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FRS is implementing an EU-funded project on the HCoC and ballistic missile proliferation. Find out more here
Latest events

Marking the 20th Anniversary of the HCoC
On 1st June 2022, the FRS, with the support of the EU as well as the government of France and of the Netherlands, organised an event marking the 20th Anniversary of the Hague Code of Conduct.

Ballistic missile proliferation in the Middle East: What role for CBMs such as the HCoC?
On 17 May 2022, FRS experts met with a delegation of researchers and officials from the United Arab Emirates in Dubai (UAE). The meeting aimed at discussing about trends in missile proliferation in the region, the benefits of joining the Code for states of the region, the challenges facing the Code, as well as to exchange perspectives on dual-use technologies control.

Virtual seminar dedicated to ASEAN countries
A new virtual event was held on 5 & 6 April 2022 to engage on the Hague Code of Conduct with delegations from 7 ASEAN countries.

Research Paper Launch Event – Harnessing transparency potential for missile non-proliferation
On 17 February 2022, Katarzyna Kubiak discussed her recently published paper on how open source intelligence can be mobilised to track missile development, and therefore contribute to the goal pursued by the Hague Code of Conduct.
LATEST PUBLICATIONS

The HCoC and Northeast Asian States
A majority of Northeast Asian states currently possess or seek to acquire ballistic missiles, producing a missile race and an increase in the number of tests as states are developing their capabilities further. Proliferation risks also remain high, and it is noteworthy that only South Korea and Japan have joined the MTCR.

The Hague Code of Conduct and Space
This paper considers the dual approach of the Code by analysing the similarities between launchers and ballistic missiles in light of new technical developments, and assessing the risk of missile technology proliferation. It also assesses the new trends and developments in the space sector that may have an impact on the ability of the HCoC to remain relevant in its efforts to curb the proliferation of ballistic launchers.

The Hague Code of Conduct in the Middle East
The HCoC holds special significance in the Middle East as the region is fraught with the development of ballistic arsenals, the use of missiles on the battlefield and the proliferation of such systems towards both states and non-state actors. Moreover, several ballistic missile programmes have been closely associated with WMD acquisition.
News about the Code

Nigeria takes over HCoC chairmanship for 2022-2023
On May 30-31, Argentina officially handed over the Chairmanship of The Hague Code of Conduct to Nigeria during the 21st Annual Regular Meeting of subscribing states in Vienna.

Argentina takes over HCoC chairmanship for 2021-2022
On July 7-8, Switzerland officially handed over the Chairmanship of The Hague Code of Conduct to Argentina during the 20th Annual Regular Meeting of subscribing states in Vienna. The meeting was an opportunity to recall the work done during the Swiss Chairmanship and to announce the objectives of the incoming Argentinian Chairmanship, including the organisation of a meeting marking the 20th anniversary of the Code.

A Tribute to Michael Elleman
The HCoC Project Team wishes to pay tribute to Michael Elleman, who passed away on 20 February 2021, and extend their condolences to his family.

New UN General Assembly Resolution in support of the HCoC
On 7 December 2020, the UNGA adopted A/RES/75/60 by a recorded vote of 176 in favour to 1 against with 10 abstentions. This text was adopted with the highest number of votes in favour since the first such resolution, in 2004.