"The Arms Trade Treaty is a huge achievement in beginning to regulate the global arms trade. This is a $22 billion industry which urgently needs global monitoring, as the trade in arms often has a devastating effect on peace, security and human rights in some of the world's most vulnerable countries", said rapporteur David Martin (S&D, UK), after Trade MEPs had unanimously backed his recommendation.
"I hope Member States will ratify the Treaty as soon as possible to show global leadership in implementing the Treaty and encouraging some of the world's biggest players in the arms trade, including the arms industry, to follow our lead in promoting peace, security and transparent, responsible trade", he added.
The EU cannot sign and ratify the Arms Trade Treaty, since only Member States can be parties to United Nations treaties; however, as the treaty touches upon aspects of common commercial policy, falling under the exclusive competence of the EU, it requires consent of European Parliament.