The Hague Code of Conduct and Space

3 June 2019

On 3 June 2019, the FRS conducted a Side Event on the Hague Code of Conduct and Space, in the margins of the HCoC Annual Regular Meeting in Vienna.

AGENDA

WELCOMING REMARKS 

  • Mr Alexandre HOUDAYER, Secretary General, FRS
  • Mr Georgios KRITIKOS, Deputy Head of Division, Disarmament, Non-proliferation and Arms Export Control, European External Action Service

 

I/ PRIORITIES FOR THE HCoC & APPLICATION IN THE FIELD OF SPACE

PRESENTERS: 

  • Amb. Ann-Sofie NILSSON, Ambassador for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sweden, Outgoing HCoC Chair
  • Amb. Kjersti Ertresvaag ANDERSEN, Ambassador of Norway to Austria, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway, Incoming HCoC Chair

II/ HCoC & SPACE: EVOLUTIONS & CHALLENGES OF CONFIDENCE-BUILDING MEASURES IN THE FIELD OF SPACE 

PRESENTERS:

  • Ms Carine CLAEYS, Acting Special Envoy for Space and Head of the EEAS Space Task Force, European External Action Service
  • Mr Niklas HEDMAN, Chief, Committee Services and Research Section, Office for Outer Space Affairs, United Nations Office
  • Mr Paul WOHRER, Research Fellow, FRS

 

KEY ISSUES:

  • The HCoC and space
  • Evolution in space technologies and their impact on an instrument like the HCoC
  • Confidence building measures and the peaceful use of space
Research Papers

Hypersonic missiles: Evolution or revolution for missile non-proliferation and arms control instruments?

After listing major programmes and key drivers beyond the acquisition of these technologies, this paper considers their development under the prism of arms control, and analyses whether current mechanisms (non-proliferation arrangements, bilateral arms control treaties and confidence-building measures) dealing with missiles are adapted to these weapons.

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Research Papers

Opening HCoC to cruise missiles: A proposal to overcome political hurdles

The issue of extending the scope of the Hague Code of Conduct to cruise missiles is regularly raised in academic and political discussions about the Code. Some non-subscribing States justify their refusal to join the instrument because of this exclusion, perceived as a major flaw. Indeed, cruise missiles have characteristics that can make them very effective in carrying weapons of mass destruction. It is therefore clearly of interest to consider extending the HCoC scope to these weapons.

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Other publications

The Hague Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation: “Lessons Learned” for the European Union Draft Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities

Concerns about the harm caused upon orbiting space objects – whether intentional or accidental – have increased in recent years, as well as the emerging awareness that the security and safety of national satellites – of vital importance for modern societies but at the same time so vulnerable – relies on a collective effort. In December 2008 the EU responded to these concerns by adopting a Draft Code of Conduct (EU Draft CoC) for outer space activities.

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