Strengthening Security: EU's New Firearms Regulation

Today marks a significant milestone in the European Union's ongoing efforts to enhance security and combat the illicit trade of firearms. The European Commission welcomes the provisional political agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council on updating the Regulation on import, export, and transit of firearms for civilian use. This agreement represents a crucial step forward in implementing both the Security Union Strategy and the 2020-2025 Action Plan on firearms trafficking.

Firearms trafficking poses a grave threat to public safety, enabling terrorism and organized crime, including drug and human trafficking. In recent years, the risk of illicit firearms trade has escalated, with criminals constantly evolving their methods of smuggling dangerous weapons into the EU. However, it's essential to recognize that legitimate firearm ownership exists for purposes such as hunting, sport shooting, and collecting.

The lack of harmonized rules across the EU for the legal trade of firearms has resulted in a high administrative burden for firearms holders and the industry, hindering legitimate ownership and trade. The updated regulation aims to address these challenges by enhancing the traceability of weapons, facilitating proper information exchange, and simplifying the legal trade of firearms.

Key provisions of the new regulation include:

1. Clear and Common Procedures: Standardized procedures for the import, export, and transit of firearms for civilian use, along with their components, ammunition, deactivated weapons, and alarm and signal weapons.

2. Streamlined Import and Export Procedures: Simplified processes for hunters, sport shooters, historical reenactors, and exhibitors. EU residents possessing a European Firearms Pass will no longer require import or export authorizations.

3. EU Electronic Licensing System: Introduction of a new electronic licensing system for firearms owners and dealers to apply for import and export authorizations, replacing national systems. This paperless system will save time and simplify the process, connected to the EU Single Window Environment for Customs.

4. Enhanced Transparency: Publication of an annual report by the Commission containing an overview of imported and exported firearms to support evidence-based policy making.

5. Strict Application of Standards: Enforcement of technical standards for alarm and signal weapons to prevent conversion into lethal firearms. The Commission will establish a list of non-convertible alarm and signal weapons.

6. Controlled Import of Semi-Finished Components: Limiting the import of semi-finished firearms components to licensed dealers and brokers to reduce the threat of homemade firearms.

7. User Statement Requirement: Introduction of a user statement for all firearms certifying the legal recipient's responsibility for maintaining the firearm's legal status, reducing the risk of firearms entering the black market.

8. Stringent Checks: Implementation of strict checks on refusals to grant import or export authorizations to prevent individuals from seeking authorization in multiple Member States.

The next steps involve formal adoption by the European Parliament and the Council before the regulation enters into force, expected 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the EU.

This proposal aligns with the EU's broader Security Union Strategy and demonstrates a commitment to tackling organized crime and firearms trafficking effectively. By harmonising regulations and enhancing controls, the EU aims to ensure the safety and security of its citizens while preserving the legitimate use of firearms for lawful purposes.

Read more about the EU's 2022 proposal here: https://tinyurl.com/bddnvda2

Read more about the EU's firearms trafficking here: https://tinyurl.com/7au72kxc