"Parliament agrees to new EU export rules on dual use items", 25 March 2021

Parliament backed the new set of rules for exporting dual use products and technologies, including cyber-surveillance tools.

The reviewed rules govern the export of so-called dual use goods, software and technology - for example, high-performance computers, drones and certain chemicals - that can have legitimate civilian applications, but can also be used for the development of weapons of mass-destruction, terrorist acts and human rights violations. The update was adopted by 642 votes for, 37 against and 9 abstentions.

The current update, made necessary by technological developments and growing security risks, includes new criteria to grant or reject export licenses for certain items.