Crime
EU #firearms law updated to close security loopholes while protecting legitimate users
The provisional deal with the Council on the updated EU firearms directive was endorsed by Parliament’s Internal Market Committee on Thursday (26 January) by 25 votes to nine, with two abstentions. The revised law tightens the controls on blank firing and inadequately deactivated weapons like those used in the Paris terror attacks. It also requires EU countries to have a monitoring system in place for the issuance or renewal of licences and to exchange information with one another.
Vicky Ford (ECR, UK), who is steering this legislation through Parliament, said: “We have produced a package of proposals that is workable for sport shooters, hunters, reservists, collectors, re-enactors and others. It is one which keeps the balance between the interests of those legitimate gun owners but also the public interest in a more secure Europe”.
The EU firearms directive sets out the conditions under which private persons may lawfully acquire and possess guns or transfer them to another EU country.
The draft law is due to be voted by the full Parliament in March (tbc) and then formally approved by the EU Council of Ministers. The provisional deal has already been confirmed by the EU member states’ permanent representatives (COREPER) on 20 December 2016.
Member states will have 15 months from the date of entry into force of the directive to transpose the new rules into national law and 30 months to introduce new systems for sharing of information on firearms.
More information
Share this article:
EU Reporter publishes articles from a variety of outside sources which express a wide range of viewpoints. The positions taken in these articles are not necessarily those of EU Reporter. Please see EU Reporter’s full Terms and Conditions of publication for more information EU Reporter embraces artificial intelligence as a tool to enhance journalistic quality, efficiency, and accessibility, while maintaining strict human editorial oversight, ethical standards, and transparency in all AI-assisted content. Please see EU Reporter’s full A.I. Policy for more information.
The South Caucasus at a historic turning point: Between lasting peace and renewed confrontation
As Ireland chairs the EU Presidency, what impact has over fifty years of EU membership had on Ireland
British political shifts and the future of UK-China ties
The Digital Markets Act Is Hurting Europeans. It’s Time to Put Progress, Free Markets, and Competition First
Become a European Commission trainee – applications are now open
Commission outlines measures to strengthen Europe's banking sector and support growth
JoinCare explores scientific exchange during visit to Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases
EU adopts 21st package of sanctions against Russia
EU gambling policy watch: Are we headed towards harmonization?
Commission approves €54 million Luxembourgish state aid for road and rail transport firms facing increased fuel prices
Commission invites comments on draft new rescue and restructuring state aid guidelines
Commission proposes more than €410,000 from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to support dismissed car industry workers in Finland
Commission welcomes the Council's adoption of a renewed Interim Regulation to detect child sexual abuse online
Commission provides €1.5 billion in macro-financial assistance to Egypt
ommission preliminary finds TikTok in breach of Digital Services Act for failing to ensure safe accounts for minors
Europe’s AI crossroads: Regulation and the race to keep up
Kazakhstan reforms under scrutiny at Brussels Press Club round table
Japan should face up to history and contribute more to regional peace
Ambassador calls for 'speeding up' of co-operation between EU and Kazakhstan
Timur Turlov at Smart Moves Summit 2025: How chess can transform global education
Shevtsova’s case: Out-of-court sanctions dismantling trust in Ukrainian cause
The future of European transport
Trump Vs Trueman
US 'no longer' an 'unconditional ally' for Europe - MEP
-
South Caucasus4 days agoThe South Caucasus at a historic turning point: Between lasting peace and renewed confrontation
-
EU Presidency4 days agoAs Ireland chairs the EU Presidency, what impact has over fifty years of EU membership had on Ireland
-
China4 days agoBritish political shifts and the future of UK-China ties
-
Digital economy5 days agoThe Digital Markets Act Is Hurting Europeans. It’s Time to Put Progress, Free Markets, and Competition First