Criminals continually adapt how they move deadly weapons across borders. The Home Affairs Commissioner emphasizes that the European Union must stay ahead. To address this, the European Commission proposed tightening import, export, and transit rules for firearms intended for civilian use in the EU. The push comes amid worries from certain member states about war-related disruptions, higher smuggling risks, and weakened controls on European soil in the wake of Ukraine’s conflict.
The Commissioner stated that while the current situation has not yet produced a surge in illegal arms crossing borders, preparation is essential. An anti-arms smuggling action plan is being developed in cooperation with Ukraine. He acknowledged the real threats and the potential opportunity for criminals, stressing the need for readiness. During a brief visit to the Interior Police Station, he explained that updating the rules would focus on reducing illegal gun use and trafficking through strong police cooperation, reliable information, and transparent procedures. The proposal aims to make these elements central to EU policy.
The plan builds on a long-standing community-wide study program designed to address the flow of weapons into the Union, a concern that intensified even before the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February. It has become clear that weapons used in past conflicts, including the wars in the Balkans, continued to reach the Community. Current estimates suggest tens of millions of illegal firearms are in civilian hands, with hundreds of thousands listed as stolen in the Schengen Information System database.
clear procedures
The proposal, which now moves to negotiations with the Council and the European Parliament, introduces clearer, common procedures for the import, export, and transit of arms, ammunition, and alarm and signaling weapons. A key element is the creation of an electronic licensing system to replace most national paper-based processes. This paperless system is designed to save time and streamline applications, according to the commission.
The Brussels plan also outlines simplified procedures for hunters, sport shooters, and participants. Hunters who hold a European firearms card will not need prior import or export permits. In addition, the plan enforces strict technical standards for alarm and signaling weapons, devices designed to fire blanks, tear gas, or irritants. To ensure these devices do not become deadly firearms, non-compliant items would be regulated as firearms. The Commission will also establish a list of non-convertible alarm and signaling weapons, specifically non-convertible devices used to launch a shot, projectile, or similar payload.
Fewer “ghost guns”
The initiative includes tighter rules for semi-finished components. Such components would be importable only by licensed sellers and brokers, a measure aimed at curbing the risk of homemade, unmarked firearms entering the market. An end-user certificate will be required for the most dangerous firearms, ensuring the buyer is the final recipient and not a middleman. This requirement aims to reduce the transfer of firearms from the legal market to illicit channels during or after export. Similar checks would help prevent diversion into the black market.
Regulations also cover national import and export permit decisions. Authorities must verify whether an applicant has previously been denied a permit in any member state. When a permit is refused, the information will be shared across EU countries to prevent individuals from circumventing controls by seeking authorization elsewhere within the union. The goal is a more unified, accountable system that minimizes loopholes and strengthens overall security across the European Union.
As part of this approach, the EU emphasizes better collaboration among member states, transparent information sharing, and coherent enforcement to reduce illegal access to firearms. The plan aligns with broader efforts to ensure firearms flow remains tightly managed while preserving legitimate civilian use in sport, hunting, and recreational activities. The emphasis remains squarely on preventing illicit trade and enforcing responsible ownership, without hindering lawful sporting and practical uses. This framework relies on robust data, consistent checks, and a clear chain of responsibility among authorities, traders, and end users.
In summary, the proposed reforms seek to close gaps that criminals might exploit, promote safer handling and transfer of firearms, and strengthen the EU’s capability to detect and deter illegal activity. The emphasis on a modern, paperless licensing system, stringent standards for specialized weapons, and rigorous end-user verification reflects a strategic shift toward higher transparency and tighter control, with the ultimate aim of protecting communities across Europe. Attribution: European Commission statements on firearms policy and security planning.