Germany To Draft New Arms Export Rules

According to new plans drafted by the German Economics Ministry, the government is planning to relax its tight restrictions on arms exports making it easier for companies to compete with European rivals. However, Germany has drawn heavy criticism from within about its role in the global weapons trade. The German government plans to simplify approval procedures for the export of weapons and defense equipment, according to local media reports. The Ministry plans to life specials rules that will allow German exporters the same advantage as their European competitors. Arms sales to countries outside the EU will be strictly regulated as the new rules focus on approval procedures for exports within the EU are relaxed. The changes will put German export law in line with less restrictive EU rules and will make it easier for German firms to export defense goods around the world.