Government abandons easing of arms export controls

The Danish government has abandoned plans to relax the control of military equipment export by Danish companies after previously deciding to ease regulations under pressure from the Confederation of Danish Industry. The decision to relax the rules, which has never been implemented, was found to be unfeasible within the frameworks of Denmark’s EU legal and international commitments, according to Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard’s response to the Parliament. Documents from the Ministry of Justice reveal the industry’s desire for easing, aimed at allowing exports through the U.S. to countries not approved by Danish authorities. However, Denmark adheres to EU rules and the UN Arms Trade Treaty, which prohibit exports that could contribute to war crimes. Legal experts have assessed that the requested relaxations would likely contravene international regulations. The Justice Minister declined to comment on the matter.