Press release Transnational Institute (TNI)
Amsterdam, July 4, 2005
The European Union Defence policy is increasingly
influenced by the interests of the arms industry. The arms industry was
deeply involved in the drafting of the European Convention and is also
over-represented in many influential advisory committees on an EU
level. This way, the interests of the arms industry have taken a
central role in the determination of EU policy, as is shown in the
report released today "The emerging EU Military-Industrial Complex"
Arms industry lobbying in Brussels", by Frank Slijper in cooperation
with the Transnational Institute.
For the past several years, dozens of CEO's and other top level
personalities from the arms industry have participated in advisory
committees on military research, naval industry and military space and
aviation programmes. "If the EU really wants to alter the negative
image of an undemocratic institution dominated by corporate agendas, it
should - right now - end the backroom policy making processes", says
Frank Slijper. "It is ludicrous how in this crucial policy area, the
industry is allowed to become so central in policy making processes."
At a time when the EU is taking on a new military posture and assuming
new military tasks, the involvement of the arms industry for Brussels
policy making is growing rapidly. The number of arms industry
instigated lunches and conferences is indicative and alarming. These
are the ideal occasions for EU policy brokers, top level military
officials and CEO's from the defence industry to strategise on new, and
always industry friendly policies. Yet, outside the small circle of
lobby-watchers, little is known about the intense relations between
those who profit from the policies and those who make them. This
Report, "The Emerging EU Military-Industrial Complex - Arms industry
lobbying in Brussels", is a useful guide to those who want to know more
about how policy is made in small circles in Brussels. It is also a
structured and thorough analysis of how the Eurocrats gave a central
role to the industry rather than to democratic institutions in shaping
and determining EU defence and security policies.
For more information, please contact:
Frank Slijper (author): +31 6 28504778 or
Wilbert van der Zeijden (editor): +31 6 44420765
A PDF version
of the report is available on
line on the Campagne tegen Wapenhandel website.
A printed copy can be sent to press agencies and journalists on
request: wilbert@tni.org