As the host of this year’s conference, Slovenia exemplifies how partnerships for nonproliferation can work. Having cooperated since 2000 with the U.S. and the EU to strengthen its strategic trade control system, Slovenia “graduated” from the EXBS program and now serves as a mentor and host for regional training activities.
Through EXBS and EU assistance, the Slovenian government has brought its strategic trade and border controls in line with EU requirements and international standards. In 2010, Slovenia integrated the updated EU dual-use trade control legislation into its national laws, adopted the revised EU munitions trade controls, and accepted the current versions of the EU Dual-Use and Common Military Lists.
Currently, Slovenia is an EXBS Graduate Partner, serving as a mentor to its regional neighbor Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), as that country strives to improve its strategic trade control system. Over the past six months, Slovenia has conducted two EXBS-sponsored partnership activities with BiH that addressed export control laws, licensing, interagency cooperation, industry outreach, and enforcement. Later this year, the government of Slovenia is scheduled to host an EXBS-sponsored advanced licensing activity for its neighbors in Central Europe.
