Prof. Wolffgang gives expert testimony before the Committee on Economics and Technology
On 5 November 2012, the Committee on Economics and Technology held a public hearing on the alleged lack of transparency in the export of military equipment. Bündnis 90/ Die Grünen and the SPD had filed a motion demanding that the German parliament (Bundestag) be granted the power to review export authorisations for military equipment granted by the German government.
Six experts representing the arms lobby, independent bodies, church organizations and universities gave their views on this motion. Among them was Prof. Dr. Wolffgang, representing the University of Muenster.
One of the crucial issues discussed at the hearing was whether the German parliament had the right to be informed of and give its opinion on authorisations for the export of military equipment granted by the federal government. According to Professor Wolffgang, such a right could violate the separation of powers between the legislature and executive, especially if the government was bound to justify its decision before the parliament.
Professor Wolffgang's testimony examined the lack of transparency in the export of military equipment from a legal perspective
For more information about the hearing please visit the www.bundestag.de
by Philipp Busche and Dr. Christopher Dallimore