European Union arms embargoes: symbolic measures?

Arms embargoes are used by the European Union as a means to change behavior patterns of States or other entities. Recent cases of suspected violations of EU arms embargoes have highlighted the weaknesses of this form of sanctions. The lack of clarity in the phrasing of arms embargoes allows for flexibility in their interpretation by EU Member States and therefore flexibility in their implementation and application. This situation is also made possible due to the lack of oversight and monitoring by the EU of the follow-up of its decisions, although an authority has been created for this purpose. To overcome these shortcomings, the EU should clarify the ambiguities in the phrasing of its arms embargoes, put in place a transparent mechanism to monitor their implementation and application and make a clear and responsible decision on the arms embargo on China.