Can the European Union pursue a rationalization of its defence market without compromising its objectives and legitimacy in regard to conflict prevention? The conference “Export controls and the European defence market: Can effectiveness be combined with responsibility?” will try to answer this question by evaluating the recent changes the European defence market has recently experienced. What are the consequences of the “EU Defence Package” adopted in 2009 and that should allow the opening of European markets and increase their competitiveness? What is the influence of strengthened policies to control trade of conventional arms and dual-use goods?