How do European microchips end up in Russian missiles and cyber-surveillance tools reach repressive regimes? In this episode, we break down the January 2026 study "EU trade in dual-use items with conflict-affected regions", authored by Dr. Ian J. Stewart for the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade (INTA),. We explore the gap between the EU’s legal framework (Regulation 2021/821) and the reality of exports to countries like Russia, Israel, and the UAE.Discussion points include:• The "Catch-All" Problem: Why non-listed items (like common electronics) are fueling war machines and evading controls.• Real-World Cases: From the complex corporate network behind Predator spyware to the transit of tapered roller bearings destined for the Israeli defense industry.• Data Black Holes: Why a lack of transparent reporting from Member States makes it nearly impossible to track sanctions evasion and compliance with International Humanitarian Law. (Powered by AI)

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