Germany May Relax Rules on Arms Exports

Looking to increase sales of its armored vehicles,

like this latest variant of the Leopard 2 tank, Germany

is considering relaxing its strict arms export regulations.

(KMW photo)

July 17, 2012 defense-aerospace.com

(Source: Spiegel Online; published July 16, 2012)

Germany to Relax Rules on Arms Exports (excerpt)

The German government is planning to relax its tight restrictions on arms exports, according to plans drafted by the Economics Ministry, SPIEGEL has learned. The aim is to make it easier for companies to compete with European rivals. But amid a major debate about the country's role in the global weapons trade, the decision will likely garner heavy criticism.

The German government plans to simplify approval procedures for the export of weapons and defense equipment, according to plans drafted by the Economics Ministry, SPIEGEL has learned.

The aim is to "lift special rules that put German exporters at a disadvantage against their European competitors," according to the ministry plans. The new rules will focus on strictly regulating arms sales to countries outside the EU while approval procedues for exports within the EU are to be relaxed.

The changes will put German export law in line with less restrictive EU rules and will make it easier for German firms to export defense goods around the world.

The Economics Ministry, headed by Philipp Rösler, the head of the pro-business Free Democratic Party (FDP), has invited German export industry representatives to the ministry for talks on the matter on Wednesday. (end of excerpt)


Click here for the full story, on the Spiegel Online website.