The essence of the act:
This is a Commission Delegated Directive that updates the list of defense-related products in the EU’s defense transfer licensing system. It replaces the previous list with an updated version aligned with the EU Common Military List from February 2024. The directive aims to maintain strict control over transfers of military equipment and technology within the EU.
Structure and main provisions:
1. The directive consists of 4 articles and an extensive annex containing the detailed list of controlled defense items (ML1-ML22).
2. The main change is the replacement of the previous list of defense products with an updated version.
3. Member States must implement the changes by May 31, 2025 and apply them from June 5, 2025.
4. The annex provides detailed technical specifications and definitions for 22 categories of military items, from small arms to directed energy weapons and software.
Key provisions for implementation:
1. The list covers a comprehensive range of military equipment, components, software and technology, including:
– Weapons and ammunition (ML1-ML4)
– Military vehicles and vessels (ML6, ML9)
– Military aircraft and UAVs (ML10)
– Electronic warfare equipment (ML11)
– Armor and protective equipment (ML13)
– Military training equipment (ML14)
– Imaging systems (ML15)
– Nuclear, biological and chemical warfare related items (ML7)
2. Each category contains detailed technical parameters and specifications that determine whether an item falls under control.
3. The directive includes extensive definitions of technical terms to ensure consistent interpretation and application across member states.
4. Special attention is given to emerging technologies like directed energy weapons, cyber capabilities, and unmanned systems.
The list serves as the core reference for determining which defense items require transfer licenses within the EU internal market.
