EUROPEAN COMMISSION LAUNCHES FIREARMS DIRECTIVE REVIEW
The European Commission has begun its latest evaluation of the EU Firearms Directive by holding a two-day ‘Reality Check’ consultation in Brussels.
Organised by the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME), the event marked the first large-scale dialogue between the Commission and the civilian firearms sector. Representatives from manufacturers, ammunition producers, firearms retailers, hunters, sport shooters and collectors discussed how the Directive is operating in practice.
Discussions covered manufacturing, commercial trade, cross-border transfers and the legal ownership of firearms throughout the European Union.
Participants recognised the Directive’s role in harmonising firearms legislation across Member States and facilitating cross-border travel for lawful firearms owners. However, they also highlighted practical difficulties created by differing national interpretations of the legislation, together with the administrative burden these can place on businesses and lawful users.
Among the recommendations discussed were reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and modernising the European Firearms Pass through digitalisation.
The Commission said feedback gathered during the consultation will form part of its formal fiveyear evaluation of the Firearms Directive and help determine whether the legislation remains fit for purpose while supporting both internal security and the competitiveness of European businesses.
Although no legislative changes have yet been proposed, the review could shape future amendments affecting manufacturers, distributors and retailers throughout the European firearms market.