Directive 2009/43/EC (so-called the “Transfer Directive”) regulates terms and conditions of the transfer of defense-related products within the EU. According to the Transfer Directive, products are subject to licensing requirements to the extent they are “specially designed for military use”. The European Commission, in close cooperation with member states, has undertaken an initiative to clarify the scope of the term “specially designed for military use” used in the Transfer Directive. The guidelines in this are directed to member states’ competent authorities and the defense
industry. Before the finalisation of the guidelines, interested parties have a possibility to submit their comments on this topic. The relevant survey may be accessed on the Commission’s website.