Briefing - Firearms Trafficking Directive - 23-01-2026
• The European Commission intends to make a proposal to harmonise the definitions, classifications and penalties of firearms offences to place further pressure on illegal markets. • Addressing the availability of illicit firearms has been an aim within the EU for some time. Denying firearms and explosives to terrorists and criminals enhances the safety and security of EU citizens. In the EU 2020-2025 action plan on trafficking in firearms, the Commission noted the challenges that existed in minimising the threat of illegal firearms in an area without internal borders. Following a study into how national legislation was applied across the Member States, it emerged that cross-border cooperation was affected by inconsistent interpretation of firearms measures in Member States' national legislation. • The threat from illicit firearms continues across the Union. The availability of firearms to terrorist groups and organised criminal gangs poses a real threat to society. In international conventions and EU legislation a desire exists to address the problem of illegal firearms at all levels. Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor and tackle the issue on the front lines, and it is important that the legislation that underpins their work continues to keep pace with technological advances and close any gaps which terrorists and other criminals exploit. • The Commission believes that strong national legislation is required to enable the successful prosecution of acts that contravene the Firearms Directive, the Firearms Regulation and the UN Firearms Protocol and to have appropriate and consistent penalties. The Commission believes that disjointed and incomplete national criminal legislation among Member States in relation to firearms offences can impede cross-border cooperation in combating this type of offences. Criminals can and do take advantage of inconsistencies or loopholes in Member States' legislation, allowing them to maximise these differences for their criminal operations.
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP