斯德哥尔摩国际和平研究所-Arms-transfers-to-Europe-and-Central-Asia_12页_421kb

Summary of "ARMS TRANSFERS TO EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA"

Core Content

This document provides background information for the regional meeting on Europe and Central Asia in the context of the ongoing discussions on the feasibility of an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). It outlines the trends in military expenditure, arms imports and exports, and the transparency of arms transfers in the region.

Main Points

Military Expenditure and Arms Imports

• European military expenditure in 2008 totaled $413 billion, with a 14% real-term increase from 1999 to 2008.
  • Eastern Europe saw a 174% increase, while Western and Central Europe had a 5% increase.
• Five European countries ranked among the top 10 global military spenders: France, UK, Russia, Germany, and Italy.
• Military expenditure and arms imports in Europe and Central Asia have increased significantly over the past decade.
  • Russia, Germany, France, and the UK are among the top arms exporters globally.
• Eastern Europe states have contributed to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) through transfers and licensed production.
• National legislation and regional commitments exist to control arms transfers and prevent their diversion or destabilizing build-up.

Arms Exports

• Europe is home to many of the largest arms-producing companies.
  • In 2007, 10 British companies, 6 French, 4 Italian, 7 Russian, 5 German, and 1 trans-European company were part of the SIPRI Top 100.
• Nine European states accounted for 59% of global arms exports in 2004–2008, with Russia, Germany, France, and the UK contributing almost half of the total.
• EU member states increased their share of global arms exports from 25% (1999–2003) to 34% (2004–2008).
  • Germany increased its arms exports by 70% and its market share from 7% to 10%.
  • France increased exports by 43%, with 40% of its exports going to the Middle East.
• Russia increased arms exports by 14% from 1999–2003, with 71% of its exports going to Asia, including 42% to China and 20% to India.
• Ukraine and Belarus saw a decline in arms exports to Eastern Europe and Asia.
• Central Asian states (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) saw a 40% decrease in arms exports from 1999–2003 to 2004–2008.
  • Kazakhstan exported only anti-tank missiles and Mi-17 helicopters in 2004–2008.
  • Kazakhstan was involved in diversion cases, such as the illegal export of MiG-21s to North Korea and Mi-8T helicopters to Sierra Leone.

Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW)

• Europe and Central Asia have endorsed the OSCE Document on SALW (2000), recognizing the threat of excessive accumulation and uncontrolled spread of SALW.
• 7 of the 10 largest SALW exporters (2000–2006) were European, accounting for 24% of global exports.
• Russia's share in SALW exports is underestimated in the data.
• Diversion of SALW from European and Central Asian stockpiles has contributed to the illicit market and conflict in West Africa.
• Licensed production has played a role in the proliferation of SALW, such as the Kalashnikov AK-47 and Heckler & Koch G3.
• Russia claims that production of these weapons in other countries is illegal and trafficked.

Key Information

• Transparency in arms transfers is well developed in Europe and Central Asia.
• All states have submitted information to the UN Register of Conventional Arms (UNROCA) since 1999.
  • 34 states report annually, and 37 states have submitted background information on SALW transfers for 2003–2008.
• EU member states are required to provide data on export licence approvals, actual exports, and denials to the Common Position report.
• UNROCA aims to prevent excessive accumulation of arms and promote stability.
• Regional security threats such as border disputes, territorial claims, and separatism drive military spending and arms procurement in the region.

Conclusions

• The norm of transparency is well established, but diversion and illegal trafficking of arms remain significant challenges.
• The proliferation of SALW and the illicit arms market are concerns for peace and stability.
• EU and regional efforts have been made to enhance transparency and control arms transfers, but international cooperation and monitoring are still needed to prevent misuse and ensure compliance with international standards.