The European Parliament voted on the 27th of September on new rules governing the export of dual-use items, goods and technology with both civilian and military uses. Plaid Cymru MEP, Jill Evans, criticised the outcome, which will fail to ensure the proper oversight of these goods prior to their export. Following the vote, Ms Evans, who is President of the EFA group, said,

"The rules won't provide necessary safeguards to prevent the misuse of exports with a potential military use. I believe that the export of such goods and technology needs to be controlled prior to their export."

"Watertight controls on the export of dual-use goods are crucial for preventing authoritarian regimes and military groups accessing arms and military technology. Recent examples of dictators brutally suppressing civilians with the aid of arms and equipment manufactured in Wales and elsewhere in Europe has underlined the need for stricter export controls. The EU has missed another opportunity to do this."

Ends.