Sensitive Trade—The Perspective of European States

In 2010, the European Studies Unit of the University of Liege, under the aegis of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, invited young researchers from all over Europe to meet and discuss the existing rules governing the trade of items that may be used for both peaceful and non-peaceful purposes.
During a two-day conference held in Chaudfontaine, Belgium, each participant presented the export control system of his or her member state. Debates took place with eminent specialists, representatives of the European institutions and representatives from industry on the challenges faced by European states when trying to reconcile trade performance and global international security. The potential role played by the European Union in the regulation of this so-called «sensitive trade», as well as the past, present and future of European harmonisation over this issue, was also at the core of the discussion.
This book brings together these contributions from a wide variety of member states and demonstrates that the future of the European motto, «United in Diversity», lies in greater coherence on international issues. Initiatives such as this newly created «Chaudfontaine Group» will undoubtedly contribute to this achievement.

Quentin Michel is Professor in European Studies and Director of the European Studies Unit at the University of Liege, Belgium.