European Union Membership: A Blockade for Arms Dealers? : A qualitative analysis of the membership's effect on the illicit trade of Small Arms and Light Weapons

Abstract: This paper empirically examines the relationship between the European Union (EU) membership and its effect on the level of illicit trade of Small Arms and Light Weapons. Researchers have emphasised cooperation with the EU and similar organisations as a key to reducing the illicit trade in arms. In contrast, others believe that success lies in understanding the market, social dynamics and government attitudes. It has been argued that the Western Balkan illegal arms market needs further investigation because of the vast proliferation of old weapons from the Yugoslav war, which has created major security threats elsewhere. The theory designed to answer the hypothesised relationship is that EU membership is facilitating financial and technical assistance, which in turn strengthens border controls that ultimately allow fewer weapons to be imported to or exported from the country which then results in the less illicit trade of SALW. To test the hypothesis mentioned above, Croatia is considered suitable to qualitatively analyse the trade in SALW before and during its membership in the EU. The results show that EU membership is associated with a lower level of illicit trade of SALW. However, the theory would need to be developed as the requirements and monitoring that the EU membership entails create an incentive for the country to improve its border controls and thus reduce the number of illicit arms flowing in and out.