Private security firms could face stricter rules and steer clear of military combat tasks
European countries and the European Union are increasingly using private companies for security services and military missions abroad, despite scandals involving private contractors and their actions in places such as Iraq or Afghanistan. Now, MEPs advocate EU-wide rules to increase the accountability of private security firms and prevent them from taking on military combat tasks.
Almost ten years ago, on 16 September 2007, 17 innocent civilians were killed on Nisour Square by the employees of private company Blackwater contracted by the US army in Baghdad. The incident caused outrage and raised questions on why security was being outsourced to the private sector. It wasn’t an isolated incident though, as private contractors have been involved in wounding and killing civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan on various occasions.
According to a press release by the European Parliament, private security firms provide services ranging from armed security guards, to maintenance and operation of weapon systems, combat support, running prisons and interrogations, intelligence and research. They have been accused of human rights violations and even causing casualties. They are also subject to less accountability and government control and some are concerned that they might be above the law and unaccountable for human rights violations and abuses.
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This is why a report by the Foreign Affairs and Defence committees call for EU-wide rules on private security companies and say their use should be limited to logistical support and the protection of installations, while only EU-based firms should be used for protection tasks abroad.
Parliament’s rapporteur Hilde Vautmans said more than 70% of EU citizens say that security and defense should be a European Union priority and the Commission and the Council must come forward with EU standards for private security companies “in order to enhance transparency and democratic control.”
MEPs suggest drawing up an open list of contractors complying with EU standards on transparency, criminal records, financial and economic capacity, licences, strict vetting of personnel, and adhering to an international code of conduct. This could be followed by a single set of rules for EU institutions that use PSCs to protect EU staff, modeled on UN or NATO practices.
According to 2013 figures, there were 40,000 private security companies in the EU employing more than 1.5 million people. They are used in the EU and outside the EU to compensate for shrinking armed forces or to avoid limitations on the use of troops.
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