In 2010 the European Studies Unit of the University of Liege under the aegis of the Belgian
Presidency of the Council of the European Union invited young researchers from all over Europe
to meet and discuss the existing rules governing the trade of items that may be used for both
peaceful and non-peaceful purposes. During a two-day conference held in Chaudfontaine Belgium
each participant presented the export control system of his or her member state. Debates took
place with eminent specialists representatives of the European institutions and
representatives from industry on the challenges faced by European states when trying to
reconcile trade performance and global international security. The potential role played by the
European Union in the regulation of this so-called sensitive trade as well as the past
present and future of European harmonisation over this issue was also at the core of the
discussion. This book brings together these contributions from a wide variety of member states
and demonstrates that the future of the European motto United in Diversity lies in greater
coherence on international issues. Initiatives such as this newly created Chaudfontaine Group
will undoubtedly contribute to this achievement.
