Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC)
Only multilateral instrument designed to tackle missile proliferation
The worldwide proliferation of missile systems – especially ballistic missile systems capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction – creates regional instabilities and also threatens global security. Apart from export control instruments, the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC) adopted at a specially convened conference in 2002 is the only multilateral arms control mechanism to date aimed at creating an inventory of missile holdings. While the possession of military missile technology is neither prohibited nor restricted under the Code, such possession is linked to a set of principles and confidence-building measures (aimed at transparency in particular and including, for example, prior notification of missile launches and annual declarations with respect to national ballistic missile programmes). States subscribing to the Code also commit themselves to curb the proliferation of military missile technology through multilateral, bilateral and national endeavours.
As yet, however, a number of major countries possessing missile technology have failed to subscribe to the Code, so that its impact to date has been limited.
Another problem is the failure of some Subscribing States to implement transparency measures properly.
More supporters than signatories
In line with its strategy against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the EU is campaigning actively for the implementation and universalization of the HCOC. During our EU Presidency in the first six months of 2007 Germany made demarches all over the world urging the importance of subscribing to the HCOC as well as its full implementation by the Subscribing States. This resulted inter alia in much better attendance at the HCOC Annual Meeting in Vienna (31 May – 1 June 2007). The EU also canvassed support for the Code and its conceptual basis – curbing proliferation through multilateral cooperation – by organizing an international seminar on missile proliferation on the eve of the Annual Meeting.
Already in 2005 the EU had successfully campaigned in the First Committee of the UN General Assembly for renewed broad endorsement of a resolution on the HCOC. Both in the First Committee as well as in the General Assembly Plenary the resolution was approved by an overwhelming majority, well above the number of Subscribing States (158 votes in favour in the Plenary). As of June 2007 the number of Subscribing States was 126.
Both through EU and bilateral channels the Federal Government has sought to persuade non-subscribing States of the HCOC's merits. At the HCOC Annual Meetings we have played an active role and presented proposals for enhancing its mechanisms. In our political dialogue with non-subscribing states we have urged them to sign up to the Code.
In the interest of strengthening the only multilateral arms control instrument that currently exists in the ballistic missile sector, the Federal Government will continue to press for the full implementation, universalization and further development of the HCOC.
Last updated 01.06.2007