The European Union’s engagement with matters of non-proliferation and disarmament is multi-faceted and not always easy to grasp. This learning unit will navigate through the complex institutional and political history of the European Union, its first approaches to a Common Foreign and Security Policy, and its growing involvement in global non-proliferation and disarmament affairs.

After completing this unit, you will

• have explored the stand of the EU in arms control and non-proliferation.
• understand key EU institutions involved in WMD non-proliferation and the division of labour between them.
• have knowledge of the EU Strategy of WMD non-proliferation and the EU SALW Strategy.
• have an overview of the background to EU arms control policies, both in terms of internal dynamics and as reactions to world events.
• be aware of some of the challenges for the EU in consolidating its arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation policies in its overall institutional and policy frameworks.