted Tuesday to ease the transfer of defence-related products between EU nations. The lawmakers adopted a measure -- by 545 votes in favour, compared to 66 against and 44 abstentions -- to lift formalities that hold up intra-EU transfers of defence materials and cost over 400 million euros a year. "Today's approval brings us a decisive step forward towards setting up a true European defence equipment market," said EU Industry Commissioner Guenter Verheugen. "Member states will soon cease to consider other member states as third countries when authorising the circulation of defence-related products within the EU," he added. Currently, national systems to control transfers of defence equipment do not distinguish between exports to countries outside the EU and transfers between other member nations. Verheugen has said that the complex mix of national legislation and controls mean that countries are forced to go through the same procedure sending a truck tyre to an EU partner as when they sell a weapon to a non-member nation. The patchwork of disproportionate national licensing systems hampers the security of supply between EU countries, costs businesses money and can deprive small and medium-sized businesses of market share in other countries. The new measures will simplify licensing procedures, facilitate cross-border exchanges inside the EU and are expected to reduce costs, the commission said. Related Links The Military Industrial Complex at SpaceWar.com Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com
Europe must not remain a military 'dwarf': Sarkozy
Brussels (AFP) Dec 12, 2008Europe must not remain a military "dwarf," French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Friday, as EU leaders vowed to boost military resources so the bloc can live up to its security ambitions. |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright Space.TV Corporation. AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space.TV Corp on any Web page published or hosted by Space.TV Corp. Privacy Statement |
