EUROPEAN COMMISSION LAUNCHES FIREARMS DIRECTIVE REVIEW
The European Commission has begun its latest review of the EU Firearms Directive by bringing civilian firearms sector representatives together for a two-day “Reality Check” meeting in Brussels.
Organised by the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs on 24-25 June, the meeting formed part of the Directive’s five-year evaluation and was the first large-scale consultation between DG HOME and the private firearms industry.
Associations representing manufacturers, ammunition producers, retailers, sport shooters, hunters and collectors discussed manufacturing and trade, cross-border transfers and rules governing lawful firearm ownership and movement.
Participants recognised the Directive’s role in harmonizing firearms legislation and supporting cross-border travel, but highlighted difficulties created by stricter national interpretations. They also called for the European Firearms Pass to be modernised through digitalisation.
The Commission said the meeting was intended to gather practical evidence about how EU legislation operates in everyday business. This will inform the formal evaluation and help determine whether the Directive remains fit for purpose.
No legislative changes have been proposed, but the process could influence future amendments, making it important for manufacturers, distributors and retailers across Europe.