Tricked by transparency: Security made in Europe

Abstract

Transparency is generally recognised as an effective policy instrument to increase accountability and fight misconduct. To further our understanding of transparency impact in arms exports, it is thus useful to investigate the EU transparency framework, and analyse the extent member states are adhering to it. This research does it by examining contribution of France, Germany, and the UK to the Annual Reports in relation to their arms exports to the Middle East during 2010-2016. The results indicate that not all studied member states provide full information. Moreover, they intensified export practices despite the growth ofmilitary conflicts in the Middle East.