Expedited approval process for weapons system exports to partners and allies the German government plans for it. The new legislation is expected to particularly benefit the member states of the EU and NATO, but not Ukraine, it is clarified.

Federal Economy Minister Robert Habeck wants to speed up the approval process for sales and exports by the German defense industry, the economy ministry said, noting that the new rules will apply to sales to partners and allies in the EU and NATO, but also countries with which there is a close relationship of values. The new measures will be introduced “in a short period of time”, through the Federal Economy and Export Control Agency, with the aim, as stated in the announcement, of speeding up the administrative procedures related to export control. From September, decisions will no longer be taken individually for each individual case, but in groups.

According to officials of the Ministry of Economy, the acceleration it will not concern the delivery of arms to Ukraine, for which special rules guaranteeing rapid approval already apply.

The new measure fulfills a standing request of the German defense industry. Exporters were right to ask for faster approval processes, said Deputy Economy Minister Sven Giegold, stressing at the same time that “on the other hand, the human rights and security situation require an in-depth investigation – also because of the sanctions.” With the new regulations, “our partners and allies, as well as countries that share the same values ​​as us, will now acquire defense systems more quickly and easily, but exports to third countries will still be thoroughly reviewed on a case-by-case basis,” Giegold explained.